Indian cuisine – from the North to the South and the East to the West – is a burst of flavors. It is subtle, but also bold; sweet, but also spicy; basically jam packed with flavors. But not everyone’s tummy is built for this delicious drama. From sudden rashes to swollen lips, food allergies often crash the desi food party, uninvited. Which is why, this World Food Day 2025 – October 16, 2025 – we’ll dig into the common food allergies in India and how you can tackle or avoid them without missing out on the delicious food!
What Is The World Food Day And Its Significance?
October 16 is celebrated as World Food Day each year. The day is celebrated to mark the establishment of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in 1945.
This international day of significance is a global campaign – moreover a reminder that it is our collective responsibility to ensure that each individual has access to safe, nutritious, and adequate food. Every individual has a responsibility in recognizing the vision of a world without hunger and malnutrition, and where food is sustainably produced and consumed.
World Food Day 2025 is also a reminder to speak on global food issues such as food insecurity, obesity, malnutrition, food adulteration, and food trends. Through a successful collaboration between world leaders, food scientists, and leading food and nutrition organizations, the global population can have access to adequate nutritional, sustainable, and healthy food.
Common Food Allergies In India
1. Nut Allergy
Nut allergy is another common type of food allergy in India. Indian cuisine heavily uses nuts like peanuts, cashew nuts, almonds, and more in gravies, desserts, and snacks. This allergy occurs when the body mistakenly identifies nuts as harmful to the body, generating mild to life-threatening reactions.
Symptoms of nut allergy:
- Heavy breathing or difficulty in breathing
- Swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue
- Hives or rash
- Stomach cramps
Potential treatment: The best treatment for nut allergy is to avoid nuts completely. Allergic reactions to nuts can differ from person to person, ranging from mild to severe. So it is best advised to consult a doctor and start medication if necessary. Also if you’re allergic and mistakenly consume nuts, seek medical help immediately. For severe treatments, an epinephrine pen is crucial – it is a device that injects a single dose or doses of epinephrine through autoinjector technology.
Substitutes:
- Use sunflower or pumpkin seeds as garnishes and in chutneys instead of tree nuts and peanuts.
- Swap out peanut butter for sunflower seed butter, pumpkin seed spread, and chickpea spreads.
Also Read: 7 Unusual Foods In India That You Must Try
2. Seafood Allergy
Another food allergy that is super common in India is an allergy to seafood. Despite India housing the world’s largest vegetarian population, seafood is commonly consumed, especially in the coastal regions. Coastal Indian cuisine uses different kinds of seafood like fishes, crustaceans (lobsters, crabs, etc), and mollusks (squid, octopus, clams, etc). However, being allergic to seafood doesn’t mean you’re allergic to all kinds of seafood – take a food allergy test and consult a doctor to determine which kinds of seafood you’re allergic to. However, before you get a determined result of the allergy tests, it is best recommended to avoid seafood altogether.
Symptoms of seafood allergy:
- Difficulty in breathing
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hives or eczema
- Dizziness
- Swelling in the mouth or throat
Potential treatment: Just like most other allergies, the best treatment for seafood allergy is avoidance. However, seek immediate medical help when necessary and use epinephrine pens – of course under the supervision or consultation of your doctor.
Substitutes:
- Replace seafood with alternatives like artificial/vegan plant-based ‘meat’, tofu, jackfruit, and cauliflower. You can find tons of creative recipes that use these ingredients as an alternative to seafood.
- Mushrooms provide a similar mouthfeel to that of shellfish, so they can be a good alternative.
- Nori or seaweed flakes, as well as fish seasoning, can be used to recreate the texture and flavor of seafood in curries.
Also Read: 7 Best Vegan Cafes In Delhi That Are Worth A Visit!
3. Lactose Intolerance (Dairy)
Lactose intolerance is one of the most common food allergies in the world, and India is no exception. India, thanks to its abundant dairy farms and a dairy-rich diet, is one of the world’s leading consumers of dairy products such as milk, yogurt, ghee, and others. However, despite a majority of Indians consuming dairy products on a regular basis, many are intolerant to lactose, a key component of dairy products. This is because, as one ages, the body’s ability to produce lactase – an enzyme that breaks down and digests lactose – starts declining. This is why, even though most individuals consume dairy products without any issue in their childhood, they become lactose intolerant in adulthood.
Symptoms of lactose intolerance:
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Gas
- Headache
- Stomach cramps
Potential treatment: The best treatment for lactose intolerance is to avoid or limit consumption of dairy products. Look for alternatives to dairy products if you like dishes made from them. Additionally, you can also consult a doctor and start taking lactase supplements that may help individuals digest lactose more effectively.
Substitutes:
- Substitute paneer with cashew-based alternatives or tofu.
- Use coconut milk or almond milk instead of cow milk.
- Avoid ghee and butter and use coconut oil, sunflower oil, or mustard oil instead.
4. Mustard Seed Allergy
Mustard is a common spice found in most Indian kitchens, used abundantly in curries, pickles, and vegetable preparations. Indian cuisine relies heavily on mustard seeds for its oil, seasoning, and tempering, however, it can generate an allergic reaction to some. Mustard seed allergy is more common in regions where the seed is commonly consumed, including the Indian subcontinent.
Symptoms of mustard seed allergy:
- Itching or hives
- Stomach ache
- Diarrhea
- Swelling in the mouth or throat
Potential treatment: Mild symptoms may be treated with a dose of antihistamines, however severe reactions require the use of epinephrine and medical attention. If you’re allergic to mustard seeds, it is best recommended to avoid its usage in your diet.
Substitutes:
- Mustard seed oil can be easily swapped out with groundnut, coconut, or sunflower oil.
- Use cumin or fennel seeds instead of mustard seeds for tempering and in curries.
- Use vinegar or lemon juice instead of mustard oil as a base in pickles.
5. Celiac (Gluten) Allergy
Celiac allergy or celiac disease is a common autoimmune disorder where the body generates an autoimmune response when you consume gluten. Gluten is commonly found in wheat, barley, and rye. Gluten may damage the small intestine over prolonged consumption and limit its ability to absorb other nutrients. You’ll find that most restaurants and cafes in India have introduced gluten-free products on their menu, a rising food trend that takes into account the damaging effects of gluten.
Symptoms of celiac allergy:
- Bloating
- Gas
- Stomach ache
- Fatigue
- Rashes
- Weight loss
- Mouth ulcers
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
Potential treatment: Gluten allergy can be best avoided by eliminating it from your diet altogether. You can also get a food intolerance test to help confirm this allergy and work on it.
Substitutes:
- Use rice, cornflour, or millet instead of wheat when making chapatis or phulkas.
- Swap out wheat noodles for rice noodles in soups and stir-fries.
Summing Up
This World Food Day 2025, did you take note of these common allergies in India? For your reference, we’ve also listed down their symptoms, potential treatments, as well as substitutes. India’s diverse cuisine might be a delight for your taste buds, but make sure that you remain cognizant of your allergies and avoid and treat them whenever possible.
