How to Make Sense of Food Sensitivity Tests

So you took a food sensitivity test, and now you're staring at a long list of foods you're apparently "reactive" to. Almonds? Bananas? Broccoli? Suddenly, your fridge feels like a minefield. While these tests promise answers, the truth behind them is a little more… complicated. Let’s keep on reading.

First, Know the Basics

Food sensitivities, allergies, and intolerances aren’t the same thing, and lumping them together can be confusing.

Food allergies

These are serious immune reactions. Think hives, swelling, or even anaphylaxis. 

Allergies are fast, sometimes scary, and diagnosed with skin or blood tests, under medical supervision.

Food intolerances

These aren't immune-related. They're about your body having trouble digesting certain foods, like dairy or gluten. 

Symptoms tend to show up hours later and feel more like bloating, fatigue, or bathroom troubles.

Food sensitivities

Now here’s where it gets murky. Sensitivities are loosely defined and often delayed. 

That’s why many people turn to tests for clarity, but are they reliable?

What Food Sensitivity Tests Measure

Spoiler: it’s not what you think.

Most tests check IgG levels

These look at immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies in your blood after you eat certain foods. Some tests use hair, but these aren’t backed by science at all.

IgG ≠ sensitivity

High IgG levels just mean your body saw that food; it doesn’t mean it hated it. IgG is often a normal sign that your immune system is doing its job after a meal.

Are These Tests Even Reliable?

Short answer? Not really.

The science says “meh”

Most doctors and health organisations don’t recommend IgG tests for diagnosing food issues. 

Studies show they’re inconsistent, unreliable, and sometimes list foods you’ve never even eaten.

Can lead to unnecessary food restrictions

Cutting out tons of “reactive” foods without reason can create more problems than it solves, like nutritional gaps, disordered eating, and stress at every meal.

A Better Way to Get Answers

If you’re dealing with digestive drama, there are smarter steps to take.

Track your symptoms

Keep a food and symptom journal. Yes, it’s old-school, but it works.

Try an elimination diet

This is the gold standard. You remove common culprits, then reintroduce them slowly to see what’s really causing issues.

See a specialist

A registered dietitian or allergist can help you figure out whether it’s lactose intolerance, celiac, IBS, or something else entirely. They can guide you toward evidence-based solutions.

Final Thoughts

Food sensitivity tests may feel like a shortcut, but most of the time, they’re more of a scare than a signal.

If something feels off in your body after eating, trust that feeling. Just don’t let an unverified test boss around your plate.

The best path forward is to work with someone who can help you decode the signals, without unnecessary restrictions. Because the goal isn’t to fear food. It’s to feel good in your body again.