Food sensitivities—or intolerances—affect up to 20 percent of the population. You can develop food intolerances at any point in your life, so if you have noticed that lately, your stomach is upset every time you eat a steak or share a cheese plate—foods that are among the top 10 causes of sensitivities—an at-home test may be a useful first step in confirming the cause of your discomfort.
At-home tests can be a convenient way to assess potential food sensitivities without the expense and hassle of seeing a specialist. However, not all at-home food sensitivity tests are created equal. Some home tests require a simple cheek swab, while others will ask you to do a finger prick to draw blood. There are also significant differences in how the test results are analyzed. Some testing companies provide a long list of results, while others only focus on a few food groups.
To help you find the best at-home food sensitivity test, we researched over two dozen available tests on the market and considered a wide range of needs, testing options, and types of food intolerances tested. Reviews, company-claimed accuracy, cost, and convenience helped us create the list below.
Food Sensitivity Vs Food Allergy
A food allergy differs from a food sensitivity based on how the body reacts to certain foods. An allergy is an immune response, while food sensitivities cause digestive issues. If you are looking for an at-home allergy test, we list some of the best at-home allergy tests.
These assessments work very similarly to the food sensitivity tests listed below, where you’ll provide a body sample of blood or a mouth swab and receive the results within a few weeks. However, you should not rely solely on these tests to diagnose a food allergy. Confirmatory allergy testing should be done in a healthcare setting where you can be monitored for a severe reaction, as some food allergies can be life-threatening.
What Registered Dietitians Want You to Know
What to expect: Each at-home food sensitivity kit includes the test: an item like a cheek swab, a device to prick your finger and collect a drop of blood, or a breath counter that tracks the amount of hydrogen in your breath. Once you send in your test with the return package (which is also included), the company will send back your results virtually after reviewing them with a medical professional. Most insurance companies will not cover the cost of an at-home food sensitivity test. If you have insurance and would like it to cover the test, check with your provider and doctor to see what your options are for an in-office test.
Reliability of food sensitivity tests: The at-home food sensitivity test business has become increasingly more reliable; companies have worked closely with clinical physicians to establish better patient results. However, they can vary in their accuracy. We’ve listed some of the most credible at-home tests for food sensitivities that you can find with the highest accuracy reported in their field. There are no FDA-approved at-home food sensitivity tests, and the gold standard for food sensitivity diagnosis is a methodical elimination diet. Home testing companies may help you narrow down which foods you should try eliminating.
After you get your results: it’s important to work with a healthcare professional to review them. They can help you devise a plan to address any food sensitivities or other root issues causing your symptoms.
