Crustaceans allergy: where it hides in an ingredients list
Shrimp, crab, langoustine, and lobster are in the same group, and a reaction to one often extends to the others.
Names it appears under
- shrimp paste
- crab extract
- seafood broth
- chitosan
Where you expect it
- shrimp
- crab
- crayfish
- lobster
- paella
- tom yum
Where you do not
- broths and soup bases
- Asian sauces
- shrimp-flavored chips
- chitosan supplements
- seafood seasoning blends
Frequently asked questions
- Are crustaceans and mollusks the same?
- No, these are different groups and are listed separately. You may be allergic to one, the other, or both.
- Can I eat fish if I have a shrimp allergy?
- Fish and crustaceans are not related, and an allergy to one does not mean you are allergic to the other. However, shared kitchens and cooking oil can cause cross-contamination.
- How do I check whether a product contains crustaceans?
- Photograph the barcode or the ingredients panel — the app reads the list and warns you if it finds anything you have flagged. Three checks are free, with no account.
- How do I avoid ordering a dish with crustaceans in a restaurant?
- Photograph the menu — the app reads the items and marks the ones whose name suggests an allergen you flagged. A menu carries no ingredients list, so the check is approximate: hidden ingredients are visible only in the kitchen.
Check the package rather than remember the list. Photograph the barcode and the app reads the ingredients and flags what you marked.
Other allergens: Milk · Egg · Peanut · Tree nuts · Fish · Mollusks · Soy · Gluten · all fourteen
This reference is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor.