Can You Outgrow a Food Allergy? (What the Science Says)

Introduction

Many people with food allergies wonder: can you outgrow a food allergy?

The answer is yes — some food allergies can go away over time, especially those that develop in childhood. However, others are more likely to last for life.

In this guide, we'll explain which food allergies are commonly outgrown, which tend to persist, and what you should do before reintroducing a food.

Can you outgrow a food allergy?

Yes, some people outgrow certain food allergies as their immune system changes over time.

This is most common in children, but it can also happen in some adults.

Whether an allergy goes away depends on several factors, including the type of food and the individual's immune response.

Learn more about food allergies from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Which food allergies are most often outgrown?

Some food allergies are more likely to go away than others.

Why do some food allergies go away?

Researchers are still studying why some allergies disappear over time.

Possible reasons include: changes in the immune system; gradual exposure under medical supervision; development of tolerance to certain food proteins.

Learn more about the immune system and food allergy from NIAID.

Can adults outgrow food allergies?

It is less common, but some adults do outgrow food allergies.

However, adults are also more likely to develop new allergies, especially to: shellfish; fish; tree nuts.

Because of this, adults should be cautious and always consult a doctor before testing whether an allergy has gone away.

How do you know if you've outgrown a food allergy?

You should never test this on your own.

A doctor (allergist) may use: skin prick tests; blood tests; supervised food challenges.

A food challenge is considered the most accurate way to determine whether an allergy is still present.

Read about food allergy testing from the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.

Can you try eating the food again on your own?

No. You should never reintroduce an allergen on your own, especially if you have had a moderate or severe reaction in the past.

Reactions can be unpredictable, and even small amounts may trigger a serious response.

Learn about serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) from ACAAI.

What happens if you outgrow a food allergy?

If a doctor confirms that your allergy is no longer present, you may be able to safely eat that food again.

However, this is usually done gradually and under guidance.

Some people may still need to: monitor for symptoms; reintroduce foods slowly; continue follow-up testing.

Living with a food allergy

Even if some allergies can be outgrown, many people live with lifelong food allergies.

If you have a food allergy, it's important to: avoid trigger foods; read ingredient labels carefully; carry emergency medication if prescribed; communicate your allergy clearly when eating out.

Many people use food allergy cards to help explain their allergies to restaurant staff and reduce the risk of mistakes. You can create one here.

Final thoughts

Yes, some food allergies can be outgrown — especially those that develop in childhood, such as milk or egg allergies.

However, others, like peanut or shellfish allergies, are more likely to persist.

If you think you may have outgrown a food allergy, the safest approach is to consult an allergist and undergo proper testing.

Frequently asked questions

Can you outgrow a peanut allergy?

Some people do, but peanut allergies are more likely to persist than other types of food allergies.

At what age do food allergies go away?

Many children outgrow certain allergies by their teenage years, but this varies depending on the individual and the allergen.

Can food allergies come back after going away?

In some cases, yes. Allergies can return, so ongoing monitoring may be recommended.