Make a restaurant allergen matrix from your menu
An allergen guide, also called an allergen matrix or food allergy chart, lists menu dishes alongside the allergens associated with them. Add your dishes, choose an applicable allergen set, add optional custom columns, and mark each reviewed cell as “contains,” “may contain,” or “not listed in recipe.” The finished landscape sheet is designed for printing in a kitchen or keeping with your menu information.
The UK and EU list has 14 regulated allergens, including celery, lupin, molluscs, mustard, and sulphites. The US FDA identifies 9 major food allergens. Use the list that fits your location and check local requirements; the UK Food Standards Agency guidance and US FDA food allergy information explain their respective lists.
Verify the guide before you share it
Use current recipes, ingredient labels, supplier specifications, and kitchen procedures to review every dish. Update the matrix when a recipe or supplier changes. A blank cell in this draft means “not reviewed”; it does not mean the dish is free from that allergen. This printable guide is a reference aid and does not assess cross-contact or replace a conversation between a guest and restaurant staff.
Allergen guide generator FAQs
How do I create an allergen guide for my restaurant?
Add each dish, choose the allergen set that fits your location, and mark each allergen as contains or may contain. Leave a cell blank only when it has not been reviewed. Check every entry against current recipes and supplier information before printing or sharing the guide.
Which allergens does the guide include?
Choose the UK and EU list of 14 regulated allergens or the United States FDA list of 9 major food allergens. The lists are different, so select the one that applies to your restaurant and local requirements.
Can I add a custom allergen to the matrix?
Yes. Add up to 10 custom allergens to either standard list. Each custom allergen gets its own column in the editable matrix and printable guide, so you can track ingredients or sensitivities that are not part of the selected regulated list.
Do I need an account to create an allergen guide?
No account is needed to add dishes, mark allergen cells, or preview the matrix. A free restaurant account is required to print or save the guide as a PDF.
Does a blank cell mean a dish is allergen-free?
No. A blank cell means the allergen has not been marked in this draft. It is not confirmation that the dish is free from that allergen. Verify all entries with current recipes, ingredient labels, suppliers, and kitchen staff.
Can I use this guide to confirm a dish is safe for a guest?
No. The printable matrix is a reference aid and does not account for every recipe change, supplier substitution, or cross-contact risk. Guests should discuss their allergy with restaurant staff before ordering.
How do I print or save the guide as a PDF?
Add at least one named dish, then create or sign in to a free restaurant account to unlock export. Choose Print / save as PDF and select a printer or save the landscape page as a PDF in your browser dialog.