How to Check a Restaurant Menu for Allergens
Restaurant menus can help you spot obvious allergens — but they rarely tell the full story. This guide explains how to evaluate a menu properly and identify potential allergen risks before ordering.
This guide provides information only. Always verify with staff.
What to look for on a restaurant menu
Start by checking whether the menu includes any allergen indicators.
Some menus provide:
- ✓Allergen symbols or icons (GF, DF, V)
- ✓Footnotes listing major allergens
- ✓Digital filters for dietary preferences
Many menus do not include:
- ⚠Full ingredient lists
- ⚠Sauce or dressing details
- ⚠Preparation or cross-contact information
How to identify higher-risk dishes
Be cautious with:
- •Dishes with sauces, glazes, or dressings
- •Fried foods
- •Mixed or "chef's special" dishes
- •Marinated proteins
- •Translated or tourist menus
Lower-risk options often include:
- •Simple grilled items
- •Plain vegetables or rice
- •Dishes with minimal components
Questions menus cannot answer
- •Which oils are used in cooking
- •Whether equipment is shared
- •If ingredients are pre-made or sourced externally
- •How cross-contact is handled in the kitchen
These details require direct confirmation from restaurant staff.
How menu scanning fits into the process
- 1
Scan or upload the menu before ordering
- 2
Identify dishes that commonly contain hidden allergens
- 3
Use the results to decide what to ask the restaurant
- 4
Confirm critical details before placing your order
Menu scanning helps you prepare — it does not replace asking questions.
Common allergens to watch for
- •Dairy
- •Tree nuts and peanuts
- •Shellfish and fish
- •Gluten
- •Soy
- •Sesame
What this guide helps with — and what it doesn't
Helps with:
- ✓Evaluating menus more critically
- ✓Identifying dishes that require caution
- ✓Preparing informed questions before ordering
Does not replace:
- ⚠Direct communication with restaurant staff
- ⚠Kitchen-specific preparation details
- ⚠Medical advice or allergy diagnosis
This guide provides general information and decision support only.
Check menus more confidently before you order.