When you experience bloating, headaches, skin rashes or fatigue after eating, it’s natural to wonder if your food is to blame. But are your symptoms the result of a food intolerance or a food allergy? Understanding the difference between the two is essential for choosing the right test—and making changes that genuinely improve your health.
YorkTest.com offers a range of easy-to-use, at-home test kits to help identify food-related reactions. This guide breaks down the key differences between intolerances and allergies, and helps you choose the right YorkTest product based on your symptoms.
Food Intolerance vs. Food Allergy: What’s the Difference?
Food intolerance occurs when your body has difficulty digesting certain foods. It typically involves the digestive system and results in delayed symptoms—sometimes hours or even days after eating.
Common intolerance symptoms include:
- Bloating and gas
- Fatigue
- Headaches or brain fog
- Irritable bowel
- Skin issues (e.g. acne, eczema)
- Joint pain or inflammation
Food allergy, on the other hand, is an immune response to a specific food. It involves the production of IgE antibodies and can cause immediate and potentially serious reactions—even after consuming a small amount of the allergen.
Common allergy symptoms include:
- Hives, itching, or swelling
- Nasal congestion or respiratory issues
- Nausea or vomiting
- Anaphylaxis (in severe cases)
YorkTest Kits: Which One Is Right for You?
1. Premium Food Intolerance Test
Best for: Ongoing digestive discomfort, fatigue, skin issues, and other chronic symptoms without a clear cause.
What it tests: IgG antibody reactions to over 200 food and drink ingredients.
What you get:
- Easy home blood sample kit
- Detailed results showing which foods trigger elevated IgG levels
- 30-minute consultation with a nutritional therapist
- Personalised guidance on food elimination and reintroduction
Ideal if you:
- Suspect you have delayed reactions to food
- Experience vague but persistent symptoms like bloating or low energy
- Want to take control of your diet with professional support
2. Food Allergy Test
Best for: Immediate reactions to food, such as skin rashes, breathing difficulties, or itching shortly after eating.
What it tests: IgE antibody reactions to 23 common food allergens and 19 environmental allergens (like pollen and dust mites).
What you get:
- Home sample collection kit
- Clear results for both food and airborne allergies
- Detailed report identifying potential allergy triggers
Ideal if you:
- Suspect a true food allergy
- Have a history of allergic reactions
- Need to identify environmental triggers as well
3. Combined Food Intolerance & Allergy Test Bundle
Best for: Unclear or mixed symptoms that could be related to either intolerance or allergy—or both.
What it tests: Both IgG and IgE antibodies, covering over 200 food items and 42 common allergens.
What you get:
- Full analysis of food intolerances and allergies
- Detailed breakdown of reactive foods and allergens
- Nutritional consultation included
Ideal if you:
- Are unsure whether your symptoms are allergy or intolerance-related
- Want a comprehensive view of how your body reacts to food
- Prefer a complete solution without the need for multiple tests
How the Testing Process Works
- Order your kit online at yorktest.com
- Collect a finger-prick blood sample at home using the provided kit
- Send your sample to YorkTest’s accredited UK laboratory
- Receive your results online within 7 days
- Book your nutritional consultation to understand your results and next steps
No GP referral needed, and the process is non-invasive, discreet, and easy to do from home.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been dealing with unexplained symptoms and suspect your diet may be playing a role, a home testing kit from YorkTest can provide the answers you need. Whether it’s a true allergy or a hidden intolerance, getting clarity on how your body responds to food can be life-changing.
Choose the test that aligns with your symptoms, and take the first step toward better energy, clearer skin, easier digestion, and overall wellbeing—starting with the food on your plate. Visit yorktest.com to explore your options and start your personalised health journey today.