At-home food sensitivity test kits can be a powerful tool if you’re trying to pinpoint what’s causing unpleasant symptoms like bloating or skin issues. However, you might be uncertain about their reliability, ease of use, or price.
To cut through the confusion, I have tested many DNA kits. I focused on important aspects such as accuracy, clarity of results, and simplicity of the process. From this, I’ve sifted out the best food sensitivity test kits available to you.
Out of all the kits I tested, I recommend LivingDNA. It excels in delivering accurate results, providing clear explanations, and offering a straightforward testing process. Alongside this, you get free access to experts for any queries you might have. Let’s dive deeper into why LivingDNA stands out, and look at other top-tier options for food sensitivity testing at home.
Get the #1 Test for Food Sensitivity Today!
Short on time? Here are our top picks for at-home food sensitivity tests:
- Living DNA – Our top pick because it summarizes how your DNA may influence what foods you should be including and eliminating from your diet, as well as fitness predispositions and more; offers customized meal and exercise plans.
- Everlywell – Cheap individual food sensitivity tests with fast turnaround times (2-4 days); can test your potential sensitivity for over 200 foods, with results and tailored suggestions.
- myLAB Box – Screens for possible health risks and food insensitivity, as well as offering ongoing meal, exercise and supplement plans that you can easily follow.
- MyToolboxGenomics – Great choice as it offers 300+ reports on your nutrient absorption, sensitivity and more, based on the data from your saliva.
- HealthLabs – Good test kit if you want nurse support for sample extraction and quick results.
Our Best DNA Test Kits for Food Sensitivity Reviewed
1. Living DNA – Best All-Around Food Sensitivity Test
- Tests for food sensitivities and vitamin needs
- Personalized nutrition advice
- Simple DNA mouth swab
- Results in 6-8 weeks
Living DNA’s Wellbeing kit taps into your genetic blueprint with just a simple saliva swab, offering insights into how your body interacts with food—no needles, just a quick swab from your mouth. They ensure the results are straightforward and easy to grasp.
This kit reveals how your body processes various foods, including sugars and carbohydrates, and identifies any food sensitivities you may have, such as lactose or gluten intolerance. It also evaluates how you metabolize vitamins and can alert you to any potential deficiencies.
After analyzing your DNA, Living DNA provides customized advice. For example, if you’re found to be lacking in calcium, they might recommend increasing your intake of dairy products, leafy greens, or nuts. Essentially, it’s a personalized guide to optimizing your diet for better health based on your unique genetic makeup.
In addition to food sensitivity analysis, the test also includes insights into fitness and exercise. By analyzing your muscle fiber makeup, blood vessel response, and oxygen flow, the test provides information that can be helpful if you’re looking to optimize your exercise routine.
Overall, the Living DNA’s Wellbeing kit offers a comprehensive assessment of your body’s response to food and exercise. The test results can be useful in making informed decisions about your diet and lifestyle, and personalized nutrition advice can help you make necessary changes to improve your overall well-being.
Start Taking Charge of Your Health With Living DNA!
2. Everlywell – Best for Quick Results
- Tests sensitivity for up to 204 foods
- Detailed report with personalized, actionable results
- Accurate Immunoglobulin G (IgG) immune response test
- Results in 5-7 business days
Everlywell’s Food Sensitivity tests measure your immune system’s IgG antibody reactivity to foods using a blood sample. A higher IgG reactivity level to certain food may mean it’s responsible for your symptoms.
The standard Food Sensitivity test measures your immune response to 96 foods, across a wide range of food groups, including dairy, seafood, seeds, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and spices. If you eat a varied diet that samples a lot of cuisines, I’d recommend that you instead opt for the Comprehensive Food Sensitivity test — this one checks IgG reactivity to 204 foods.
Your physician-reviewed results are delivered to your online account within 7 days (which is much quicker than most tests), and the digital report is easy to understand. You get a personalized analysis for each marker tested and what the results mean for you. Compared to other tests, the layout of Everlywell’s report is one of my favorites. Your results are color-coded so you can quickly spot those that may cause you trouble.
Your report also includes actionable insights with tailored suggestions about what you should do next. I suggest Everlywell’s Food Sensitivity tests if you suspect your discomfort is related to what you’re eating and want to start an elimination diet.
Discover Your Food Sensitivities With Everlywell!
3. myLAB Box – Best for User-Friendly Reports
- Wide range of food sensitivity tests
- Physician-reviewed results
- Color-coded, detailed reports
- Results in only a few days
myLAB Box offers a range of health and wellness tests that can be done in the comfort of your own home, including food sensitivity tests that can help you identify potential food intolerances and sensitivities. One of my favorite features of myLAB Box’s food sensitivity tests is that they measure your immune system’s IgG antibody reactivity to foods using a blood sample. This provides a more accurate and personalized analysis of your immune response to specific foods, which can help you identify the root cause of any symptoms you may be experiencing.
myLAB Box’s standard Food Sensitivity test measures your immune response to 96 foods across a wide range of food groups, including dairy, seafood, seeds, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and spices. If you’re someone who enjoys a varied diet with a lot of different cuisines, I’d recommend opting for the Comprehensive Food Sensitivity test instead, which checks IgG reactivity to 204 foods. This test can help you identify potential sensitivities to a broader range of foods.
One of the great things about myLAB Box’s food sensitivity tests is that your physician-reviewed results are delivered to your online account within a few days, which is much quicker than most tests. The digital report is also easy to understand and provides a personalized analysis for each marker tested, along with what the results mean for you. Compared to other tests, the layout of myLAB Box’s report is intuitive and easy to read. Additionally, your results are color-coded so you can quickly identify which foods may be causing you trouble.
Your myLAB Box food sensitivity test report also includes actionable insights with tailored suggestions about what you should do next based on your results. This can be helpful if you suspect that your discomfort is related to what you’re eating and want to start an elimination diet. I personally find this feature of the report to be particularly useful, as it can provide guidance on how to proceed after receiving your results.
4. MyToolbox Genomics – Best for In-Depth Reports
- Dietary supplement recommendations
- Simple saliva sample
- Custom meal plans
- Results in 4 weeks
The DNA test from MyToolbox Genomics generates over 300 reports by analyzing 1,000 genetic markers covering 16 health predisposition traits. You get a ton of info with this test, so it’s perfect if you love pouring over details.
In your report, you receive tailored recommendations to help you overcome these predispositions — including those to food sensitivities — for optimal dietary health.
As part of your report, you’ll receive personalized supplement and diet recommendations. You also get individual exercise and workout plans to guide you toward overall health and wellness.
If you’re always on the go, you’ll appreciate that MyToolbox Genomics offers a mobile app so that you can review your results and personalized recommendations, anytime and anywhere. You even have the ability to log your exercise and training so you can track your progress.
I like that MyToolbox Genomics clearly spells out each of its recommended exercises and their duration, plus includes instructions and info about proper form — ideal for beginners!
Get Personalized Recommendations With MyToolbox Genomics!
5. HealthLabs – Best for Specific Food Allergy Testing
- Over 100 food allergy options
- Measures Immunoglobulin G (IgG) immune response
- Convenient lab testing at 4,500+ locations across the US
- Results in 1-3 days
If there’s a specific food or ingredient that you think you may be sensitive to, you can use one of HealthLab’s 100+ allergy tests for fast confirmation. You’ll find testing options for foods ranging from avocados and catfish to mushrooms and vanilla.
If you’re not sure what foods might be causing you trouble, you can choose one of HealthLab’s allergy panels instead. Its Basic kit covers 15 common allergens, while its Comprehensive option covers 20 common foods. Compared to other food sensitivity tests on this list, you’ll notice that these food lists are minuscule. That’s because HealthLab focuses on foods that produce allergic reactions; these are foods that your body will actually create antibodies against.
What I like about HealthLab’s testing process is that it uses a blood sample (drawn at a local lab) to confirm your allergy. This is a relatively pain-free option as you aren’t subject to the potential side effects from allergen exposure like you are during typical skin prick tests. I wish that the company offered more at-home testing options, but that’s not always feasible considering the samples it may require.
Uncover Your Food Allergies With HealthLabs!
What We Look For in the Best At-Home Food Sensitivity Tests
When evaluating the best at-home food sensitivity tests, several crucial criteria set them apart from the rest. While individual preferences may vary, it is important to consider the following factors when making a decision. Here’s an in-depth look at what we considered when determining our recommendations.
- Reliable Results: Accuracy is of utmost importance in food sensitivity testing. We prioritized companies that collaborate with accredited laboratories and employ approved test kits. By ensuring that the testing process adheres to recognized standards, we aimed to provide users with reliable and trustworthy results they can rely on.
- Report Clarity: While extensive data can be beneficial, it is essential that the test reports are presented in a manner that is easily understandable. We examined companies that offer reports with clear and concise explanations, avoiding jargon and providing users with comprehensible insights into their food sensitivities. By prioritizing user-friendly reports, we aimed to empower individuals to make informed decisions regarding their dietary choices.
- Actionability: The best food sensitivity tests go beyond providing results; they offer actionable guidance to help individuals manage their food sensitivities effectively. We sought out tests that not only identify specific sensitivities but also provide tailored dietary advice and recipes. By incorporating practical recommendations, these tests enable users to modify their diets in a way that aligns with their unique sensitivities.
- Relevance: A comprehensive understanding of one’s nutritional health requires testing that covers a wide range of foods. We favored tests that analyze a diverse set of common allergens and food sensitivities. By providing a more complete picture of an individual’s sensitivities, these tests allow for more precise dietary adjustments.
- Easy-to-Use: Test kits with clear instructions for obtaining samples are crucial for obtaining accurate and reliable results. We sought out companies that prioritize user convenience by providing straightforward sample collection procedures. By ensuring ease of use, we aimed to enhance the overall testing experience and minimize the potential for errors or inaccuracies.
What’s in the Fine Print?
In my thorough research on food intolerance testing, I’ve ensured the process is clear and free from hidden complexities. However, be aware that some tests may have hidden fees or employ subtle upselling tactics not immediately apparent.
While most providers on our list offer free shipping, Living DNA does require a shipping fee. This cost is relatively minor, comparable to the price of a coffee, but it’s wise to consider this when making your purchase.
There are many at-home test kits available for your convenience. However, it’s important to note that some providers also offer lab testing services. For instance, HealthLabs includes the cost of the blood draw in their test price, whereas others might charge an additional fee for this service.
How Accurate Are Food Sensitivity Tests?
While “food sensitivity” is not a recognized medical condition, anyone who’s experienced bloating, digestive issues, headaches, heartburn, or nausea after eating certain foods will agree that getting to the root of the problem can greatly improve one’s quality of life. Thankfully, there are many accredited labs that offer food sensitivity testing via a blood, hair, or saliva sample, with accuracy ratings of 95% or more.
It’s important to remember that while at-home food sensitivity tests offer high accuracy rates, no test is perfect. But there are steps you can take to ensure the most accurate readings.
First, be sure to pick a food sensitivity test that aligns with your needs. If you have no idea what foods may be causing issues, look for a test that checks against a broad range of foods. Everlywell is a good example of a company that tests for over 200 food sensitivities and offers an easy-to-read results report.
Next, be sure to carefully follow the instructions in your test kit, especially when it comes to obtaining a sample and then mailing it in. Make sure to include enough sample material, and pack the sample as instructed to prevent contamination or degradation.
What Will the Results of a Food Sensitivity Test Tell Me?
The ultimate goal of a food sensitivity test is to help you eliminate the uncomfortable symptoms that come from food intolerances. As such, they’ll offer:
- A list of the food items or ingredients that are producing a negative reaction
- The level of your reaction, from minor to serious, usually on a number or color-coded scale
- Information about how to complete an elimination diet and reintroduce foods
- With some tests, personalized meal plans, recipes, and fitness advice
What’s the Best At-Home Food Sensitivity Test?
Every food sensitivity test mentioned here is a solid choice and provides useful insights to improve your diet. The most suitable one for you hinges on what you aim to achieve, the level of continuous support you prefer, and your financial limits.
If you’re seeking a comprehensive nutritional assessment, Living DNA comes highly recommended. It goes beyond merely testing for potential food sensitivities, offering extensive, tailored meal and fitness plans in a detailed lifestyle report, contributing to enhanced general well-being.
If you eat a varied diet and want to test for a wide number of foodstuffs, Everlywell is an excellent choice as it tests for hundreds of foods in numerous food groups. For a more targeted approach, HealthLabs offers sensitivity tests for individual food groups.
At-home DNA and blood tests can tell you so much more than what foods you should avoid. Screen for sexually transmitted infections in the privacy of your own home with our top at-home STD tests.
At-Home Food Sensitivity Tests Comparison Table
| Food Intolerance Reports | Upload Raw DNA Data | Diet Plans | Vitamin Reports | Time to Results | Starting Price | |
| Living DNA | ✔ | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ | 6-8 weeks | $129 |
| Everlywell | ✔ | ✖ | ✔ | ✖ | 5-7 days | $159 |
| myLAB Box | ✔ | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ | A few days | $149.00 |
| MyToolbox Genomics | ✔ | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ | 4 weeks | $199 |
| HealthLabs | ✔ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | 1-3 days | $29 |
Discover Your Unique Food Intolerances
If you suffer from food sensitivities, you know all about the frustrating and uncomfortable symptoms that come along with them. Thankfully, there are a number of highly accurate food sensitivity tests that can help you figure out which foods cause issues and eliminate them from your diet.
Of all the tests I’ve reviewed, my top recommendation is Living DNA. You only need to provide a saliva sample to gain insight into the food items to which you react negatively. You’ll also receive nutrition advice and fitness recommendations to help you lead a healthier, happier life.
FAQs
How do I know if I have a food sensitivity?
If you often experience uncomfortable symptoms after consuming certain foods, you may be experiencing food sensitivity. While these symptoms vary by person, some examples include:
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Gas
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Rashes
The easiest way to identify which foods you be intolerant to is to take a food sensitivity test. I like Living DNA’s test because it only requires a simple cheek swab for highly accurate results.
How accurate are at-home food sensitivity tests?
At-home food sensitivity tests can be just as accurate as those provided by your doctor. Ensure reliability by choosing a company that uses CLIA-certified labs and provides physician-reviewed results.My recommendation for best food sensitivity test is Living DNA’s Wellbeing kit.
Be aware, blood tests will measure your current levels and sensitivities, whereas saliva DNA tests will analyze your genetic predisposition to food sensitivities. For vendors measuring the latter, the accuracy will also depend on the size of the DNA database that your sample is being compared to.
Can a food sensitivity test help ease my symptoms?
The results of a food sensitivity test will help guide an elimination diet. These foods are later reintroduced one at a time to see if any cause reactions. This helps you determine which foods you may have a sensitivity to so you can eliminate them from your diet altogether. The process of an elimination diet usually takes between 5 and 8 weeks and can result in a significant reduction or complete eradication of symptoms.
Before making significant changes to your diet, you should consult your doctor.
What do food sensitivity tests measure?
Different types of tests will analyze different variables. Blood tests that measure your current levels – like Everlywell’s kits – measure how your IgG or IgE antibodies react to different foods. Higher reactivity levels mean that you are more likely to have a food sensitivity or allergy.
Are food allergies and food sensitivities the same thing?
No, food allergies and sensitivities are not the same thing. When you suffer from a food allergy, your body produces antibodies to fight off what it believes to be a threat. These antibodies can cause reactions ranging from itchy rashes to anaphylaxis, which can be deadly.
Food sensitivity is not a recognized medical condition, but those who suffer from them often experience symptoms like abdominal cramping, diarrhea, headaches, or nausea after consuming food items to which they’re intolerant.
If you think you may be suffering from a food allergy, you can confirm your suspicions by purchasing a food allergy test from HealthLabs. If you think your symptoms stem from an intolerance, I recommend the food sensitivity test from Living DNA.
How do I take a food sensitivity test?
At-home food sensitivity tests are great tools because you can obtain a sample from the comfort of your home and receive your results in a matter of weeks. Depending on the test you choose, you may have to provide a blood, hair, or saliva sample. To ensure the best results, carefully follow the instructions that come with your test kit.
If you’re looking for the easiest at-home food sensitivity test, I recommend Living DNA. It requires only a quick cheek swab to provide accurate, insightful information.
Does insurance cover food sensitivity tests?
It’s unlikely your insurance will cover the cost of food sensitivity tests. Also, the results and recommendations of your test shouldn’t be used as an official medical diagnosis. Still, it is always worth getting in touch with your insurance provider to understand what is covered by your plan.
If you’re looking to keep costs low, I recommend the Wellness kit from Living DNA. It offers a wealth of information at an affordable price.
Who offers the best food sensitivity kit?
There are numerous food sensitivity tests, and the one that will work best for you depends on your needs and goals. All the tests on this list meet our high expectations and criteria. Here are some of our top picks:
- If you’re looking to live an overall healthier lifestyle, which includes eating a diet that’s better for you, Living DNA provides a number of fitness and diet reports.
- If you have an idea of which foods may be causing you discomfort, HealthLabs has individual sensitivity tests for dozens of food items.
- If you eat a varied diet and want to test your sensitivity to a wide range of foods, Everlywell checks against an extensive list of possible intolerances.
