A Guide for Parents

In today’s world, food allergies are increasingly common, especially among children. For parents, providing balanced and nutritious meals while avoiding allergens can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, South Africa offers numerous resources and grocery store tools that simplify allergy-safe shopping. With Pick 'n Pay's Health Hotline, Woolworths' allergen filters, and Checkers' dietary product categories, parents can confidently plan and prepare meals. This guide explores these tools and offers practical insights for allergy-friendly living.

Understanding Allergies and Finding Safe Alternatives

Managing a child’s food allergies starts with identifying which allergens to avoid. The Allergy Foundation South Africa (AFSA) is a valuable resource for understanding allergens and reading food labels effectively. AFSA’s app lists allergen-friendly foods in local stores, making it easier for parents to find safe options.

Local Grocery Store Support for Allergen-Friendly Shopping

Pick ‘n Pay Health Hotline

Pick ‘n Pay offers a free Health Hotline for parents needing expert advice on allergen-safe products and substitutes. Dietitians and nutrition experts provide guidance via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., covering both in-store and online products. Additionally, Pick ‘n Pay’s online platform highlights “free from” items for easy shopping. Visit: Pick ‘n Pay Live Well

Woolworths Allergen Filters and Product Labelling

Woolworths’ website features an allergen filter for searching products by specific allergens like dairy, gluten, and nuts. Their clear in-store labels help parents identify safe items quickly. Visit: Woolworths

Checkers Lifestyle Range and Online Product Categories

Checkers’ website has a “Lifestyle” section for filtering dietary needs, including gluten-free and lactose-free products. Their extensive range includes staples and snacks, making allergen-free shopping easier. Visit: Checkers

Food Lover’s Market

While Food Lover’s Market doesn’t have an online allergen filter, it offers a wide selection of fresh, whole foods that are naturally allergen-free. Weekly specials on produce, meats, and grains are available on their site. Visit: Food Lover’s Market

Helpful Online Tools for South African Parents

The following websites can further support parents in managing allergies:

Allergy Foundation South Africa (AFSA)

AFSA provides resources on allergen-free diets, food label reading, and a downloadable guide for safe shopping. The AFSA app features an updated list of allergen-friendly products from major retailers. Visit: Allergy Foundation South Africa

Shoprite and Checkers Websites

Both Shoprite and Checkers update their sites with allergen-friendly product ranges, including gluten-free and dairy-free options. Visit:
Shoprite
Checkers

Pick ‘n Pay Online Shopping

Pick ‘n Pay’s online platform makes it easy to find allergen-free products, with a dedicated section highlighting safe options. Visit: Pick ‘n Pay Live Well

Building a Balanced Allergen-Free Meal Plan

With the increasing availability of allergen-friendly foods, parents can create nutritious meal plans even with restrictions. Many supermarkets stock dairy-free, gluten-free, and nut-free products, making meal preparation easier. Utilising store websites, customer support hotlines, and local resources can make grocery shopping stress-free.

Websites for Allergen-Free Recipes

Here are some excellent websites that offer allergen-free recipes for children or family members with dietary restrictions:

Allergy Foundation South Africa (AFSA)

AFSA’s recipe section features meals free from common allergens like nuts, dairy, and gluten, plus guides on allergen substitutions. Visit: AFSA Allergy-Friendly Recipes

Food Matters

Food Matters provides recipes for various dietary needs, including gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free, using wholesome ingredients. Visit: Food Matters Allergen-Free Recipes

BBC Good Food

With a large selection of allergen-free recipes, BBC Good Food lets you filter by allergen type, making meal planning simple. Visit: BBC Good Food Allergy-Friendly Recipes

Minimalist Baker

Minimalist Baker offers easy, allergen-friendly recipes that are gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan, using accessible ingredients. Visit: Minimalist Baker Recipes

Oh She Glows

This site specialises in plant-based, allergen-friendly meals that are gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free, perfect for healthy family meals. Visit: Oh She Glows Recipes

Simply Recipes

Simply Recipes has a category for allergy-friendly meals, featuring gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free options. Visit: Simply Recipes Allergy-Friendly Meals

Eat Well Live Well by Woolworths South Africa

Woolworths’ Eat Well Live Well section includes health-focused recipes tailored to allergen-free diets, made with locally available ingredients. Visit: Eat Well Live Well Recipes

These resources provide inspiration and guidance for making allergy-safe, delicious meals for the whole family. Managing food allergies is now more manageable, thanks to these comprehensive tools and continuously updated recipes.

For more articles like these visit: PlanetParent

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Navigating Food Allergies in South Africa
Explore practical tips and local resources to make allergy-safe meal planning easy for parents!

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