These Are Some of the Weirdest Food Allergies You’ll Ever See

Food allergies, though more common than you might think, aren’t always easy to detect. Especially those to foods you probably don’t eat that often, like pineapple. You’ve heard of people who are allergic to dairy, nuts, and even gluten. You probably haven’t heard of these strange, much rarer allergies — but you might know someone who has one.

Avocados 

If you’re allergic to latex, you might also have an allergic reaction to avocados. While the two may not seem related, they’re more similar than you think — at least at the molecular level.

Latex and avocados contain different proteins with similar structures. Avocados themselves aren’t hazardous to your health because of this — unless you have an allergy, of course. If your lips or mouth become irritated after eating even a spoonful of avocado, you’ll have to swear off avocado toast for good. 

Red meat 

Though it’s extremely rare, some people do have allergic reactions to red meats like pork and beef. But they aren’t born with this allergy — and the way they get it is the reason it’s so uncommon. A single bite from a specific type of tick, called a Lone Star tick, can cause the allergy to develop.

If you notice you get a stuffy or runny nose after eating red meat, or it gives you hives, headaches, or a stomach ache, you might have to say goodbye to beef burgers and pulled pork sandwiches. 

Corn 

You’ve heard of wheat and gluten allergies, but in some rare cases, people can actually have allergic reactions to corn — a specific type of grain.

It’s hard to identify a corn allergy, because its symptoms are similar to other food allergies, like other grains. Eliminating corn from your diet, even temporarily, might be able to help you decide if you need to stop eating corn and corn-based products. 

Hot dogs 

Hot dogs are a highly processed food, but a hot dog allergy has nothing to do with their nutritional value (or lack thereof).

Actually, the nitrates added to this food during processing can cause adverse reactions, the same way many different food additives can in some people. Most of the time, these chemicals aren’t dangerous. They give hot dogs their pink color and make them taste “better.” 

Pineapple 

Fruit allergies aren’t as common as allergies to nuts, milk, or soy, but when they do happen, they can become life-threatening — especially if you don’t eat it often, and have a taste without expecting consequences.

People with latex allergies — and those with close family members who are also allergic to pineapple — are more likely to experience negative, sometimes dangerous side effects. 

Celery 

It’s a popular low-calorie diet food that basically tastes like crunchy water if you don’t dip it in something. How could someone be allergic to something so tasteless?

It turns out those allergic to pollen are more likely to experience similar reactions to celery, like rashes and hives. People with celery allergies have these reactions because celery, a root vegetable, shares similar structures with some tree pollen. 

Sesame seeds 

It’s estimated that only about 0.1% of the U.S. population lives with a sesame seed allergy. Once you’re no longer allowed to have them, you realize they’re everywhere, especially when you eat out.

You can easily spot sesame seeds in your food and avoid them. Some foods, however, like processed, packaged snacks and baked goods and meals from Chinese restaurants, are made with sesame seed oils. Those with this allergy generally have to avoid those, too. 

Marshmallows 

Love s’mores? Some people have to do without the gooey deliciousness of a freshly roasted marshmallow — not because they’re trying to cut down on sugar, but because they’re extremely allergic.

If you experience negative reactions to foods like marshmallows and gummy candies, you actually have a gelatin allergy. Gelatin is a type of animal protein found in these types of snack foods. Many medications and some vaccines also use the substance, so make sure to always alert your health care provider.