If you’re looking for the best birthday cake recipes for kids with dairy and egg allergies, you are in the right place! Read on to find out all our favourite cake recipes containing no egg or dairy, along with top tips for a successful vegan bake. I’ve also included some hacks to help if you are a reluctant baker or short on time!
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Tips for vegan baking success
Before you start, there are a few hacks which you will need to know to make your dairy and egg free bake a success. Vegan bakes can taste just as good as the traditional versions, but they are a little more temperamental.
For example, with a vegan bake it’s really important to work fast once you have added your wet and dry ingredients together. This will activate the raising agents, and you want as much of that raising power as possible happening in the oven and not before! For the full rundown, check out my top tips for dairy and egg free baking to make sure all your hard work pays off.
Tried and tested birthday cake recipes for children with dairy and egg allergies
Just a note on ingredients – some of these recipes use soy milk as a dairy alternative. As my kids are allergic to soy as well, I swap it for oat milk. Almond milk is also a good option as the flavour is fairly neutral.
Dairy and egg free chocolate cakes
If you need a gluten free option, then check out this Chocolate avocado cake. I was initially sceptical but, trust me, the avocado works! I made this a lot before my son outgrew his wheat allergy. It was the first cake I made for him, so it has a special place in my heart.
Dairy and egg free Victoria sponge recipes
You can top & fill these with dairy free buttercream and fresh fruit. Or, you could use a vegan whippable cream such as Elmlea plant cream. For a twist, whipped coconut cream works well.
Vegan Vanilla cake
This vegan vanilla cake by Loving It Vegan is another favourite in our house. This cakes works really well with a variety of toppings, but for me it calls out for sprinkles! I’ve made this into a jammy dodger cake before – simply add a splash of pink food colouring to a dairy free vanilla buttercream and top with some mini jammy dodgers. Easy – and a definite child pleaser!
The Betty Crocker cake mix vegan hack
To make a Betty Crocker cake mix without dairy or eggs, all you need to do is to add 300ml fizzy drink to the cake mix. The healthiest option is to use fizzy water, but lemonade and coke are what people recommend most frequently. It really is as simple as that! It replaces both egg and dairy, you don’t need to add anything else to the mix. You can then spend the time you’ve saved going wild with the icing and toppings!
I would recommend keeping one of these cake mixes in the cupboard just in case. I can’t be the only allergy parent occasionally caught unawares by a birthday at nursery or school bake sale, and this is a great speedy option so your child can join in. It’s also a fun activity if you want to get your kids involved in a simple bake. Minimal mess!
If you or your child is also gluten free, there is a GF devil’s food chocolate cake mix* which can be made in exactly the same way.
Please do note that the Betty Crocker mix does not have dairy listed as an ingredient but, like many products, it does have a ‘may contain’ warning. If you’re not sure if you or your child can eat products labelled as ‘may contain’ then talk to your medical professional.
Dairy and egg free icing options
My favourite icing option is this dairy free buttercream recipe. The recipe below shows variations for vanilla & chocolate flavours. To make it you will need:
- 75g vegetable fat (I use Trex)
- 1 tbsp vanilla essence
- 450g icing sugar (for chocolate icing change to 350g icing sugar and 100g pure cacao powder)
- 40 – 60ml plant based milk
Using an electric whisk, whip together the margarine, vegetable fat and vanilla until creamy. Add half of the icing sugar and 20ml plant based milk and continue mixing until combined. Add the rest of the icing sugar (plus cacao for the chocolate version) and a little more milk (about 10 ml). Mix for about a minute until you have a smooth consistency. Mix in a bit more milk little by little until you get the consistency you want. If it accidentally gets a bit too runny, mix in some more icing sugar! You can also change the colour by adding a small drop of food colouring.
Topping ideas
For me, cake decoration is the weakest part of my skill set. I tend to make my best effort at icing, and then cover with some kind of sprinkles or topping to hide how dodgy it is 😂. Options include rainbow sprinkles, desiccated coconut, grated dairy free chocolate, pick & mix sweets, mini jammy dodgers or chopped fresh fruit. If you want to go all out with the toppings, consider a chocolate overload cake!
For lots more allergy friendly cake decoration ideas, check out this inspiration gallery full of cakes submitted by other allergy parents! You won’t find any professional level decoration here, just fun and tasty ideas from parents that their little ones enjoyed. Plus all the info you need to copy them! All the cakes are free from dairy and egg as well as lots of soy, nut, wheat and gluten free bakes – and many that are free from all of the above.
A healthier alternative to birthday cake for babies with dairy & egg allergies – the 1st birthday fruit stack!
If you’re looking to delay the full-on sugar high until your baby is a little older, you could consider a first birthday fruit stack. There is lots of inspiration out there about how to make an impressive fruit stack that looks as good as any cake! For babies with food allergies, this has the added benefit of a very straightforward ingredients list.
Here are a couple of ideas – courtesy of Pinterest – to get you started:
Dairy, egg & soy free birthday cakes you can buy in the shops
Whether or not you’re a keen baker, we all have times when we just want someone else to do it for us! When my eldest was a toddler, grabbing a birthday cake suitable for a child with dairy and egg allergies from the shops was simply not an option. There was so little available. The vegan cakes which were around mostly contained soy (which many children with cow’s milk protein allergy are also allergic to).
Thankfully the selection in the UK is now getting a bit better! Here are some of our favourites:
Note: these cakes do not have dairy, egg or soya listed as an ingredient. However, like many products, some have ‘may contain’ warnings. If you are not sure if you or your child can eat products labelled as ‘may contain’ then talk to your medical professional.
Over to you!
A month of family dinner ideas, all free from dairy, soy, egg & gluten x
How to Replace Eggs in Any Recipe
How to replace eggs in baking or in any other recipe too. A complete guide to substitute an egg in any recipe with many options.
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When you’re diagnosed with an egg allergy or egg intolerance, it may feel as if you are suddenly very restricted. Breakfast is reduced to oatmeal or toast, and sandwiches have to go without mayo!
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When a child has an egg allergy, eating even a small amount of egg can cause a life-threatening reaction. For that reason, your child must stay away from eggs and any foods that contain them. This sheet tells you more about your child’s egg allergy. You’ll learn what foods your child should stay away from, what to look for on food labels, and how to cook without using eggs.
Foods to stay away from
Many of the foods your child eats daily may contain eggs. Some of the most common are:
What to look for on labels
U.S. manufacturers of packaged food items must state clearly on the label if it contains eggs.
Always read the whole ingredient label to look for egg. Egg ingredients may be within the list of the ingredients. Or egg could be listed in a “contains egg” statement under the list of ingredients.
Some foods and products don’t have to state if they contain egg. These include:
- Foods not regulated by the FDA
- Cosmetics and personal care items
- Prescription and over-the-counter medicines and supplements
- Toys and crafts
Allowed foods
There are many egg-free foods for your family to eat. Always check the label for eggs even if it is a food you have bought before. Recipes may change over time. Foods that are often egg-free include:
- All cereals and grains, such as oatmeal and rice
- All fresh, frozen, or dried fruits and vegetables
- Baked, broiled, or roasted meats, fish, and chicken
- Beans, lentils, and soups without egg noodles or eggs
- Butter, vegetable oil, and eggless (or vegan) mayonnaise and salad dressings
- Commercial or homemade breads without eggs. Sourdough, French, and Italian baguettes are often egg-free.
- Dairy foods, such as milk, cheese, cottage cheese, and yogurt unless your child’s healthcare provider says otherwise
- Gelatin, fruit crisp, and ice cream and sherbet made without eggs
- Homemade cakes, cookies, muffins, pancakes, and waffles prepared without eggs
- Tofu and other soy foods
Common substitutes for egg products
Most natural food stores and some grocery and specialty stores carry egg-free products and egg replacer. Egg replacer doesn’t contain eggs and is not the same as an egg substitute. You can also find sources of egg-free foods on the Internet.
- ½ medium banana, mashed
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1½ tablespoons water, 1½ tablespoons vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup boiling water mixed with 2 teaspoons of unflavored gelatin. Use 3½ tablespoons of the mixture to substitute for 1 egg.
- 1 teaspoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of warm water. Let stand for 1 minute before using.
Talk with your child’s healthcare provider about vaccines
Experts now advise all people with an egg allergy to get the flu vaccine. On the other hand, the yellow fever vaccine contains traces of egg protein. This is not a routine shot. It is for certain international travel. If your child needs this vaccine, talk with your child’s healthcare about how it might be safely given.
There are many areas of ongoing research that focus on understanding allergies and allergic reactions. Check with your child’s healthcare provider about new research findings that may help your child.
If your child has ANY of the symptoms listed below, act quickly!
Use an epinephrine auto-injector right away if one has been prescribed. Then call 911 right away.
- Trouble breathing, wheezing, or a cough that won’t stop
- Swelling of the mouth, throat, or face
- Low blood pressure
- Dizziness, confusion, or fainting
- Vomiting, nausea, belly pain, or diarrhea
Online Medical Reviewer:
Deborah Pedersen MD
Online Medical Reviewer:
Jessica Gotwals BSN MPH
Online Medical Reviewer:
Marianne Fraser MSN RN
Tips to Manage Your Egg Allergy
After cow’s milk, hen’s egg allergy is the second most common food allergy in infants and young children. Eggs are in so many foods. When you or your children are allergic to them, you need to know what to look for on food labels and what you can use instead when you cook or bake.
Most people with egg allergies react to the egg whites, not the yolk. To be safe, don’t eat either part. Even if you separate them, the yolk is likely to have some of the white’s proteins in it.
Also avoid eggs in other forms, such as:
- Egg powder
- Dried eggs
- Egg solids
22 Surprising Items Made With Eggs
You probably know that lots of baked goods have eggs in them. Many other items may also, including:
Eggs by Other Names
If you see these ingredients on food labels, it means the food may contain egg proteins:
- Albumin
- Globulin
- Lecithin
- Lysozyme
- Ovalbumin
- Ovovitellin
What About Vaccines?
If you have an allergy to eggs, talk to your doctor first before getting a vaccination.
The yellow fever vaccine contains egg protein. The CDC and the World Health Organization say that you should not get this vaccine if you have a severe egg allergy.
The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine also may contain a trace amount of eggs. But several studies show that it’s safe for people with egg allergies.
It is no longer necessary to:See an allergy specialist for the flu shot.Give special flu shots that don’t contain traces of egg.Require longer-than-normal observation periods after the shot.Ask about egg allergy before giving the vaccine. There is a version of the flu vaccine, called Flublok, that’s made without using eggs. It’s approved for adults ages 18 to 49.
Read Labels
The only way to know for sure if a food has eggs in it is to read the food label and ingredients list carefully, or ask about menu items at restaurants. Steer clear of items from salad bars, deli counters, and bakeries, which are more likely to accidentally have some of your allergy trigger in them. If you still aren’t sure, don’t eat the food.
Also check labels of cosmetics, shampoos, creams, and lotions. These can sometimes have eggs in them, too.
There were concerns that an anesthesia medicine called propofol has egg protein in it and may cause a reaction in those who are allergic to eggs. The American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology, however, released a statement that propofol can be used even in people who are allergic to eggs.
Most young children outgrow their egg allergy, but to be sure, ask your child’s doctor.
There are a variety of reasons why some children may not have eggs in their diet, from allergies to personal family preferences and to a dislike of the taste. Eggs can be a really handy ingredient in a lot of recipes, meals and foods. So I wanted to write this blog to help those parents make the most out of egg-free baking for kids – without using eggs!
I also can’t tell you the number of times I’ve started baking and then realised I don’t have any eggs! Knowing what alternatives are out there can be super helpful!
Carrot Cake Flapjacks
First things first, below I’ve rounded up my favourite egg-free baking ideas for young babies and children – most of these are simple and fun ideas you can always cook with the kids too.
Thank you to Emily Kerrigan, of Nutritious Family Food, for this helpful blog.
Egg-free recipes for kids
Although whisking up a few eggs goes hand in hand with baking, many more recipes than you think may already be egg-free. Some of my favourite baking recipes that are egg-free and perfect for young children are :
Figgy Porridge Fingers
Egg alternatives to use in baking for kids
Sometimes though, there’s no workaround and you’ll still need something that does a perfect imitation job of a whole egg in a recipe. Eggs add structure in baking. For example, the action of lightly beating them before adding to cake batter adds air to the mixture. Similarly, during cooking, the proteins in eggs set and this is what helps give different cakes and biscuits their characteristic textures. That’s why sometimes you’ll need something that does a perfect imitation job of a whole egg in a recipe. Below are some alternatives to using eggs in baking.
Chia or flaxseed eggs
These make a great alternative for many recipes. I have a video on how to make a chia seed egg, but essentially you mix 1 tablespoon (3 teaspoons) of chia seeds with 3 tablespoons (9 teaspoons) of water and leave for 15 minutes. After this time, you should end up with a gloopy mixture which will help bind ingredients together – it’s the equivalent of one egg in a recipe so if you need more than one, you can just double up.
I’ve tested my baking sheet pancakes with a chia seed egg and it works well. I’ve also tested multiple recipes when cooking from my books How to Wean Your Baby and How to Feed Your Toddler too and found that more often than not using chia and flaxseed eggs is a nice, quick switch when it comes to most baking recipes such as pancakes, muffins, cakes and bakes. If you don’t have chia seeds, the same egg replacement method also works with ground flaxseeds.
Aquafaba
The watery liquid from a can of chickpeas is also becoming better known as a reliable substitute for egg whites in baking. Just set a sieve over a mixing bowl, drain the chickpeas and put aside for another use, then whisk the liquid until it forms soft peaks, just like regular egg whites. Three tablespoons of un-whisked aquafaba is the equivalent of one egg white for use in meringues, mousses, macarons or any other recipe that calls for egg white. Using aquafaba can sometimes be a great tip for reducing food waste too!
Store-bought liquid egg substitutes
There are also several convenient liquid eggs on the supermarket shelves now, such as Oggs and Crackd. Having these to hand means you’re never caught short needing eggs or an egg substitute for a recipe and not having them.
The Oggs website has lots of recipes using their aquafaba-based egg substitutes, from baking and breakfast baps to sauces like mayonnaise. There is also a handy guide to how much to use if you want to substitute them in any of the recipes in this blog.
They’re also great for stocking in the pantry or kitchen cupboard because they have a relatively long shelf life. You can freeze any leftover Oggs in ice cube trays, too, which is great for both your freezer stash and for cutting down on food waste.
Egg allergy is the second most common allergy in infants and young children. About 1.3% of children under age 5 in the U.S. has an egg allergy. For kids over age 5, the rate is 0.9%.1 (This means about one out of every 100 children has egg allergy.)
Children diagnosed with an egg allergy must remove egg and egg-containing foods from their diet. Egg white is the part of the egg responsible for most egg allergy reactions. But it is impossible to separate the white from the yolk without traces of egg white protein getting on the yolk. It is best to remove both from your child’s diet.
Egg White vs. Egg Yolk
Usually, the portion of the chicken egg that people are allergic to is in the egg white. However, there is no safe way to separate the egg white from the egg yolk.
Closed
When you have an egg allergy, you need to be aware of the symptoms of anaphylaxis. Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include hives, vomiting, or trouble breathing. The first-line and main treatment for anaphylaxis is injectable epinephrine.
Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis in children, teens, and adults include:
- Skin rash, itching, hives
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
- Shortness of breath, trouble breathing, wheezing
- Stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea
- Skin rash, itching, hives
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
- Stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, spitting up
- Hiccups
- Arching back, bringing knees to the chest
- Coughing, wheezing
- Rubbing eyes, itchy or red eyes
How do doctors diagnose egg allergy?
A doctor will do a physical exam and ask questions about medical history. They will ask about what happens when your child eats egg. They will want to know how soon symptoms appeared after eating and if and how you treated it and if the treatment was effective. They may order allergy testing to help confirm the diagnosis. A skin prick test or a blood test known as a specific IgE test may be used by your doctor to help diagnose this food allergy.
Your doctor may also recommend a test called an oral food challenge. This test is done by an allergist in a medical setting that equipped to treat an allergic reaction. It is the gold standard to diagnose a food allergy or confirm if your child has outgrown the allergy. Sometimes an oral food challenge is necessary when your child’s medical history is not entirely clear. Also, a positive skin or blood test to egg may not mean your child is allergic to egg. In people who do not have a clear history of having a reaction to egg, an oral food challenge is the only way to truly confirm the allergy.
How can I prevent egg allergy reactions?
Egg is a common ingredient that can be found in many types of food. Foods that may contain egg include breads and baked goods, sauces, pasta, casseroles, meat that is breaded, and so much more.
The only way to avoid an allergic reaction is to completely remove egg from your child’s diet. This includes all egg products.
But you can successfully manage your egg allergy with education and an allergy management plan. This can be done by:
- Working with your doctor
- Reading labels
- Being aware of cross-contact (when foods come into contact with each other and may transfer an allergen into a food that shouldn’t have it)
- Clearly communicating with school staff, people who prepare your food, and babysitters and other caregivers
How do I read labels for egg?
Always read the entire ingredient label to look for the names of egg. Egg ingredients may be within the list of the ingredients, or egg could be listed in a “contains: egg” statement beneath the list of ingredients. This is required by the federal Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA).
FALCPA requires that all packaged foods regulated by the FDA must list “egg” clearly on the ingredient label if it contains egg.
When reading labels for egg, look for egg to be labeled either in parentheses after an ingredient in the ingredient list or in a statement under the ingredient list. For example:
- Ovoglobulin (egg)
- Contains: Egg
Sometimes egg may appear in bold print in the ingredient list too. To avoid egg in foods and other products, it helps to learn the different names of egg (see our list below).
Some food companies put advisory statements on their labels, such as “may contain egg” or “made in a facility with egg.” They are not required to put advisory statements on labels by any federal labeling law. They can be confusing and may not tell you the actual risk of the product. If you have questions about advisory labels, talk with your doctor.
If a food item does not have a label, you can’t read it, or you have any doubts, don’t eat it. Always read the entire label every time. Food companies may change their recipes.
FALCPA does not apply to all foods and everything that may contain egg though. This means egg could be “hidden” in products or listed under other names. Or you may not be able to find out the exact ingredients. These foods and products do not have to have egg clearly listed or labeled and may contain egg:
- Arts and crafts supplies
- Prescription and over-the-counter drugs
- Cosmetics and personal care items (such as, makeup, lotions, and soaps)
- Alcohol
- Toys
- Pet or animal food
- Food served in restaurants, cafeterias, or other food service providers
There are many different names for egg. When shopping and cooking, have a list of the different names of egg on hand to check food packages for egg ingredients. We have compiled a list of the different names of egg below. You can also download and print Kids with Food Allergies’ (KFA) Guide to Managing Egg Allergy and Chef Cards.
Most states in the U.S. do not have regulations regarding food allergies and restaurants. Ingredients in restaurant foods may vary. Cross-contact is also more likely. This occurs when an egg-containing food comes into contact with another food that does not usually contain egg.
Many restaurants are becoming more food allergy aware though. Look for places that have food allergy policies and allergy menus. Give the staff a chef card that alerts them to your allergy and lists egg ingredients for them to watch for.
Egg ingredient list
AlbuminApovitellinCholesterol-free egg substitute (such as Eggbeaters®)Dried egg solids, dried eggEgg, egg white, egg yolk, egg solidsEgg washEggnogFat substitutesGlobulinLivetinLysozymeMayonnaiseMeringue, meringue powderOvalbuminOvoglobulinOvomucinOvomucoidOvotransferrinOvoviteliaOvovitellinPowdered eggsSilici albuminateSimplesseSurimiTrailblazerVitellinWhole egg
EGG IS SOMETIMES FOUND IN
Artificial crab meatArtificial flavoringAsian dishes (such as fried rice)Baked goods*Batter for fried foodsBreakfast foods (such as pancakes, waffles, French toast)Breads (some may have an egg glaze; quick breads may contain eggs)ChipsConsomméCrackersCustardEgg substitutesHollandaise sauceIce creamLecithinMarzipanMarshmallowsMayonnaiseMeatloaf, meatballsMeringue or meringue powderNatural flavoringNougatPastaPretzelsSalad dressingsSorbetSoufflesSpecialty coffee drinks (such as coffees with foam like cappuccino)Tortillas
However, if the product is regulated by the FDA, the word “egg” must appear on the label.
Some people with an egg allergy may be able to eat eggs in baked foods. To find out if your child can eat baked egg, talk with your allergist.
Does my child need to avoid foods related to chicken eggs?
To find out if your child can eat baked egg, your allergist may perform a test called an oral food challenge. This should be done in an allergist’s office equipped to treat an allergic reaction.
How can I substitute eggs in recipes?
It is usually possible to replace eggs in a recipe. Egg replacement products have come a long way, but some are more costly than others.
Low cholesterol egg substitutes such as EggBeaters® should not be used by those with an egg allergy. These types of substitutes are made from egg ingredients. Always read labels to confirm that you are using a safe product.
Depending on the type of recipe, some egg replacements work better than others. In baked goods, eggs provide structure (binding), texture, taste, leavening (to help the food rise), and color. Each of these functions may require a different type of substitute. For example, it is common to use egg wash on baked bread or dessert products to give them a shiny brown crust. In this case, acceptable substitutions are cow’s milk, soy milk, watered down agave nectar, or corn syrup, among others, if your child isn’t allergic to these foods.
How can I make sure my child gets enough nutrition on an egg-free diet?
Eggs provide a source of quality protein as well as iron, biotin, folacin, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, selenium, and vitamins A, D, E, and B12. Your child will still easily get an adequate amount of protein when egg must be eliminated if he is not allergic to other protein sources, such as: milk, meat, poultry, fish, nuts, and legumes. Selenium and vitamin B12 can also be obtained from meat. Folacin can be found in legumes, fruits, and leafy greens. If your child consumes a variety of other foods, an egg-free diet should not place your child at nutritional risk.
When your child avoids foods containing egg, essential nutrients may be lost from their diet. For example, most baked goods are made with enriched and fortified flour, which contains B vitamins and iron. Did your child normally eat a variety of baked goods prior to developing an egg allergy? If so, you will need to provide calories, B vitamins, iron, and additional nutrients from other egg-free sources.
Will my child outgrow their egg allergy?
Around 50% of people with an egg allergy outgrow their allergy by age 6. About 70% will outgrow it by the end age 7.5
Can my child with an egg allergy get a flu vaccine?
Anyone who has or has had an egg allergy can get a flu vaccine.
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness. Serious complications from the flu are possible. It’s important that anyone 6 months and get a flu vaccine.
Most versions of the flu shot and nasal spray vaccines can contain a tiny amount of egg protein. But studies show that the amount is so small it is unlikely that you will have a severe allergic reaction to the vaccine if you have an egg allergy.
Is there a treatment for egg allergy?
Currently, there are no FDA-approved treatments for egg allergy (as of December 2022). The best way to prevent egg allergy reactions is to avoid egg completely. But some research is being done on egg allergy treatments, such as oral immunotherapy (OIT).
Many doctors have been offering OIT treatment using foods in various forms, such as a liquid, flour, or the actual food itself. These methods are not approved by the FDA. Talk with your child’s doctor about the most appropriate OIT option for your child. The FDA is looking at other food allergy treatments to fast track through the approval process to address this unmet need in the food allergy community.
There are many known side effects or possible adverse reactions to OIT. Talk with your allergist to see if this treatment might be right for your child and family.
Food Allergy Fact
Feeding common food allergens to babies starting between 4-6 months of age lowers their risk of developing food allergy.
Medical Review: December 2022 by John James, MD
References
1. Samady, W., Warren, C., Wang, J., Das, R., & Gupta, R. S. (2020). Egg Allergy in US Children. The journal of allergy and clinical immunology. In practice, 8(9), 3066–3073.e6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaip.2020.04.058
2. Pistiner, M., Mendez-Reyes, J. E., Eftekhari, S., Carver, M., Lieberman, J., Wang, J., & Camargo, C. A. (2021). Caregiver-reported presentation of severe food-induced allergic reactions in infants and toddlers. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaip.2020.11.005
3. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology: Ask the Allergist. (April 1, 2013) Allergenic cross-reactivity between hen and duck egg. Retrieved from https://www.aaaai.org/allergist-resources/ask-the-expert/answers/old-ask-the-experts/cross-reactivity-hen-duck-egg
4. 4. Leonard SA, Sampson HA, Sicherer SH, Noone S, Moshier EL, Godbold J, Nowak-Węgrzyn A. Dietary baked egg accelerates resolution of egg allergy in children. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2012 Aug;130(2):473-80.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2012.06.006. PMID: 22846751; PMCID: PMC3428057.
5. Sicherer, S. H., Wood, R. A., Vickery, B. P., Jones, S. M., Liu, A. H., Fleischer, D. M., Dawson, P., Mayer, L., Burks, A. W., Grishin, A., Stablein, D., & Sampson, H. A. (2014). The Natural History of Egg Allergy in an Observational Cohort. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 133(2), 492-499.e8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2013.12.1041
Most children will outgrow an allergy to eggs which explains why egg allergy is much more common in young children than in adults. However, if a child is suspected of having an allergy to egg it is important to book an appointment with their GP or a dietitian.
Even with an egg allergy, many people can eat baked food containing well-cooked eggs without a problem. Research has shown 70-80% of children with an egg allergy can eat plain cakes and biscuits containing egg. But it is important to always get advice from a health care professional before consuming allergenic foods in any form. It is essential that any child with an egg allergy is first tested under specialist medical supervision (for example, in a hospital allergy clinic) before foods (such as cakes and biscuits) containing egg are given to them.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are an important area to consider for parents of a child with an egg allergy. Inactivated influenza vaccines, given by injection, that are egg-free or have a very low ovalbumin content are safe for individuals with egg allergy (des Roches et al., 2012). The BSACI (British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology) have advised that children with egg allergy can safely be vaccinated with the nasal influenza vaccine in any setting, including a GP surgery and school. However, facilities should be available and staff trained to recognise and treat anaphylaxis.
The exception is for children who have previously required admission to an intensive care unit for severe anaphylaxis to egg; these children should be referred to a specialist for immunisation in hospital.
The yellow fever vaccine may contain traces of egg and should be avoided by anyone allergic to egg. The vaccines against yellow fever and typhus are produced in a similar way to influenza. However, this vaccine is not a routine part of the UK immunisation schedule and are usually only given to people travelling abroad to high-risk destinations.
All available information about immunisation and allergy points to the fact that immunisation in children who are at high risk of developing allergy is safe and not a factor in their future allergic conditions.
Many people ask if the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine should be given to those with egg allergy. The MMR vaccine does not contain any egg protein and is considered to be safe but any concerns should always be discussed with your GP.
General guidelines for egg allergy
The key to an allergen-free diet is to not feed your child foods or products containing
the food that causes a reaction. The items that your child is allergic to are called
allergens.
Eggs are a commonly used food that may cause food allergy reactions. If your child
has an egg allergy, it may not be hard to remove visible eggs from their diet. But
you may not be aware of the many food products that contain eggs. A federal law (FALCPA)
requires that egg be labeled in foods. But you may find eggs in things not covered
by this law. This includes cosmetics, toys, crafts, and pet food. To eliminate foods
that contain eggs, you must read all food labels. If you are not sure if something
contains egg, ask the food manufacturer.
Some children with egg allergy are able to tolerate foods with egg that have been
baked such as muffins or cake. Ask your healthcare provider if your child can eat
these foods.
Other possible sources of eggs or egg products
- Egg is used in some ice cream. Read labels on all ice cream containers to be certain
there is no egg. - Cake icing and frosting sometimes contain egg.
- A shiny glaze or yellow baked good may mean egg.
- Fat substitutes made from either egg or milk protein
- Egg whites and eggshells may be used as clarifying agents in soup stocks, consommés,
bouillons, and coffees.
Be careful when having these products.
If you need to substitute eggs in a recipe, try one of these methods:
- Mix 1 tablespoon water + 1 tablespoon oil + 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ cup applesauce
- ½ of a medium banana, mashed
- Mix 1 tablespoon ground flax seed + 3 tablespoons warm water. Wait 1 minute before
using the mixture.