What is the best food sensitivity test that is not a scam?

Short answer: There isn’t a single “best” general food‑sensitivity kit. The only reliable, evidence‑based tests are specific allergy and disease tests ordered by clinicians (skin‑prick and serum specific‑IgE for true allergy; celiac serology/genetics; breath tests for lactose/SIBO). Broad IgG food panels sold direct‑to‑consumer are not supported by the evidence and are not recommended.

What to use depending on your problem

• Suspected immediate (IgE) food allergy: see a board‑certified allergist for skin‑prick testing and/or serum specific‑IgE testing (ImmunoCAP by Thermo Fisher/Phadia is a widely used, validated lab assay). These tests are accurate for diagnosing true allergic (IgE‑mediated) reactions.
• Suspected celiac disease: order tissue transglutaminase IgA (tTG‑IgA) plus total IgA (and deamidated gliadin peptide IgG if IgA deficient). These are routine, validated tests available through major labs (Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Mayo Clinic Laboratories). If needed, HLA‑DQ2/DQ8 genotyping (Quest/LabCorp) helps rule out celiac.
• Suspected lactose/fructose malabsorption or SIBO: hydrogen (or methane) breath testing through GI clinics or reputable labs (Genova Diagnostics, major hospital GI labs) is the accepted test.
• Non‑IgE, non‑celiac food‑related symptoms (e.g., IBS, suspected non‑celiac gluten sensitivity): the best approach is a medically supervised elimination diet with systematic re‑challenge; working with a gastroenterologist and a registered dietitian (RD) is the gold standard. There’s no validated single blood test for “food sensitivity” in these cases.
• Complex GI or inflammatory conditions (eosinophilic esophagitis, IBD): diagnosis requires endoscopy/biopsy and specialist evaluation, not a home panel.

What to avoid (these are commonly marketed but not evidence‑based)

• IgG or IgG4 food panels sold direct‑to‑consumer or by “food sensitivity” companies (examples: Everlywell Food Sensitivity, Vibrant Wellness food sensitivity, ALCAT, Mediator Release Test/MRT). Major allergy/gastroenterology societies do not support using IgG panels to diagnose food intolerance; they often reflect exposure, not intolerance, and lead to unnecessary diet restrictions.

Practical next steps

1. Document your symptoms (timing after eating, severity, reproducible triggers).
2. Bring this to your primary care doctor or an allergist/gastroenterologist. They’ll pick targeted, evidence‑based tests (listed above) rather than a shotgun IgG panel.
3. If you need diet changes, work with a registered dietitian during elimination/re‑challenge to keep nutrition safe.

If you want, tell me your main symptoms (hives/anaflaxysis vs. gut symptoms vs. chronic bloating/fatigue) and I’ll recommend the most appropriate test and local/online providers or labs.