A food-borne allergen is a substance that causes an allergic reaction when consumed. There are several synonyms for this term, including food allergen, food allergy trigger, and food sensitizing agent. Other related terms include ingested allergen, dietary allergen, and food-induced hypersensitivity. These terms are all used to refer to substances that can cause an allergic reaction in certain individuals when consumed through food or beverage intake. Common food-borne allergens include peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, wheat, milk, and eggs, and it is important for individuals with food allergies to carefully read food labels and be mindful of what they consume to avoid allergic reactions.