The 14 mandatory UK food allergens are well-known — but where they appear in food is less obvious than most people assume. Many allergenic ingredients are present in processed foods under names that are not immediately recognisable, or as components of compound ingredients that obscure their presence. This guide covers the most common unexpected sources of each major allergen.
Peanuts: Beyond the Obvious
Peanut appears in unexpected places beyond peanut butter and satay sauce. It is found in: some Asian sauces and marinades (including many Thai, Chinese, and Indonesian preparations); some confectionery including chocolates and cereal bars; some vegetarian meat substitutes; and some baked goods where peanut oil or peanut flour is used. In products labelled with "may contain nuts," peanut is often the specific allergen of concern due to shared production lines.
Tree Nuts: The Diverse Group
Tree nuts include almonds, walnuts, cashews, pistachios, hazelnuts, pecans, Brazil nuts, macadamia nuts, and pine nuts. They appear in: pesto (pine nuts or cashews); marzipan and frangipane (almonds); some breakfast cereals and granolas; praline and many confectionery products; some pasta sauces; hazelnut spreads; and many "health" foods including protein bars and nut-based milk alternatives.
Gluten: The Wide Net
Gluten (from wheat, rye, barley, and often oats) appears in far more products than bread and pasta. Less obvious sources include: soy sauce (most conventional soy sauces contain wheat); many stock cubes and bouillon products; some crisps and snack foods; beer and malt vinegar; some prescription medications and supplements; and many processed meats including some sausages and deli meats.
Sesame: The Rising Concern
Sesame has become more visible as a declared allergen since its inclusion in the UK's mandatory 14, but remains underestimated. It appears in: tahini and hummus; many Middle Eastern and Asian preparations; some burger buns and bread products; and some health food products including energy bars.
Milk and Dairy: Beyond the Obvious
Milk allergen appears in: many processed meats (some contain milk protein as a binder); canned tuna (some brands use milk protein); some ready meals and soups; many crisps (particularly flavoured varieties); and some medications. The distinction between milk allergy and lactose intolerance matters here — lactose-free products still contain milk protein and are not safe for people with milk allergy.
Soya: The Pervasive Ingredient
Soya is one of the most widely used food ingredients in processed food. It appears in: many margarines and vegetable oils; most processed meats; many bread products; tofu and edamame (obviously); most vegetarian and vegan meat alternatives; and widely in Asian cooking.
Celery and Mustard: The Overlooked Pair
Celery appears in: many stocks, soups, and bouillons; some spice mixes; and certain vegetable preparations. Mustard — beyond the condiment — is found in many marinades, some salad dressings, and some spice blends including curry powder.
Safe Food at Vanda's Kitchen EC4
Vanda's Kitchen near St Paul's Cathedral provides one of the safest food environments in the City of London for people managing food allergies and intolerances. Our kitchen is 100% nut-free — no peanuts or tree nuts ever enter our facility. We are certified halal by the Halal Friendly List. We hold a 5-star food hygiene rating. Every item we produce carries full ingredient and allergen labelling covering all 14 mandatory UK allergens, in compliance with Natasha's Law. Our Selfridges Food Hall presence confirms the quality standard we maintain alongside our safety credentials.
For corporate catering where allergen management is a genuine requirement — not a convenience — Vanda's Kitchen provides the kitchen standards and documentation that responsible procurement demands. Read our allergy-friendly catering guide and our nut-free catering guide for more. WhatsApp us, send an enquiry, or view our team lunch options.
Safe Food From Vanda Kitchen EC4
Vanda Kitchen near St Paul Cathedral EC4 is 100 percent nut-free, certified halal (Halal Friendly List), 5-star hygiene rated, with full Natasha Law allergen labelling on every item. Selfridges Food Hall quality. One caterer, all allergen requirements covered, full documentation available on request. For London offices where allergen management is a genuine requirement, we provide the kitchen standards and credentials that responsible procurement demands. WhatsApp us, send an enquiry, or view our team lunch options. Read our allergy-friendly catering guide and our nut-free catering guide for more detail on our approach.
Why Vanda Kitchen Is the Right Choice
For City of London professionals and offices managing food allergies, Vanda Kitchen provides the most comprehensive single-source allergen-safe solution available. Our 100 percent nut-free kitchen, independently certified halal status, 5-star food hygiene rating, and Selfridges Food Hall quality represent a credentials profile that is genuinely rare in London corporate catering. Fresh Filipino-inspired food prepared daily. Individual Freedom Tray portions with full allergen labelling. Flexible standing orders with direct WhatsApp management. Same-day response to all enquiries. WhatsApp us to discuss your requirements or send an enquiry.
About Vanda Kitchen
Vanda Kitchen is an independent food business based near St Paul Cathedral in EC4, with products stocked in Selfridges Food Hall. Our kitchen is 100 percent nut-free — no peanuts or tree nuts ever enter our facility. We are certified halal by the Halal Friendly List. We hold a 5-star food hygiene rating. Every item carries full ingredient and allergen labelling covering all 14 mandatory UK allergens. This combination of credentials makes us uniquely placed to serve London businesses with complex dietary requirements — from daily office lunch to event catering.
Our food is freshly prepared daily from our EC4 kitchen, rooted in Filipino culinary tradition: lean proteins, fresh vegetables, complex carbohydrates, and the bold natural flavours that make our food genuinely enjoyable rather than merely functional. Our Selfridges Food Hall placement confirms the quality standard we maintain. For City of London professionals who want a safe, delicious, and nutritionally excellent daily lunch, and for offices that want the same for their teams, Vanda Kitchen provides the answer. WhatsApp us, send an enquiry, or view our team lunch options to get started.