Navigating Plant-Based Menus with a Pea Protein Allergy

Plant-based cafés are booming, offering innovative dishes that often rely on pea protein as a key ingredient in burgers, shakes, and meat substitutes. For diners with pea protein allergies, this trend poses hidden risks. Menus don’t always highlight pea-derived components, turning a healthy meal choice into a potential health hazard.

The Hidden Challenge

Pea protein is a stealthy allergen. It’s commonly used in:

• Vegan "meats" and sausages
• Protein-enriched smoothies or baked goods
• Gluten-free pasta blends
• Dairy-free cheese alternatives

Symptoms—like hives, swelling, or digestive distress—can emerge quickly, making ingredient awareness non-negotiable.

How mm food Keeps You Safe

With mm food’s advanced tools, dining out becomes stress-free:

1. Instant Menu Translation Scan or upload any menu. Our AI translates it to your native language, clarifying ambiguous terms like "plant protein" or "textured vegetable blend" that may hide pea derivatives.
2. Allergy-Focused Analysis Set "pea protein allergy" in your dietary profile. The app cross-references every dish, flagging items containing pea protein isolates, concentrates, or hydrolyzed pea derivatives—even in sauces or toppings.
3. Smart Substitutions Receive personalized safe recommendations, like lentil-based dishes instead of pea-protein burgers, or nut-based cheeses.

Pro Tips for Cafe Visits

• Ask About Prep Methods: Use mm food’s translated phrases to inquire if shared fryers or grills handle pea-based products.
• Customize Alerts: Add supplementary allergens (e.g., soy or chickpeas) if cross-reactivity is a concern.
• Verify Plant-Based Claims: Labels like "vegan" don’t guarantee pea-free; let mm food do the nuanced scanning.

With mm food, embrace plant-based dining confidently. Download today—turn every café visit into a safe, joyful experience.