Chocolate (Cocoa) Allergy Test

This IgE allergy test uses a blood sample to determine if you are allergic to Cocoa (cacao seeds). These seeds are used to make chocolate.

Cacao is a seed from the cacao tree, a small evergreen tree native to the tropical region of the Americas. Its seeds are used to make cocoa powder and chocolate.

All cocoa and chocolate products are made from the cacao seed. The beans are then dried, roasted and ground to make chocolate powder. Cocoa butter is used in manufacturing confections. Cocoa butter is used in chocolate manufacture. If not adequately purified, it may contain cocoa allergens.

Traditional allergy tests utilize the Skin Prick method (also known as a Puncture or Scratch test) to determine whether an allergic reaction will occur by inserting possible triggers into your skin using a needle prick. If you are allergic to the substance, you are forced to suffer through your body's reaction to the allergen. HealthLabs.com offers an easier, virtually pain-free blood test to determine the allergen status of substances without the irritation of traditional skin prick tests.

• No painful skin pricks
• No fasting necessary
• Accurate results within 1 to 2 days

Our quick blood test allows us to use your blood sample to test for allergic reactions externally, rather than causing unnecessary and painful reactions by introducing potential allergens to your system. Tests are administered in approximately 10 minutes or less at any of our 4,500+ nationwide locations. No appointments, no paperwork and no waiting are all part of what makes HealthLabs.com the best option for pain-free and hassle-free allergy testing.

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If you’ve recognized a reaction to chocolate, it’s important to learn if you are allergic to cocoa because there are multiple other ingredients in chocolate that could be triggering a reaction. You may want to be tested for the following allergies:

• Dairy
• Wheat
• Nuts

Symptoms could additionally be being onset by celiac disease or a sensitivity to caffeine.

It’s important to note that there is a distinction between a chocolate allergy, a sensitivity, and an intolerance. An allergy is the only type of reaction which involves IgE antibodies. In an allergic reaction, the immune system produces antibodies to combat something that has been identified as a harmful substance. Sensitivity and intolerance may still be linked to the immune system, but it’s usually not life-threatening. This test looks for IgE antibodies, but if you suspect that you have a sensitivity or intolerance, HealthLabs.com recommends seeking out a specialist.

A chocolate sensitivity may trigger the following symptoms:

• Upset stomach
• Headaches
• Bloating
• Acne

A chocolate allergy may trigger anywhere from slightly to much more severe symptoms:

• Hives
• Difficulty breathing
• Vomiting
• Swelling of the face

The above symptoms are usually a result of a type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening if not treated right away.