Grape Allergy | Allergy

Grape Allergy

by Allergy Guy

Is it possible to have an allergy to grapes?

It is possible to have an allergy to just about anything, so the answer is yes.

There are several special problems about grapes worth noting:

  1. They are heavily sprayed with pesticides, making them the most toxic fruit you can buy.
  2. Grapes naturally grow yeast on their skin.
  3. Like any fruit, mold can grow on grapes.

Rather than a grape allergy, you may instead be allergic to pesticides, yeast or mold.

Grape Pesticides

According to the book “Diet for a Poisoned Planet“, grapes are sprayed with so many chemicals that they are extremely toxic. Unless they are organic, grapes are an example of unhealthy food.

The answer is to buy organic grapes.

Grapes and Yeast

If you have a yeast allergy, you must reduce grape consumption, or stop eating grapes altogether. Unless you are eating organic grapes, it is a good idea to cut them out of your diet anyhow, allergic or not.

Grapes and Mold

Mold can grow on grapes. If the grapes look to be in good shape, inspect where the stems join the fruit. This is one place that mold sometimes grows in otherwise healthy-looking grapes.

Grapes and Sulfites

Grape products can have sulfites added to them. This includes fresh grapes and various forms of processed grapes including juices, raisins etc.

Which Allergy Is It?

If you react to grapes, but not organic grapes, you are probably allergic to the pesticides. This may also indicate an allergy to sulfites.

If you only occasionally react to grapes, it could be a mold allergy. Check for mold and avoid it whenever you eat grapes. This may also indicate an allergy to sulfites.

If you have the patience to peal the grapes and eat only the inside, and this is OK, and assuming that eating organic grapes did not help, suspect a yeast allergy.

Grape Allergy and Wine

If you are allergic to grapes, the chances are you are allergic to wine also.

But what if it is not the grapes, but the other possibilities mentioned above?

Wine has more yeast in it than just eating grapes, so if you have a yeast allergy, wine is going to be a problem.

Mold can be a problem with wine. More research is required, and when I find the answers, I will write an article about it.

Organic wine is ideal, as this will reduce your pesticide intake.

Grape Allergy and Vinegar

Wine vinegar and balsamic vinegar are made from grapes and so should be avoided if you have a grape allergy.


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{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Allen June 24, 2018 at 02:07

I am allergic to all kinds of things grapes being one of them. My throat closes and I have to take epinephrine. I can’t even take Benadryl because I’m allergic to that also. Crazy

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2 Albert Roberts July 26, 2017 at 18:14

I’ve had to go to the ER three times from grapes, twice, and grape juice, once, but I’ve eaten them in between cause I forget because this is a recent thing. I am allergic to mold but not as much as whatever is bothering me when I eat grapes. I think it’s a certain pesticide but I’m not sure I want to try organic grapes now but it’s probably not worth risking death… Although I live next to the ER. Hmm

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3 J'Marinde July 23, 2017 at 15:16

To your comment:
“The answer is to buy organic grapes.” This is foolishly foolhardy. Please research and rethink you dangerous, ignorant, WRONG and insensitive comment. It is JUST NOT true. I react to even organic grapes, raisins, wine, vitamins and any other of or containing their by-products. We used to find wild grapes in the woods on our property and even those caused reactions.
It is dangerous to tell anyone who is allergic to something that “Organic is the answer” to navigating or overcoming it. Someone following such advice could potentially die. I’ve been struggling with food allergies since the early ’80’s. Organic is just as problematic as any other food product.
And, be aware that even drugs contain allergens, as these are often used as fillers or flavoring in many drugs, OTC and prescription. When he originally told me to “avoid gluten and dairy,” my doc was prescribing drugs full of these. Sadly, food allergies = drug allergies.

On another note, who would think that tuna would contain dairy? After one particularly bad reaction, I learned that several tuna brands contained elements of dairy, gluten and/or soy. Read EVERY label of the most unsuspected food product. They are eye-openers! The most worrisome I’ve ever encountered was in baby food of all things.
I wish all struggling with this lifestyle the very best. Remember that food allergies engender a lifestyle, not a diet. I currently use what I have learned to be a peer counselor to those new to food allergies. If I can be of any help, please let me know and I will do my best to help you out. . Be well and be good to yourselves.

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4 Allergy Guy November 19, 2017 at 21:24

I agree that organic grapes are not the answer to a grape allergy. Organic grapes may be the answer to a reaction to pesticides, assuming they are truly organic but the underlying grape is the same either way. The original definition of organic included non-GMO but as far as I know this is on longer the case.

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5 J'Marinde Shephard October 8, 2014 at 20:24

I do not get a sore throat, but whenever I ingest ANY grape products, my face and eyes swell and I get a sharp headache over one eye. I am miserable for hours, sometimes days. I waver on seeing a doc, as you seem to know the problem. Just be sure to list it as an allergy and read all labels to avoid it in anything. Many fruit juices have grape juice in them. In my experience, too many supposed allergy docs do not get it right and the tests are not always helpful or even accurate. If you react and the test says there is no problem, who are you going to believe?
I think tht it is very important to let your doc know of your experience though.

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6 Allergy Guy October 8, 2014 at 20:34

I think you have it about right, J’Marinde. Sure, let your doc know, and maybe your doc can help, but don’t count on it. Between tests and your own experience, choose your own experience because the tests aren’t accurate.

If it really is an allergy, benadryl or equivalent should help.

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7 Haley October 8, 2014 at 01:02

I think I might be allergic to something in grape juice, everytime I drink it my throat hurts and it gets really scratchy. I never really thought anything of it till recently because I love it so much but this time it’s really bad and hurts a ton. Should I see a doctor? Does this happen to anyone else? Should I be concerned?

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8 Brandie March 17, 2014 at 18:52

Hi, I have a white grape allergy. I have been avoiding ALL grapes since finding this out a couple of years ago. I really love and miss red wine. Do you think it’s okay to stick to the red and avoid the white??

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9 Trish March 7, 2014 at 07:03

I think i may have an allergy of some sort to grapes. Each time i eat them raw, my neck, shoulders and the top of my arms become painful and uncomfortable for a while then it wears off. I am quite a severe asthmatic and have so many other allergies to mention, maybe this is one to add to my list!

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10 J'Marinde Shephard May 7, 2013 at 15:11

I am totally allergic to grapes in any form, fresh, the skin in meds, jelly, juice, etc. (it is not the sulfites – – as I can eat dried fruits which contain sulfites with no problem), but I cannot have wine, grape juice, etc., but what liqueurs do not contain grapes? I see recipes calling for brandy, bourbon, etc. but do not know if they are safe or what they are made from.
I also suffer from allergies to dairy, soy, gluten, lime, mint and have MCS as well.
Thank you for any help you can offer.

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11 Allergy Guy May 7, 2013 at 17:52

Brandy is made from wine, but it is distilled and may not be a problem. Also watch out for fortified wines like cherry, vermouth etc.

Vodka, and gin are highly distilled and should be OK, even though they are made from grains. You can sometimes find potato vodka if you look hard enough.

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12 Tammy December 15, 2012 at 14:59

I don’t know how my docotor figured this out, but I have a sensitivity to tyrosine. Grapes, bananas, and carrots can cause me to get migraines. If I stay away from the foods high in tyrosine, I don’t get migraines. Wild, huh?

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13 Allergy Guy December 17, 2012 at 12:10

Apparently some people get too much Tyrosine, especially on low carbs, high protein diet.

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14 J'Marinde Shephard November 4, 2012 at 02:17

Yes, one can be allergic to grapes. I am, as well as raisins, etc. I also used to take a vitamin that had grape skin in it and had to stop. I get swollen eyes, a headache and nausea, so I just don’t bother, but this is the first time I have encountered any mention of this allergy online. I eat other fruits, preserved in various ways, etc. and have no problem but even grape jelly makes me ill, as well as grape juice. I eat yeast and mushrooms without problem. I am also allergic to lime, mint, dairy, soy and gluten, so finding any alcholic beverages is a task. Right now I am looking for a grape & allergen free bourbon for a cake I want to make. Does anyone know of any brands to recommend? I would appreciate any help anyone can offer. I never see grapes listed in such information offerings when listing allergen free products, so I am at a loss. Thank you.

PS, if you have a newsletter please add me to it.

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15 Kelly July 12, 2017 at 19:31

I have a severe grape allergy (no matter the color) it is apparently uncommon but not unheard of per my doctor. Blood test proven. I’ve had the unfortunate experience of being allergic to both grapes and black pepper. Neither of these are always listed on products as an allergy warning so it’s been an “adventure” (I’m also allergic to almonds and peanuts). I eat at home and cook a lot to avoid always taking Benadryl.
I’d like to note to you that balsamic vinegar is made of grapes. I had my lips swell and blister up and my throat closing on that one. Not fun! I made a list of everything I ate that day. Balsamic vinegar was on a sand which I ate at a restaurant. It was the only food I’d not eaten regularly. I knew to look out and ask about wine vinegars, but I missed one, I just didn’t know. I can’t drink many juices due to so many having grape juice.
I got excited when they came out with cashew milk, but very disappointed when the label read it was made of almonds as well.

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16 Allergy Guy July 23, 2017 at 14:09

Thanks for your comment, Kelly. I have update the article to include wine vinegar and balsamic vinegar as being made with grapes.

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