Last updated: March 2026
Common methods reviewed
- IgG panels (Everlywell-style) — convenient but controversial for food “sensitivity.”
- Hair testing / applied kinesiology — no reliable mechanistic basis for food intolerance.
- Breath tests — useful for specific carbohydrate malabsorption questions ordered by clinicians.
- Skin tests — excellent for selected inhalant and food IgE workflows, not delayed IBS pain alone.
How to read the comparison table
“Accuracy” here means usefulness for broad, delayed symptoms — not whether a lab machine functions. When in doubt, pair app data with clinician judgment.
Comparison table
| Feature | IgG-style panel | Skin prick / IgE | Breath (H₂) test | Elimination + paper diary | Sensio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost (typical) | $150–300 | $60–300 | $100–300 | Free | Free |
| Accuracy for broad sensitivities | Low | Allergy only | Lactose/fructose | High | High |
| Time investment | Low | Low | Half day | Very high | Moderate |
| Scientific support | Weak for IgG | Strong allergy | Strong narrow | Strong | Strong practice |
Scroll horizontally on small screens to see all columns.
Our verdict
Spend money on tests your clinician thinks will change management. For everyday trigger discovery across skin and gut symptoms, tracking usually yields higher-signal data per dollar.
Frequently asked questions
Should I take a food intolerance test?
Ask what hypothesis it tests. If the answer is vague, pause and try structured logging first unless your doctor disagrees.
Why do doctors not recommend IgG panels?
IgG antibodies often appear after eating foods normally; positives are easy to generate without illness.
What is the most accurate way to find food triggers?
Elimination with controlled reintroduction supervised by professionals is classic; high-quality tracking approximates that insight with less restriction for some people.
Can I use test results inside Sensio?
You can still log meals and symptoms to see whether test-flagged foods actually match your lived experience.