The 10 Best Food Inflammation Tests for Accurate Results

Food inflammation tests have become increasingly popular as more people recognize the connection between what they eat and how they feel. These tests can help identify foods that may be triggering inflammatory responses in your body, leading to symptoms like bloating, fatigue, skin issues, and digestive problems. With so many options available, finding the right test can be overwhelming. This comprehensive guide breaks down the top 10 food inflammation tests on the market, helping you make an informed decision about which one might be right for your health journey.

Understanding Food Inflammation and Why Testing Matters

Food inflammation occurs when your immune system reacts negatively to certain foods, triggering an inflammatory response. Unlike immediate allergic reactions, these sensitivities can be subtle and delayed, making them difficult to identify without proper testing. The inflammation they cause can contribute to chronic health issues ranging from digestive problems to autoimmune conditions.

Testing for food sensitivities can provide valuable insights into how your body responds to different foods, allowing you to make targeted dietary changes rather than following generic elimination diets. This personalized approach often leads to better outcomes and fewer unnecessary food restrictions.

Different Types of Food Inflammation Tests

There are several testing methodologies used to identify food sensitivities, each with its own approach. IgG antibody tests measure immune responses to food proteins, while cellular tests examine how your white blood cells react when exposed to food antigens. Other tests look at mediators released during immune reactions or changes in your body's electrical resistance when exposed to food substances.

Understanding these differences is important because they influence the accuracy, comprehensiveness, and relevance of your test results. Some methods have stronger scientific backing than others, which we'll address as we review each test option.

The Top 10 Food Inflammation Tests

1. Everlywell Food Sensitivity Test

Everlywell offers a comprehensive at-home food sensitivity test that measures IgG reactivity to 96 common foods. The test uses a simple finger-prick blood sample that you collect yourself and mail to their CLIA-certified lab. Results are delivered through a secure online platform within days, ranking your reactivity to each food on a scale from normal to high.

What makes Everlywell stand out is their user-friendly approach and detailed educational resources. Their reports include actionable insights and guidance for an elimination diet based on your results. At around $159, it's relatively affordable compared to similar tests ordered through healthcare providers. However, it's worth noting that while IgG testing is widely used, some medical organizations debate whether IgG antibodies always indicate problematic inflammation rather than normal exposure.

2. Viome Gut Intelligence Test

Viome takes a different approach by analyzing your gut microbiome through stool samples rather than testing for antibodies. Their technology uses RNA sequencing to identify the microorganisms in your gut and how they function. Based on this analysis, Viome provides recommendations about which foods may be inflammatory for your unique gut ecosystem.

The Gut Intelligence test costs approximately $149 and includes personalized food recommendations categorized as "enjoy," "minimize," and "avoid." What's unique about Viome is their focus on the gut microbiome's role in food reactions, which represents a cutting-edge approach to understanding food inflammation. The downside is that it doesn't directly measure immune responses to foods, so it works best as a complement to other testing methods.

3. KBMO Diagnostics FIT Test

The Food Inflammation Test (FIT) from KBMO Diagnostics measures both IgG antibodies and immune complexes, providing a more comprehensive view of potential food reactions. This test examines how these complexes activate complement, a group of proteins that form part of the immune system, potentially offering greater clinical relevance than IgG testing alone.

Available only through healthcare providers, the FIT test analyzes reactions to up to 132 foods and additives. Prices vary depending on the provider but typically range from $250-$350. The test requires a blood draw and comes with a detailed report and optional consultation with a healthcare professional to interpret results. This medical oversight is valuable for developing an appropriate elimination and reintroduction protocol.

Advanced Laboratory Testing Options

4. Cyrex Array 10 - Multiple Food Immune Reactivity Screen

Cyrex Laboratories is known for its rigorous scientific approach to immune reactivity testing. Their Array 10 panel tests for both IgG and IgA antibodies against 180 food antigens and food combinations. What sets Cyrex apart is their testing of foods in both raw and cooked forms, recognizing that cooking can alter food proteins and affect reactivity.

This test requires a blood draw and must be ordered through a healthcare practitioner. At approximately $695, it's one of the more expensive options, but the comprehensive nature and scientific rigor make it worth considering for those with complex health issues. Cyrex's attention to cross-reactive foods (foods that can trigger similar immune responses) provides additional insights that many other tests miss.

5. Genova Diagnostics IgG Food Antibody Assessment

Genova Diagnostics offers several food sensitivity panels that measure IgG antibodies to between 87 and 200 foods, depending on the specific test chosen. Their comprehensive approach includes detailed reporting on reaction levels and food categories, helping patients and practitioners develop targeted elimination diets.

These tests require a blood draw and must be ordered through healthcare providers. Prices range from $229 to $399 depending on the panel size. Genova's long-standing reputation in functional medicine testing and their detailed clinical support materials make them a trusted choice among integrative health practitioners.

6. Cell Science Systems ALCAT Test

The ALCAT (Antigen Leukocyte Cellular Antibody Test) takes a different approach by measuring changes in white blood cell size and number when exposed to food extracts. This cellular response test aims to identify foods that trigger innate immune system reactions rather than just measuring antibodies.

Available through healthcare providers, the ALCAT test offers panels ranging from 100 to 250 foods and substances, with prices from $275 to $1,050 depending on comprehensiveness. The test requires a blood draw, and results categorize foods as severe, moderate, or mild reactors. While some practitioners value the ALCAT's focus on cellular reactions, it's worth noting that research validation for this method is still evolving.

Specialized Testing Approaches

7. Great Plains Laboratory Organic Acids Test

While not specifically a food sensitivity test, the Organic Acids Test (OAT) from Great Plains Laboratory provides valuable insights into metabolic functions that can be affected by food reactions. By measuring 76 urinary metabolites, this test can identify issues with intestinal bacterial overgrowth, yeast overgrowth, and mitochondrial dysfunction that often accompany food sensitivities.

The OAT requires a urine sample and costs around $299 when ordered through a healthcare provider. It's particularly useful as a complementary test alongside direct food sensitivity testing, as it helps identify underlying gut issues that may be contributing to food reactions. For those with complex symptoms, this metabolic approach provides a different perspective on food-related inflammation.

8. US BioTek IgG Food Antibody Assessment

US BioTek offers several IgG antibody panels testing reactions to between 96 and 144 foods. What distinguishes their testing is the option to measure multiple antibody types (IgG, IgA, and IgE) simultaneously, providing a more complete picture of immune reactions to foods.

These tests require a blood sample and are available through healthcare providers, with prices ranging from $219 to $349 depending on the panel. US BioTek's detailed reporting includes a comprehensive analysis of reaction patterns and cross-reactivities between food groups, which helps practitioners develop more effective elimination diet protocols.

Emerging Testing Technologies

9. MRT (Mediator Release Test) by Oxford Biomedical

The Mediator Release Test measures changes in the liquid-to-solid ratio of your blood when exposed to food antigens. This approach focuses on the end result of immune reactions—the release of inflammatory mediators—rather than just antibody levels. Proponents argue this makes MRT more clinically relevant for identifying foods that trigger symptoms.

Available only through certified LEAP therapists (usually registered dietitians), the MRT tests for 170 foods and chemicals and costs approximately $650. The test requires a blood draw, and results are typically accompanied by a comprehensive dietary protocol called LEAP (Lifestyle Eating and Performance). The personalized implementation support from a trained professional is a significant advantage of this testing approach.

10. Pinnertest Food Intolerance Test

The Pinnertest measures IgG antibodies against 200 foods using microarray technology, which allows for testing many foods with a small blood sample. Their at-home collection kit uses a finger prick method, making it convenient for those who prefer not to visit a lab.

Priced at around $490, the Pinnertest provides a straightforward report categorizing foods as reactive or non-reactive without gradation levels. While this simplicity appeals to some users, others may prefer more detailed reactivity scales. The company offers basic guidance on elimination diets but less comprehensive support than some competitors.

Making the Right Choice for Your Health Needs

When selecting a food inflammation test, consider factors beyond just price. The testing methodology, number of foods tested, scientific validation, and support provided with results all impact the value you'll receive. For complex health issues, tests ordered through healthcare providers often provide more comprehensive analysis and guided implementation.

Remember that food sensitivity testing is just one tool in understanding your body's relationship with food. The most accurate approach often combines testing with careful symptom tracking and structured elimination and reintroduction protocols. Even the best test provides information that needs to be validated through your lived experience with foods.

Ultimately, the "best" test is the one that provides actionable information that helps you feel better. For many people, this might mean starting with a comprehensive at-home option like Everlywell or working with a healthcare provider to access more advanced testing like Cyrex or MRT. Whichever path you choose, use the results as a starting point for your personalized nutrition journey rather than an absolute dietary prescription.