Welcome to alliYUM free! We’re glad you’re here! I’m Jessica, the one with an allium allergy, and this is Mark, who can eat anything. We met in Belfast in 2013. I’ve had “interesting” food reactions for as long as I can remember, but it wasn’t until 2021 that I discovered my allium sensitivity. Mark supported me through various diets and tests as we navigated my allergy for over 3 years. For years, I experienced bloating, itchiness, cystic acne, and inconsistent reactions after meals. I blamed everything — from laundry detergent to stress — but never suspected allium.

A doctor in Montréal named Daniel Crisafi, ND.A., M.H., Ph.D. finally diagnosed my allium allergy after 6 months on an elimination diet. Initially, I thought avoiding onions and garlic would suffice, but my symptoms persisted. I wasn’t aware that powders, spices and cross-contamination would also be a factor. I then learned I needed to review every product's ingredients. I also learned to avoid "natural flavors," "natural spices," and any broth. I was worried I'd never enjoy flavorful food again, but my husband, Mark, was determined to keep our lifestyle vibrant. He embraced our new allium-free family identity, creating delicious recipes and finding substitutes to enhanced our meals. His extensive research inspired many recipes and substitutions on this website, highlighting the need for a comprehensive resource for allium-free living.

We then created alliYUM free to support others with allium allergies or sensitivities. Mark and I wished we had a single source to help during our allium-free journey, but as this isn’t the most popular allergy, our online resources were limited. We learned how to navigate ordering at restaurants, safe grocery shopping, and deciphering ingredient labels. Our mission at alliYUM free is to provide delicious recipes, helpful advice, and restaurant recommendations that cater to your allium allergy. Say goodbye to garlic and onions, and explore an array of tasty alternatives. Join us in embracing new culinary possibilities for a delightful allium-free experience!

*Please note we’re not food scientists, licensed nutritionist, or doctors. We are simply average people who were given this challenge to navigate, and even after years, we still sometimes get it wrong.