Food Intolerance vs. Food Allergy: What's the Difference?

Often, the words “food allergy” and “food intolerance” are used interchangeably - but are they really the same thing? And if they’re not, how can you tell the difference?

Food allergies and food intolerances are very different, and the reason why boils down to the type of response they elicit in the body. Food allergies cause an immune response, whereas food intolerances/sensitivities cause a gastrointestinal (GI) response.