Individuals with a corn allergy will experience an allergic reaction after consuming corn or food products containing corn protein. While some individuals can tolerate some types of corn-containing food, people with a corn allergy should be wary of all foods containing corn proteins. Only corn proteins are problematic. Proteins are removed from corn oils, so corn oils do not generally cause a problem for people with corn allergies.

The list of foods containing corn is enormous and it is realistic to suggest that most foods found in a typical pantry contain corn proteins. Here is a list of many of the foods and products that often contain corn proteins (Note: This is not a complete list):

• Baby formulas
• Dairy products (e.g., cheese, sour cream)
• Condiments (e.g., mayonnaise, mustard)
• Meat products (e.g., hot dogs, sausage)
• Fresh orange juice (not frozen or bottled)
• Packaged cereals
• Baked goods
• Iodized salt
• Pickles
• Some alcoholic beverages (e.g., bourbon, blended scotch, some beers)
• Salad dressings
• Spaghetti sauces
• Teas
• Tomato products
• Peanut butter
• Candies and breath spray
• Wax-coated fruits and vegetables
• Frozen fruits (e.g., cranberries, blueberries)
• Applesauce and other canned fruit
• Frozen vegetables
• Margarine
• Cream
• Liquid and pill form of some medications
• Chinese food
• Potato chips
• Sweetened soft drinks
• Envelope and stamp adhesive

Because of the large number of products that contain corn proteins, it is important that people with corn allergies learn the names of the many types of corn derivatives. These derivatives will be listed on the ingredients label of food packages, even if corn itself is not. 

Common corn-derived ingredients include (Note: This is not a complete list):

• Dextrose (also known as corn sugar)
• Dextrin
• Dextrates
• Maltodextrin
• Caramel
• Starch
• Malt syrup
• Food starch
• Hydrolyzed protein
• Vegetable protein
• Vegetable gum
• Vegetable starch
• Acetic acid
• Baking powder
• Fructose
• Sorbitol