24 Essential Japanese Phrases for Food Allergies & Diet Restrictions

Traveling and dining in Japan is an incredible experience, but for those with food allergies or special diets, it can feel a bit intimidating.

Knowing how to communicate your needs clearly can make all the difference. It’s easier than you think, and this little guide will arm you with just the right phrases to stay safe and enjoy your meals worry-free.

Food allergies and dietary restrictions are taken seriously in Japan, but language barriers sometimes get in the way. That’s why having these essential phrases in your pocket is a total game changer.

From casual expressions to polite requests, you’ll find phrases that fit every dining situation — whether you’re grabbing street food or sitting down at a fancy restaurant. It’s about feeling confident and cared for.

Learning these phrases also shows respect for the culture and helps build smoother interactions with restaurant staff. Plus, it’s a great way to make your trip more enjoyable and stress-free.

Ready to master the must-know Japanese phrases for allergies and diets? Let’s dive in!

Why These Phrases Matter

Being clear about your allergies or dietary restrictions is key to a safe meal.

Japanese restaurants often have set menus, and staff appreciate when you explain your needs upfront. This reduces mistakes and makes your experience more enjoyable.

Simple phrases go a long way in avoiding misunderstandings.

If you’re just starting out, using a beginner phrasebook can help you get familiar with common expressions.

These phrases empower you to speak up, which is the first step to a safe dining experience.

Try practicing them before your trip so you feel natural and confident when ordering.

Part 1: Casual Suggestions

1. アレルギーがあります (Arerugī ga arimasu) – Ah-reh-roo-gee gah ah-ree-mah-soo (I have allergies)

This is your basic go-to phrase to start the conversation.

It literally means “I have allergies,” and it’s simple and direct. Saying this alerts staff immediately that they need to be careful with your order.

Use it early when ordering to set the tone for safety.

It’s better than assuming they know about allergies.

You can add specifics by mentioning what you’re allergic to after this phrase.

Perfect for beginners who want to be clear and straightforward.

2. ピーナッツはダメです (Pīnattsu wa dame desu) – Pee-naht-soo wah dah-meh dess (I can’t eat peanuts)

Replace “peanuts” with other allergens like “エビ (ebi)” for shrimp or “卵 (tamago)” for egg.

This phrase literally means “Peanuts are no good,” which is a casual but clear way to say you can’t eat them. Saying “dame” makes it polite but firm.

It’s easy to swap out allergens, so it’s a handy phrase to memorize.

Don’t forget to pronounce “dame” with a soft “dah-meh” to sound natural.

Example: “エビはダメです (Ebi wa dame desu)” means “I can’t eat shrimp.”

Great for specifying allergens without complicated sentences.

3. グルテンフリーです (Guruten furī desu) – Goo-roo-ten foo-ree dess (I’m gluten-free)

This phrase uses the loanword “gluten” combined with “free.”

It directly states your dietary restriction in a way that many Japanese people understand, especially in cities.

It’s short and effective for gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

Using “desu” at the end keeps it polite.

Pair it with “アレルギーがあります” for extra clarity.

Good for those with gluten sensitivity who want a straightforward phrase.

4. ベジタリアンです (Bejitarian desu) – Beh-jee-tah-ree-an dess (I’m vegetarian)

A loanword for “vegetarian” that’s widely understood.

It clearly states your diet preference in a polite form.

You might want to follow it with “肉は食べません (Niku wa tabemasen)” meaning “I don’t eat meat.”

Simple and direct, it opens a conversation about menu options.

Perfect for communicating your diet without confusion.

Try pairing with “魚 (sakana)” if you eat fish, or specify if you don’t.

5. 乳製品は食べられません (Nyūseihin wa taberaremasen) – Nyoo-seh-ee-heen wah tah-beh-rah-reh-mah-sen (I can’t eat dairy products)

This phrase is polite and clear about avoiding dairy.

“Nyūseihin” means dairy products, and “taberaremasen” means “cannot eat.”

It’s more formal than saying “dame,” which helps in restaurants.

Use it when you want to be very clear about dietary restrictions.

Helpful if you have lactose intolerance or milk allergies.

Pair with “アレルギーがあります” to emphasize allergy.

6. 卵アレルギーです (Tamago arerugī desu) – Tah-mah-go ah-reh-roo-gee dess (I have an egg allergy)

“Tamago” means egg, combined with “arerugī” for allergy.

The phrase is polite and clear, great for ordering safely.

You can swap “tamago” with other allergens like “小麦 (komugi)” for wheat.

It’s concise and easy to remember.

Use “desu” to keep it polite but straightforward.

Helpful for direct allergy communication.

7. これは何が入っていますか？ (Kore wa nani ga haitteimasu ka?) – Koh-reh wah nah-nee gah hai-tteh-ee-mahss kah? (What is in this?)

Perfect for checking ingredients before eating.

This polite question literally asks “What is inside this?”

It encourages staff to explain what’s in the dish.

Great for double-checking allergens or unwanted ingredients.

Use it whenever you’re unsure about a menu item.

A super useful phrase to avoid surprises.

8. アレルギーのため、○○を抜いてください (Arerugī no tame, ○○ o nuite kudasai) – Ah-reh-roo-gee noh tah-meh, [ingredient] oh noo-ee-teh koo-dah-sah-ee (Because of allergy, please remove ○○)

This phrase politely requests removing a specific ingredient.

“Arerugī no tame” means “because of allergy,” and “nuite kudasai” means “please remove.”

Insert the ingredient you want left out, like “ナッツ (nattsu)” for nuts.

It’s a respectful way to ask for modifications.

Useful in restaurants where customization is possible.

Practice this phrase to feel comfortable asking for changes.

Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions

9. 食物アレルギーがありますので、注意してください (Shokumotsu arerugī ga arimasu node, chūi shite kudasai) – Shoh-koo-moht-soo ah-reh-roo-gee gah ah-ree-mah-soo noh-deh, choo-ee shteh koo-dah-sah-ee (I have a food allergy, so please be careful)

This is a polite and formal way to alert someone about your allergy.

“Shokumotsu” means food, and “chūi shite kudasai” means “please be careful.”

It’s perfect for formal settings or written notes.

Helps show seriousness and respect.

Use when you want to emphasize caution politely.

Great for upscale restaurants or hotels.

10. 申し訳ありませんが、○○が含まれていない料理はありますか？ (Mōshiwake arimasen ga, ○○ ga fukuma rete inai ryōri wa arimasu ka?) – Moh-shee-wah-keh ah-ree-mah-sen gah, [ingredient] gah foo-koo-mah reh-teh ee-nai ryoh-ree wah ah-ree-mah-soo kah? (I’m sorry, but do you have dishes without ○○?)

This formal phrase apologizes and asks if there are dishes without a particular allergen.

“Mōshiwake arimasen” means “I’m sorry,” showing politeness.

It’s a respectful way to inquire about safe options.

Perfect for when you want to be extra courteous.

Example: “ナッツが含まれていない料理はありますか？” means “Do you have dishes without nuts?”

Use this to open a polite conversation about your needs.

11. 私はビーガンですので、動物性のものは食べません (Watashi wa bīgan desu node, dōbutsusei no mono wa tabemasen) – Wah-tah-shee wah bee-gahn dess noh-deh, doh-boo-tsoo-seh noh moh-noh wah tah-beh-mah-sen (I am vegan, so I don’t eat animal products)

This is a polite and clear way to explain a vegan diet.

“Dōbutsusei no mono” means animal products, and “tabemasen” means don’t eat.

It’s formal and precise, great for important dietary conversations.

Use it when you want to avoid confusion about your diet.

Helpful in restaurants unfamiliar with vegan diets.

Combine with “arigatō gozaimasu” (thank you) to show gratitude.

12. グルテンを含む食品は避けています (Guruten o fukumu shokuhin wa saketeimasu) – Goo-roo-ten oh foo-koo-moo shoh-koo-heen wah sah-keh-teh-ee-mahss (I avoid foods containing gluten)

This phrase politely states you avoid gluten.

“Fukumu” means “containing” and “saketeimasu” means “avoid.”

It’s a more formal alternative to “gluten-free.”

Great for telling chefs your dietary needs clearly.

Use in situations where you want to be very clear about gluten restrictions.

Practice this phrase to sound natural and polite.

13. 料理の成分について詳しく教えていただけますか？ (Ryōri no seibun ni tsuite kuwashiku oshiete itadakemasu ka?) – Ryoh-ree noh say-boon nee tsoo-ee-teh koo-wah-shee-koo oh-shee-eh-teh ee-tah-dah-keh-mahss kah? (Could you tell me more about the ingredients in this dish?)

Use this formal question to get detailed ingredient info.

“Kuwashiku” means “in detail” and “itadakemasu ka” is a polite request form.

Shows respect and genuine interest in your health.

Good for when you want to be thorough.

It opens up dialogue and ensures safety.

Try this phrase before ordering unfamiliar dishes.

14. 申し訳ありませんが、ナッツアレルギーがありますので、気をつけてください (Mōshiwake arimasen ga, nattsu arerugī ga arimasu node, ki o tsukete kudasai) – Moh-shee-wah-keh ah-ree-mah-sen gah, naht-soo ah-reh-roo-gee gah ah-ree-mah-soo noh-deh, kee oh tsoo-keh-teh koo-dah-sah-ee (I’m sorry, but I have a nut allergy, so please be careful)

This phrase combines apology and allergy alert politely.

It’s perfect for stressing the seriousness of nut allergies.

Use “ki o tsukete kudasai” to ask for careful attention.

Showing politeness can encourage extra care from staff.

Great for serious allergies requiring special attention.

Practice this phrase to convey respect and caution.

15. アレルギー表示はありますか？ (Arerugī hyōji wa arimasu ka?) – Ah-reh-roo-gee hyoh-jee wah ah-ree-mah-soo kah? (Do you have allergy information displayed?)

Use this question to find out if allergy info is available on menus.

“Hyōji” means display or label.

It helps you check if the restaurant provides allergy details.

Especially useful in chain restaurants or supermarkets.

Asking this shows you’re proactive about safety.

Combine with other allergy phrases for best results.

16. もし間違いがあったら教えてください (Moshi machigai ga attara oshiete kudasai) – Moh-shee mah-chee-gah-ee gah aht-tah-rah oh-shee-eh-teh koo-dah-sah-ee (Please tell me if there’s a mistake)

This polite phrase invites staff to correct errors.

Useful when ordering complex meals or special requests.

Shows you’re open to communication and care.

Encourages honesty and attention from staff.

Good for building trust in dining situations.

Use this phrase to be friendly and clear.

Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions

17. ナッツは入ってる？ (Nattsu wa haitteru?) – Naht-soo wah hai-tteh-roo? (Are there nuts in this?)

This casual question is great with friends or informal settings.

“Haitteru” is a colloquial form of “haitteimasu” meaning “is included.”

It’s quick and easy to remember.

Beware not to use this in formal dining.

Example: “この料理、ナッツ入ってる？”

Perfect for casual conversations.

18. ダメなものはありますか？ (Dame na mono wa arimasu ka?) – Dah-meh nah moh-noh wah ah-ree-mah-soo kah? (Are there things I can’t eat?)

Ask this to find out about restricted ingredients casually.

“Dame” means “not allowed,” and “mono” means “thing.”

It’s an easy phrase for native-like casual chats.

Don’t use this phrase in formal contexts.

Example: “何かダメなものありますか？”

Great for checking before eating street food.

19. これ、食べられないんだ (Kore, taberarenain da) – Koh-reh, tah-beh-rah-reh-nah-een dah (I can’t eat this)

A casual way to say you can’t eat something.

“Taberarenain da” is informal, meaning “cannot eat.”

Use with friends or informal situations.

Avoid in formal or professional settings.

Short and to the point, easy to remember.

Helps express your limits casually.

20. 何が入ってるか教えて？ (Nani ga haitteru ka oshiete?) – Nah-nee gah hai-tteh-roo kah oh-shee-eh-teh? (Can you tell me what’s in it?)

Casual way to ask about ingredients.

“Oshiete” means “tell me,” in a friendly tone.

Perfect for young or casual conversations.

Not suitable for formal dining.

Example: “この料理、何が入ってるか教えて？”

Useful for quick checks in casual eateries.

21. これ、○○抜いてもらえる？ (Kore, ○○ nuite moraeru?) – Koh-reh, [ingredient] noo-ee-teh moh-rah-eh-roo? (Can you leave out ○○ for me?)

Very casual way to ask for ingredient removal.

“Moraeru” means “can you do for me.”

Use with friends or casual vendors.

Avoid in formal restaurants.

Example: “これ、ナッツ抜いてもらえる？”

Easy and friendly phrase for quick requests.

22. アレルギーあるから気をつけてね (Arerugī aru kara ki o tsukete ne) – Ah-reh-roo-gee ah-roo kah-rah kee oh tsoo-keh-teh neh (I have allergies, so please be careful)

A friendly and casual way to warn about allergies.

“Ki o tsukete ne” is a soft request to be careful.

Useful in informal settings or with friends.

Not for formal or professional use.

Shows concern but keeps the tone light.

Good for casual, everyday conversations.

23. これ食べて大丈夫？ (Kore tabete daijōbu?) – Koh-reh tah-beh-teh dah-ee-joh-boo? (Is it okay for me to eat this?)

A casual phrase to confirm food safety.

“Daijōbu” means “okay” or “safe.”

Good for informal questions about allergens.

Avoid in formal situations.

Example: “これ食べて大丈夫？”

Helpful when unsure about food ingredients.

24. 食べられないものがあるんだ (Taberarenai mono ga arun da) – Tah-beh-rah-reh-nai moh-noh gah ah-roon dah (There are things I can’t eat)

A casual way to mention dietary restrictions.

“Mono ga arun da” means “there are things.”

Use this phrase to start casual explanations.

Perfect for conversations with friends or peers.

Not suitable for formal dining.

Easy to remember and natural sounding.

Concluding Thought

Mastering these phrases helps you confidently navigate any dining situation in Japan.

Clear communication about your allergies or diet shows respect and helps keep you safe.

Keep practicing, and soon these phrases will feel like second nature — making your Japanese food adventures worry-free and fun!