Allergo

The second major feature is the Apple Wallet pass and SOS emergency functionality. Once an allergy card is created, users can add a simplified version to their Apple Wallet for instant access without opening the app. This pass includes a QR code that can be scanned directly by waitstaff or chefs, allowing them to view the allergy information on their own device if needed. The SOS emergency feature provides a one-tap button that surfaces critical information, emergency phrases, and local emergency numbers for wherever the traveler is located. In the event of an allergic reaction, users can quickly access phrases like "I am having an allergic reaction" and the country's emergency services number, which is preloaded based on the selected destination. This integration is vital because it ensures that in moments of crisis, the user does not have to fumble with translations or search for emergency contacts. The combination of Wallet pass and SOS turns Allergo into a comprehensive safety tool, not just a meal translator.

The third feature group includes response helpers and fully offline capability. Response helpers are pre-loaded follow-up phrases that allow users to ask additional questions about ingredients or confirm that a dish is safe, all in the local language. For example, a user can ask "Does this contain peanuts?" or "Is this gluten-free?" without needing a separate translation app. This extends the utility of the card beyond initial ordering, enabling ongoing communication with restaurant staff. The fully offline feature ensures that all created cards and phrases remain accessible even without an internet connection, which is crucial in remote areas, basement restaurants, or when on a flight. Users can download their cards and the app works without signal, so no data roaming or Wi-Fi is required. This reliability means travelers can access their allergy information at any time, in any location, adding a layer of security that online-only tools cannot provide. Together, these features make Allergo a self-contained solution for allergic travelers.

Allergo works through a simple three-step workflow. First, users pick their allergens from a comprehensive list that includes common and obscure triggers, covering both food and medicine allergies. Second, they select their destination country, and the app generates translations that are localized per country rather than just word-for-word translated. This means the card uses regional terms and dishes that might hide triggers, such as specific types of bread or sauces. Third, users save the card to the app or add it to Apple Wallet for easy access. The entire process takes under a minute, and the first card is free. The app was built with input from NHS healthcare professionals, ensuring medical accuracy, and uses leading AI models for translations with ongoing efforts to professionalize all languages. This methodology prioritizes both speed and accuracy, recognizing that travelers need a quick but reliable tool. The localized approach is particularly important because a simple translation might miss region-specific ingredients or cooking methods, so Allergo tailors each card to the country's food culture and regulations.

Concrete use cases include a traveler with a severe peanut allergy visiting Paris. Instead of struggling to communicate in French, they open Allergo, select "peanut" from the allergens list, choose France, and save the generated card to Apple Wallet. At a restaurant, they show the card to the waiter, who immediately understands the restriction and can check the menu accordingly. Another scenario is a family traveling to Italy with a child who is dairy-intolerant. The parents create separate cards for each country they visit, ensuring the child can eat safely at pizzerias and gelaterias. A third scenario is a gluten-intolerant backpacker in Southeast Asia who relies on Allergo's offline feature to show cards at street food stalls. The outcome in all cases is the same: users can order with confidence, reducing anxiety and preventing accidental exposure. For emergency situations, the SOS feature provides immediate access to local emergency numbers and phrases, which could be lifesaving if an allergic reaction occurs. Users report that Allergo "makes travelling so much smoother" and gives "real peace of mind," often exceeding expectations due to its ease of use and comprehensive coverage.

Allergo is designed for travelers with food allergies, coeliac disease, or medicine allergies who want to dine safely in foreign countries. It also targets parents of children with severe allergies who need a reliable tool for family holidays. Allergy professionals, such as allergists and dietitians, have praised the app for its accuracy and utility. The app is currently available on iOS via the App Store, with an Android version on a waitlist. Pricing is simple: the app is free to download, the first allergy card is free, and unlimited cards and Wallet passes are available through a subscription. The monthly plan costs £3.99, ideal for a single trip, while the annual plan at £19.99 saves over 75% and suits frequent travelers. Subscriptions fund new allergen coverage, language additions, and professional translations. Allergo stands as an independent project born from personal experience, offering a direct solution to the universal challenge of traveling with allergies. Its primary value remains clear: freedom to eat, anywhere, without compromise.