What is a QR code allergy menu?
A QR code allergy menu is a digital allergen-safe menu that guests access by scanning a QR code with their smartphone. Rather than asking staff about ingredients or reading through a complex printed allergen chart, guests scan a QR code and instantly see a filterable, interactive view of your menu showing which dishes are safe for their specific allergens.
AllerIQ generates a unique QR code for each restaurant. The code links to a hosted digital menu that displays allergen data for every dish — including all FDA Top 9 and any custom allergens you track — plus filtering by any combination.
Why QR code menus are better than printed allergen charts
| Feature | Printed chart | QR code menu |
|---|---|---|
| Updates automatically | ✗ | ✓ |
| Filterable by guest's specific allergens | ✗ | ✓ |
| Accessible at every table without staff | Sometimes | ✓ |
| Works when menu changes seasonally | Reprint required | ✓ |
| Available on restaurant website | ✗ | ✓ |
| No printing or reprinting cost | ✗ | ✓ |
| Staff can reference same source as guests | ✗ | ✓ |
How to set up a QR code allergy menu with AllerIQ
Import your menu
Upload your existing menu as a PDF, spreadsheet, or POS export. AllerIQ imports your dishes, sections, and descriptions automatically.
Add ingredients to each dish
For each dish, specify ingredients. AllerIQ auto-maps allergen presence — including all FDA Top 9 — and cross-contact risks from the ingredient data.
Review allergen data
Your team reviews the auto-mapped allergen status for each dish. Make any corrections before publishing. This usually takes 10–20 minutes for a full menu.
Publish and get your QR code
Publish your menu. AllerIQ generates a permanent QR code that links to your live, filterable allergen menu. The QR code never changes — only the menu it points to.
Display the QR code
Print the QR code on table tents, insert it into your physical menus, display it at the host stand, and add it to your website. Guests scan it to access the full allergen-safe menu.
Where to display your QR code
- Table tents — placed at every table for immediate guest access
- Physical menu covers or inserts — keep allergen info with the menu
- Host stand — so staff can direct guests to scan before being seated
- Your restaurant website — helps guests with allergies research before visiting
- Online ordering platforms — link to your allergen menu from your online listing
- Social media profiles — include in your bio or as a pinned story link
Guest experience: how it works from their side
When a guest with a food allergy scans your QR code, they see a clean digital version of your menu. A filter panel at the top lets them select their allergens (for example: peanuts, tree nuts). The menu immediately updates to show only dishes that don't contain or may contain those allergens.
Dishes with cross-contact risks are flagged with "may contain" labels rather than hidden entirely — giving guests the information they need to make their own informed decision about risk tolerance. This is the same guest-facing experience as AllerIQ's QR code allergy menu product page.
Important: AllerIQ helps restaurants communicate allergen information clearly, but does not replace proper food safety practices, staff training, or cross-contact prevention procedures. Restaurants remain responsible for their own food safety standards.
Related resources
Frequently asked questions
Do guests need to download an app to use a QR code allergy menu?
No. AllerIQ's QR code allergy menus open directly in the guest's mobile browser — no app download required. Guests scan the code and the menu loads instantly.
How do I update a QR code allergy menu when my menu changes?
With AllerIQ, updates are made in your dashboard. Your QR code always links to the same URL, which serves your latest menu. There's nothing to reprint — the QR code itself never changes.
Can guests filter the menu by their specific allergies?
Yes. AllerIQ's QR code allergy menu includes a filter panel where guests select their allergens. The menu then shows only dishes that don't contain or may contain those allergens, so guests can quickly identify safe options.
Where should I display the QR code in my restaurant?
Best placement: table tent cards, printed menu covers or inserts, the host stand, your restaurant's website, and any third-party ordering platforms. The more places the QR code appears, the more likely guests with allergies will find it before they need to ask staff.
Does a QR code allergy menu replace the need for trained staff?
No. Staff training on allergen awareness remains essential. A QR code allergy menu supports staff by giving them and guests a single, accurate reference — but it doesn't replace thorough training on cross-contact prevention, preparation procedures, and how to handle allergy queries.
Launch your QR code allergy menu today.
AllerIQ generates your QR code the moment you publish. Guests scan to access a fully filterable allergen-safe menu. Free plan available.