Is Your Child’s Diet Hiding a Food Sensitivity? Here’s What to Watch For

By Delcie’s Desserts and Cakes – Singapore’s Allergy-Friendly Bakery

As a parent, nothing is more worrying than seeing your child feel unwell — especially when you don’t know why.

If your child often experiences stomach aches, skin flare-ups, or mood changes after meals, the culprit might be food sensitivity. The tricky part? Symptoms can show up hours (or even days) later, making it hard to link them to a specific food.

At Delcie’s Desserts and Cakes, we meet many parents facing the same struggle: they want cleaner, safer meals that won’t upset their child’s stomach — without compromising on taste. That’s why our bakery has been dedicated since 2008 to creating allergen-friendly, plant-based, and sensitive-stomach-friendly cakes and bakes.

The Rise of Food Allergies in Singapore Children

A recent Channel NewsAsia report highlighted findings from KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital showing that food allergies among Singapore’s children are increasing. Eggs, cow’s milk, and peanuts remain the most common culprits, and in some cases, even small amounts can trigger anaphylaxis — a potentially life-threatening reaction.

While allergies trigger an immediate immune response, food sensitivities work differently. They cause slower, delayed reactions that can still harm your child’s health and wellbeing over time.

The most common food sensitivity triggers? Dairy, gluten, eggs, soy, nuts — often hidden in snacks, sauces, soups, and even “innocent-looking” desserts.

Signs Your Child May Have a Food Sensitivity

If your child experiences any of these regularly, it’s worth taking a closer look at their diet:

• Bloating, gas, or stomach pain after meals
• Frequent rashes, eczema, or skin irritation
• Unexplained tiredness or low energy
• Irritability, mood swings, or sleep issues
• Frequent headaches
• Loose stools or constipation
• Difficulty focusing or behaviour changes

💡 Tip: Keep a food diary to spot patterns — sometimes reactions only show after repeated exposure to the same food.

Why Food Sensitivity Is Hard to Spot

Food sensitivities often build up over time. A child might tolerate small amounts, but repeated exposure over weeks can cause symptoms to surface.

To make things trickier, allergens often hide under different names:

• Dairy can be labelled as whey, casein, or milk solids.
• Gluten can hide in soy sauce, baked goods, or soup bases.

This is why clear ingredient labelling is critical — and why at Delcie’s, every product clearly lists what it contains and what it doesn’t.

How Delcie’s Makes Dessert Safer

We believe every child deserves cake without fear. That’s why our desserts are:

• Egg-free
• Dairy-free
• Gluten-free options available
• Nut-free options available
• Low in sugar and Certified Low in G.I.
• 100% plant-based

We also offer diabetic-friendly and vegan cakes, ensuring there’s something safe and delicious for every celebration. Every recipe is crafted to be gentle on sensitive tummies, free from preservatives, artificial flavouring, or harmful additives.

If You Suspect Food Sensitivity in Your Child

• Keep a food journal of meals and symptoms
• Consult a healthcare professional for guidance
• Avoid common triggers (dairy, gluten, eggs, nuts) until confirmed safe
• Choose clean-label snacks and meals
• Opt for allergy-safe treats like Delcie’s cakes for stress-free celebrations

The Sweetest Part? Joy Without Risk

Food sensitivity doesn’t have to mean missing out. At Delcie’s, we’ve seen the relief on a parent’s face when their child says:
“You mean… I can eat this too, Mum?”

From a first birthday smash cake to a school party or daily snack, we create desserts that are safe, inclusive, and full of flavour — so your child can enjoy every bite with confidence.

If you’re unsure where to start, explore our best-selling egg-free, dairy-free cakes — delicious, safe, and made for sensitive tummies.

Because at Delcie’s, food should be part of the solution, not the problem.