How to Ask 'Does This Contain Nuts, Dairy, or Gluten?' in French
Learn to ask if food contains nuts, dairy, or gluten in French, and understand the answers to stay safe.
By MarcusFood & cafés · Yapr Learn
When you have a food allergy or intolerance, asking about ingredients is essential. In French, you need to know how to ask if a dish contains nuts, dairy, or gluten, and how to understand the response. This lesson teaches you the key phrases and patterns to do just that, with a focus on safety.
By the end, you can…
- ask if a food contains nuts, dairy, or gluten in French.
- understand common responses about allergens in French.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Est-ce que ce plat contient des noix ?
Does this dish contain nuts?
ess-kuh suh plah kon-tyan day nwah
Use 'des noix' for nuts in general. For specific nuts like peanuts, say 'des cacahuètes' (day ka-ka-wet).
Est-ce qu'il y a des produits laitiers ?
Are there any dairy products?
ess-keel ee ah day pro-dwee lay-tyay
This asks about dairy products in general. For milk specifically, ask 'Est-ce qu'il y a du lait ?' (duh lay).
Est-ce que c'est sans gluten ?
Is it gluten-free?
ess-kuh say san gloo-ten
This asks if the dish is gluten-free. To ask if it contains gluten, say 'Est-ce que ça contient du gluten ?' (sah kon-tyan duh gloo-ten).
Je suis allergique aux noix.
I am allergic to nuts.
zhuh swee zah-lair-zheek oh nwah
State your allergy clearly. For dairy: 'aux produits laitiers' (oh pro-dwee lay-tyay). For gluten: 'au gluten' (oh gloo-ten).
Est-ce que je peux manger ça ?
Can I eat this?
ess-kuh zhuh puh mahn-zhay sah
A general question to ask if a dish is safe for you, after mentioning your allergy.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To ask if a dish contains a specific ingredient, use 'Est-ce que ce plat contient...?' (Does this dish contain...?) followed by the ingredient. For example: 'Est-ce que ce plat contient des noix ?' (Does this dish contain nuts?). For a more general question, use 'Est-ce qu'il y a...?' (Is there...?): 'Est-ce qu'il y a du gluten ?' (Is there gluten?). To ask if a dish is free from something, use 'Est-ce que c'est sans...?' (Is it without...?): 'Est-ce que c'est sans produits laitiers ?' (Is it dairy-free?).
When to use it
Use these questions in restaurants, cafes, or when buying food. Always start by stating your allergy: 'Je suis allergique aux noix' (I am allergic to nuts). Then ask your specific question. If you don't understand the answer, you can say: 'Pouvez-vous répéter, s'il vous plaît ?' (Can you repeat, please?). In France, it's common to ask the server or chef directly. Be polite but firm about your needs.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Bonjour, je suis allergique aux noix. Est-ce que ce plat contient des noix ?
Hello, I am allergic to nuts. Does this dish contain nuts?bon-zhoor, zhuh swee zah-lair-zheek oh nwah. ess-kuh suh plah kon-tyan day nwah?Oui, il y a des noix dans ce plat. Je vous conseille le poulet grillé, il est sans noix.
Yes, there are nuts in this dish. I recommend the grilled chicken, it is nut-free.wee, eel ee ah day nwah dan suh plah. zhuh voo kon-sayy luh poo-lay gree-yay, eel ay san nwah.Est-ce que le poulet grillé contient des produits laitiers ?
Does the grilled chicken contain dairy products?ess-kuh luh poo-lay gree-yay kon-tyan day pro-dwee lay-tyay?Non, il n'y a pas de produits laitiers. Il est sans gluten aussi.
No, there are no dairy products. It is gluten-free too.nohn, eel nee ah pah duh pro-dwee lay-tyay. eel ay san gloo-ten oh-see.A little context goes a long way
In France, food allergies are taken seriously, but awareness of cross-contamination may vary. It's helpful to carry a written card in French stating your allergies. In Quebec, the term 'arachides' is often used for peanuts, while in France 'cacahuètes' is more common. Always confirm ingredients with staff, as recipes can change.
One thing to watch for
Using 'noisettes' (hazelnuts) when you mean 'noix' (nuts) in general.
Try this instead: 'Noix' means nuts broadly, but can also refer to walnuts. For clarity, specify: 'noix de cajou' (cashews), 'amandes' (almonds), etc. If you are allergic to all nuts, say 'toutes les noix' (all nuts).
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you ask if a dish contains gluten?
Show a sample answer
Est-ce que ce plat contient du gluten ?
This uses the pattern 'Est-ce que ce plat contient...?' with 'du gluten'. You could also ask 'Est-ce qu'il y a du gluten ?'.
2What does 'Je suis allergique aux produits laitiers' mean?
Show a sample answer
I am allergic to dairy products.
'Je suis allergique' means 'I am allergic', and 'aux produits laitiers' means 'to dairy products'.
3How would you ask if a dish is nut-free?
Show a sample answer
Est-ce que c'est sans noix ?
This uses 'Est-ce que c'est sans...?' with 'noix'. You could also say 'Est-ce que ce plat est sans noix ?'.
Always state your allergy clearly and ask specifically about nuts, dairy, or gluten using 'Est-ce que...?' questions. Confirm the answer to stay safe.
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