Alpha-gal syndrome dose not make you vegan!

Alpha-gal syndrome has received increased media attention recently. While this coverage helps raise awareness, it has also contributed to the spread of misinformation. Alpha-gal syndrome does not require a person to become vegan. Individuals with this condition can still eat meat—just not mammalian meat. You do not have to give up your favorite dishes; many can be enjoyed with simple ingredient substitutions.

For example, you can still have spaghetti and meatballs by replacing ground beef with ground turkey. Butterball even offers a turkey roast with a gravy packet, which works well as a substitute in traditional recipes. I still use my grandmother’s roast recipe myself; I simply replace the beef roast with the Butterball turkey roast. One of her seasoning packets does contain dairy, but I am still able to tolerate it without issues. However, it is important to remember that everyone’s sensitivities are different, so review your recipes carefully to determine which ingredients may need to be changed.

With alpha-gal syndrome, you can still eat poultry—such as chicken, turkey, and duck—as well as fish and seafood. Individuals who also have additional food allergies may face more dietary restrictions, but alpha-gal alone does not eliminate all animal-based foods.