Food sensitivities can cause a wide range of unpleasant symptoms, from digestive issues and skin problems to headaches, fatigue and more. If you suspect you may have a food intolerance, taking a food sensitivity test can help provide answers.
Two popular options for at-home food sensitivity testing are Yorktest and Everlywell. But which one offers better accuracy and value for money?
Here’s an in-depth comparison of yorktest and everlywell to help you decide.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Yorktest | Everlywell |
| Sample Type | Fingerprick blood | Saliva |
| Testing Method | ELISA | IgG antibody analysis |
| Basic Food Panel | 113 foods | 96 foods |
| Expanded Food Panel | 253 foods | 208 foods |
| Gluten Sensitivity Test | 24 gluten varieties | Gluten + 8 grains |
| Cost | £129-179 standard panel | $129-$279 standard panel |
| Turnaround Time | 7-10 days | 7-10 days |
| Report Format | Traffic light system, diet guidance | 0-4 scale, infographic |
| Customer Service | Mixed reviews | Highly rated |
In-depth Comparison of Features Between Yorktest And Everlywell
How They Work
Both Yorktest and Everlywell check for IgG antibodies to different foods. These antibodies are produced when the immune system reacts to certain foods.
High levels of IgG antibodies to a particular food indicate a sensitivity that could be causing symptoms.
The main difference lies in the testing method:
- Yorktest uses an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect IgG antibodies in a fingerprick blood sample. Blood samples are collected at home and mailed to a lab for analysis.
- Everlywell analyzes IgG antibodies in a saliva sample. Saliva samples are collected at home using an included kit and mailed to Everlywell’s CLIA-certified lab partners for analysis.
So Yorktest tests blood while Everlywell uses saliva. But which method is more accurate?
Accuracy
There is some debate around the accuracy of at-home food sensitivity tests like Yorktest and Everlywell.
Some studies have found ELISA tests using blood serum can reliably detect food-specific IgG. However, research on fingerprick blood samples, as used by Yorktest, is limited. More evidence may be needed to confirm the accuracy of results.
For Everlywell, some studies suggest saliva testing provides comparable results to serum. However, saliva testing is still an emerging technology. As with Yorktest, more research is needed on the accuracy of Everlywell’s saliva test.
An important point is that neither test can definitively diagnose food intolerances or allergies. The tests measure IgG, while most food allergies are mediated by IgE antibodies. There is mixed evidence on whether IgG results correlate with symptoms.
So while Yorktest and Everlywell can provide clues about foods that may be problematic, their results should be considered alongside your medical history and symptoms. Discussing results with a doctor is recommended.
Test Options
Yorktest and Everlywell offer several different test options:
Yorktest Options:
- Yorktest FoodScan 113 (£129) – Tests 113 foods including common triggers like gluten, cow’s milk, egg, yeast, soy, nuts, shellfish.
- Yorktest FoodScan 253 (£179) – Expanded panel testing 253 foods.
- Hunter Gluten Sensitivity Test (£129) – Tests reactions to 24 varieties of gluten for gluten sensitivity.
Everlywell Options:
- Food Sensitivity ($169) – Tests 96 common foods including dairy, gluten, soy, eggs, nuts, and shellfish.
- Comprehensive Food Sensitivity ($279) – Expanded 208 food panel.
- Gluten Sensitivity ($129) – Tests reaction to gluten and 8 grains.
Both offer testing for over 100 or 200 foods. Yorktest includes more gluten varieties while Everlywell tests more foods overall on their extended panel.
Cost Comparison
The basic 100+ food tests are similarly priced at around $150-175 for both brands. Yorktest’s 253-food test costs $179 while Everlywell’s 208-food panel is $279.
For gluten sensitivity, Everlywell is cheaper at $129 versus $179 for Yorktest.
Yorktest sometimes offers discounts on multi-test packages which can provide additional savings.
Overall, Yorktest tends to be more affordable for expanded testing while Everlywell has a lower price for gluten sensitivity.
Turnaround Time
Yorktest and Everlywell both estimate 7-10 days for standard turnaround times. Rush/expedited shipping options are available for faster results at an added fee.
User reviews indicate turnaround times are quite variable but generally fall within the estimated range for both brands. Everlywell may be slightly faster on average.
Report Format
Both Yorktest and Everlywell provide easy-to-understand digital reports that show your antibody reaction levels to each food tested.
Yorktest uses a simple traffic light system – green for no reaction, amber for moderate, red for high reaction. Charts display your elevated IgG levels.
Everlywell uses a scale from 0-4 to rate reaction levels. An infographic summary highlights your problem foods. You can toggle between graphical and table views of results.
For gluten testing, Yorktest displays your reaction to each gluten variety. Everlywell shows your results for gluten and individual grains tested.
Yorktest offers more comprehensive reports with rotation diet advice and food reintroduction plans. Everlywell focuses solely on results with less guidance provided.
Customer Service
Yorktest and Everlywell both provide customer support via email and phone.
Reviews praise Everlywell’s customer service for being very responsive and helpful. Users mention long hold times contacting Yorktest support.
Both allow you to speak with doctors about your results for an additional fee.
Also Read: Comparison Between Earlywell And Check My Body Health.
Pros And Cons Of Yorktest And Everlywell
| Yorktest | Everlywell |
| Pros | Pros |
| – Tests fingerprick blood sample | – Lower price for gluten sensitivity test |
| – More extensive food panels | – Saliva testing may be less unpleasant |
| – Detailed reports with diet guidance | – Faster average turnaround times |
| – Established reputation in UK | – Excellent customer service |
| Cons | Cons |
| – Limited evidence on accuracy | – Less research validating saliva testing |
| – Mixed reviews of customer service | – Reports lack guidance on rotating diet |
| – Saliva testing not available | – Fewer foods tested on extended panel |
Watch the video to know more about Earlywell!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yorktest has been offering food intolerance testing for over 25 years and is an established option in the UK. Their ELISA test using blood samples is supported by some research.
However, more studies are needed on the accuracy of at-home fingerprick blood tests. Reviews are mixed but suggest Yorktest can provide helpful insights for some people. Discuss results with your doctor.
The gold standard is an elimination diet supervised by a registered dietitian. This systematically removes and reintroduces foods while tracking symptoms. Food sensitivity tests are not definitive diagnostics. However, tests like Yorktest and Everlywell may suggest high-reactivity foods for an elimination diet trial.
For food sensitivity, Everlywell uses at-home saliva testing which shows promise in initial studies but needs more validation. Their labs are certified CLIA compliant indicating quality standards.
Reviews indicate useful results for many but inconsistencies for some. Everlywell cannot diagnose food intolerances or allergies conclusively.
Research suggests saliva testing offers reasonable accuracy compared to blood in scientific studies. However, research is still limited, and accuracy may depend on which foods are tested.
Reviews indicate satisfactory accuracy for most users but some variability in results. Speak to a doctor about your results and whether an elimination diet trial could confirm problem foods.
Also Read: Comparison Between Golo And Calibrate Weight Loss Programs.
The Bottom Line
Choosing between Yorktest and Everlywell requires looking at your personal needs:
- If you want to test the widest variety of foods, Yorktest offers larger panels.
- If you’re specifically looking to test gluten sensitivity, Everlywell is more budget-friendly.
- Those with a fear of needles may prefer Everlywell’s saliva testing.
- People who want detailed diet support in their results report may favor Yorktest.
- If fast turnaround is important, Everlywell may be the quicker option.
For most, the differences are minor. Both Yorktest and Everlywell provide comprehensive at-home food sensitivity testing that can help uncover problem foods.
Their limitations and uncertainties are similar.
Consider your personal preferences, budget, and needs when deciding which is best for your situation. Discussing the pros and cons with your doctor can also help determine if food sensitivity testing could benefit you.
While imperfect, Yorktest and Everlywell food sensitivity tests can provide helpful insights into foods that may be contributing to your symptoms.
Consider the key differences in methods, cost, panels, and reports as you determine which option may suit you best.
But remember to discuss results with your doctor and use them as a guide alongside your full clinical picture, rather than a definitive diagnosis.
With the right approach, these at-home tests can be useful tools to improve your health.