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How do I show allergen information on digital menu boards?

Updated October 2026 · How we answer

Short answerShow allergen information with clear icons or short labels next to each menu item, and link to a full list if space is tight. Rules differ by location, so check your local requirements.

Keep the labels clear

Customers with allergies need to find information quickly and accurately. Short labels such as contains dairy or may contain nuts work well on a menu board. Icons can help, but a text key is still important for clarity.

Keep the allergen data in one place so updates happen across all screens. When a recipe changes, the menu and the allergen list should change together. A single source of truth reduces mistakes.

  • Use short text labels
  • Add icons with a key
  • Link to a full list with a QR code
  • Update all screens at the same time

Check the rules and training

Allergen labeling rules vary by country, state, and local health authority. Ask your local health department what is required for your type of business. Training staff on the same information keeps answers consistent.

Give staff a printed allergen sheet as a backup for when the screen cannot show everything. Review the labels after each menu change. A quick monthly check is a simple habit that prevents problems. Ask your point-of-sale provider whether menu data can feed the digital board, since typing prices into several screens by hand raises the chance of errors.

  • Ask your local health department
  • Train staff on the same details
  • Keep a printed backup sheet

Common mistakes

  • Showing allergen info on the screen but not updating it when recipes change.
  • Using tiny icons that customers cannot read from the counter.
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