Looking for a food sensitivity test or a food allergy test in Australia, and wondering what it will actually cost? Our at-home hair sensitivity tests come in three levels, at A$49.95, A$54.95 and A$59.95. This guide sets out exactly what each price gets you, how the 2- and 4-person packs work, and how the other routes (your GP, an allergy specialist and a dietitian) are paid for, so you can choose the right food sensitivity test for your budget before the summer holidays.
The short answer
| Test | Items checked | 1 person | 2 people | 4 people |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Individual Sensitivity Test | 600 | A$49.95 | n/a | n/a |
| Ultimate Individual Test | 1,000 | A$54.95 | A$84.95 | A$149.95 |
| Optimum Sensitivity Test | 1,600 | A$59.95 | A$99.95 | A$159.95 |
Prices are in Australian dollars, correct at the time of writing; the product page always shows the current price. In Australia every test comes with digital instructions, so there's no kit to buy on top and no consultation fee: the price is the test. You can see all three in our sensitivity tests collection.
What A$49.95 gets you: the Individual Sensitivity Test
The Individual Sensitivity Test checks 600 food and non-food items from one small hair sample. It's a good first step if you'd like a starting shortlist of potential sensitivities across everyday foods, drinks and non-food items.
What A$54.95 gets you: the Ultimate Individual Test
The Ultimate Individual Test checks 1,000 items, a wider list that suits a varied diet, lots of eating out, or symptoms you haven't been able to pin down. It's also available as a 2-person pack for A$84.95 and a 4-person pack for A$149.95.
What A$59.95 gets you: the Optimum Sensitivity Test
The Optimum Sensitivity Test is our widest test, checking 1,600 food and non-food items. It's available as a 2-person pack for A$99.95 and a 4-person pack for A$159.95.
Not sure which level you need? Our guide to comparing hair sensitivity tests walks through the 600, 1,000 and 1,600 item lists side by side.
Testing the whole household?
The packs are priced per order, so the cost per person drops as you add people:
- Ultimate, 2 people: A$84.95 for the pair;
- Ultimate, 4 people: A$149.95 for four;
- Optimum, 2 people: A$99.95 for the pair; and
- Optimum, 4 people: A$159.95 for four.
Each person sends their own hair sample and gets their own results.
What's included in the price
- digital instructions by email after you order, so there's no kit to wait for (here's what you're ordering with digital instructions);
- your results by email in 5–7 working days once your sample is received (see what happens after you send your hair sample); and
- our 30-day money-back guarantee.
The only extra cost is posting your sample in your own envelope.
Allergy, intolerance or sensitivity?
It's worth being clear about the question first, because it decides which route makes sense. A food allergy involves the immune system, usually comes on quickly, and can be serious. A food intolerance or sensitivity tends to build more slowly, often hours after eating, and shows up as everyday discomfort such as bloating, wind, stomach cramps, headaches, tiredness or brain fog.
Almost 11% of adults have a true food allergy, yet 19% believe they do. Many are actually dealing with a food intolerance or sensitivity (JAMA Network Open, 2019). Our symptoms page and food intolerance symptoms chart list common signs.
If you ever have swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, trouble breathing, or feel faint after eating, that's an emergency: call 000.
How the other routes are paid for
Our guide to how to get tested for food intolerance in Australia explains each route in full. In short:
- Your GP. If your GP bulk bills, a standard visit costs you nothing under Medicare; if not, you pay the gap. Your GP can check for conditions such as coeliac disease and refer you on if needed.
- An allergy specialist. If you've had fast reactions such as hives or swelling, your GP may refer you to a clinical immunologist or allergist. You need a GP referral to get the Medicare rebate, and out-of-pocket costs vary from practice to practice, so ask when you book.
- An Accredited Practising Dietitian. You don't need a referral to see a dietitian privately, and many private health funds with extras cover part of the fee. Dietitians Australia's Find a Dietitian directory lets you search by location.
Whichever route you take, reading labels is a useful habit. Food Standards Australia New Zealand explains which allergens must be declared on packaged food.
Get more from whatever you spend
A test is only useful if you act on it carefully. Keeping a record before and after any change costs nothing: our free food and symptom diary template makes it easy. Change one food at a time, and keep your diet balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a food sensitivity test in Australia? Our at-home hair sensitivity tests are A$49.95 (600 items), A$54.95 (1,000 items) or A$59.95 (1,600 items) for one person. The Ultimate and Optimum tests also come in 2- and 4-person packs.
Is a food sensitivity test the same as a food allergy test? No. Allergy testing through an allergist or clinical immunologist looks for the immune reactions linked to true allergies. Our hair sensitivity test doesn't measure antibodies; it looks for potential sensitivity patterns, so it's a starting point for exploring everyday symptoms rather than a way to check for an allergy.
Does Medicare cover an at-home sensitivity test? No. At-home tests aren't covered by Medicare and are paid for yourself.
How long do results take? Results arrive by email in 5–7 working days once your sample is received. Postage time is separate.
What it can't show
A hair sensitivity test can't tell you whether you have a true food allergy, coeliac disease or any other medical condition. If you suspect an allergy, your GP is the right person to look into it.
About our tests
Our tests are At-home Hair Sensitivity Tests. Our testing team uses bioresonance to look for potential sensitivity patterns in a hair sample. They are a wellness screening and a starting point for exploration. They are not a medical test, they don't measure allergy antibodies, and they are not a replacement for advice from your GP, a pharmacist or an Accredited Practising Dietitian. Talk to your GP before making big changes to your diet, especially for children, during pregnancy or if you have a medical condition. Every test comes with our 30-day money-back guarantee.
