How to enjoy food everywhere

Founder of Equal Eats, Kyle Dine on the severe allergies that led to a life-changing business idea.

Growing up in the early 1980s with life-threatening food allergies brought a unique set of challenges. My parents often say their biggest hurdle was simply getting others to believe my allergies were real.

I was diagnosed with severe allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, and eggs—and later, to fish and mustard. Back then, society had made little progress in allergy awareness, free-from food options, proper labeling, or understanding the dangers of anaphylaxis.

How could there be progress, when I felt like I was the only one in the world with this condition?

At school, I seemed to be the only kid with a food allergy. The only one asking ingredient questions at restaurants. The only one bringing my own dessert to birthday parties. I faced exclusion, unwanted jokes, and eye rolls—every single day.

When you feel like the only one for long enough, it starts to shape your identity. You begin to see yourself as a burden—the odd one out. You learn to be quiet, take care of yourself, and not ask for “special treatment.”

For me, that mindset led to risk-taking. I avoided “making a scene,” even when I should have spoken up. Unsurprisingly, this lack of self-advocacy resulted in multiple allergic reactions—including a throat-closing anaphylactic episode at age 21 that became a wake-up call.

I was in the emergency room, embarrassed to admit I’d eaten a brownie from my grandmother without asking what was in it. I also confessed to using a three-year-old, expired auto-injector found in a glove box. Lying there, I couldn’t help but ask myself: how did I let it get to this point?

That moment changed everything.

Back then, society had made little progress in allergy awareness, free-from food options, proper labeling, or understanding the dangers of anaphylaxis.

I became determined to stop letting my allergies limit me, define me, or bring me shame. It took time, but I slowly found my voice and started expanding my horizons—with a goal of feeling confident dining out and traveling safely.
As I began eating out more, I realized that clear communication was at the heart of allergy safety. Yet even with my best efforts, I still experienced close calls—times when my requests were misunderstood, forgotten, or not taken seriously. When your life depends on clarity, those breakdowns are terrifying.

So I decided to do something about it.

I created a dining communication card that listed my allergies with concise, clear messaging—professionally designed and printed on a durable plastic card that couldn’t be ignored. I also envisioned this card as a passport to new cultures—a way to communicate my needs in different languages so I could finally explore the world.

In 2020, I founded Equal Eats. Our allergy translation cards are now available in over 50 languages, alongside a companion app and a passionate team—all of whom have lived experience with food allergies. In just a few years, we’ve helped over 50,000 people travel and dine more safely around the world.

People often ask me how accurate our translations are. It’s the most critical detail, and we treat it as such. Every card goes through a rigorous process involving professional translators, expert proofreaders, and native-speaking reviewers.

The result? A card that’s not only understood, but respected—globally. Our thousands of 5-star reviews and heartfelt testimonials are incredibly rewarding. But nothing compares to the feeling of knowing I created something that helps me dine with confidence and see the world.
Even better is knowing I’m helping others do the same.

As I began eating out more, I realized that clear communication was at the heart of allergy safety.