Allergens in tiramisu: ingredients, variations and how to order safely
By the Menulta editorial team · Facts checked 15 October 2026 · Updated 15 October 2026
The short answer
Classic tiramisu contains egg (raw yolks and often whites in the cream), milk (mascarpone), gluten (savoiardi ladyfinger biscuits, which also contain egg) and often sulphites if Marsala wine is used. Versions flavoured with amaretto liqueur or amaretti biscuits may contain almonds or apricot kernels. Cocoa powder is not an EU allergen, but chocolate shavings may contain milk and soy.
What tiramisu is
Tiramisu is an Italian layered dessert of coffee-soaked ladyfinger biscuits and a cream made from egg yolks, sugar and mascarpone, often lightened with whipped egg whites, finished with cocoa powder. It is served chilled and usually made in advance in large trays.
Because it is not cooked, traditional tiramisu uses raw egg, which is also a consideration for pregnant guests and young children, separate from allergies.
Traditional tiramisu ingredients and their allergens
| Ingredient | Allergen | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Egg yolks and whites | Egg | Raw in the traditional recipe |
| Mascarpone | Milk | Cream cheese |
| Savoiardi (ladyfingers) | Gluten (wheat), egg | Bought-in biscuits; check for milk |
| Espresso | None | |
| Marsala, brandy or rum | Sulphites (wine) | Optional |
| Amaretto | Possibly nuts | Some amaretto is made with apricot kernels, some with almonds |
| Cocoa powder | None | Chocolate shavings may contain milk and soy |
Variations that change the allergens
Many restaurants make 'safer' tiramisu with pasteurised egg or a cooked custard (zabaione) base, which changes food safety but not allergens: it still contains egg. Some recipes replace eggs entirely with whipped cream and mascarpone, which removes egg from the cream but not from the biscuits.
Fruit tiramisu, pistachio tiramisu and limoncello tiramisu are popular. Pistachio versions add nuts. Gluten-free tiramisu uses gluten-free sponge fingers, which are available but must be stored and assembled away from regular biscuits.
Restaurant and bought-in versions
Many restaurants buy tiramisu ready-made from a supplier. In that case the allergen information comes from the supplier's label, which may include stabilisers, cream and nut traces. Ask whether the tiramisu is made in-house, and if not, ask to see the allergen information.
Tiramisu allergen by allergen
| Allergy | What to know |
|---|---|
| Egg | Not suitable, even egg-free cream versions, because ladyfingers contain egg, unless egg-free biscuits are used. |
| Milk | Not suitable. Mascarpone is the base of the cream. |
| Gluten / coeliac | Only with gluten-free sponge fingers, assembled separately. |
| Nuts | Check for amaretto, amaretti or pistachio; classic coffee tiramisu often contains none. |
| Sulphites | Present if Marsala or wine is used. |
Ordering it with an allergy
Ask whether the tiramisu is homemade or bought in, whether it contains alcohol, which liqueur, and whether any nuts are used. Guests with egg or milk allergies should choose a different dessert, such as a sorbet confirmed free of their allergen and served with a clean scoop.
Sources
This guide is general information, not medical or legal advice. Guests with an allergy should follow their doctor's advice. Operators should confirm their own setup with their food safety adviser or local authority.