I know just how overwhelming a food allergy can be. I am allergic to cow milk and when I was first diagnosed, I cried in the grocery store because I couldn't find anything I could eat. Now, I have 4 kids, 3 of them have food allergies. I have 1 with no allergies who loves cow milk, 2 allergic to cow milk, and 1 allergic to soy and cow. I buy 4 kinds of milk: fat-free cow milk, regular soy milk, low-fat soy milk and Rice milk. All the kids know what they are allergic to and which milks they can have. In fact, my oldest started kindergarten this year and refused a snack of cheese when it was handed out by his teacher. With all the things she had going on in the first week of school, she mistakenly gave it to him. You will have to teach your son to speak up and advocate for himself when he's older.
Rice milk is a really good alternative that you can use on cereal or to cook and bake with. It can replace milk in recipees with no adjustments needed. It's a life saver. What you are beginning to figure out is that you can't feed your child any convenience foods - no premade foods or even mixes. While it's overwhelming, you will begin to see that the food you make is far better for them than the other stuff. You will cook and bake and not need all that bs stuff you find in the ready made foods. When you do need something pre-made, you can find some items in health food stores. Also on-line. My favorite is www.glutenfree.com. They have lots of soy-free items. Also, check out "Living Without" magazine. It is really helpful!
You can check ingredients on-line for most restraunts and fast food places. You may be able to find a few places or a few items that your son can have in a pinch.
In the end, his diet will be a healthy one. Best Wishes!
