Peanut Allergies appear to be on the rise. A recent study showed that from 1997 to 2002, the number of peanut allergies doubled in children. Peanuts can trigger a severe reaction. The severity of a reaction depends on how sensitive the person is and the quantity of peanuts consumed.
Some Surprising Sources of Peanuts Include:
- Sauces such as chili sauce, hot sauce, pesto, gravy, mole sauce, and salad dressing
- Sweets such as pudding, cookies, and hot chocolate
- Egg rolls
- Potato pancakes
- Pet food
- Specialty pizzas
- Asian and Mexican dishes
- Some vegetarian food products, especially those advertised as meat substitutes
- Foods that contain extruded, cold-pressed, or expelled peanut oil, which may contain peanut protein
- Glazes and marinades
Keep In Mind!
- Some nut butters, such as soy nut butter or sunflower seed butter, are produced on equipment shared with peanuts. Contact the manufacturer before eating these products.
- Discuss with your doctor or allergist whether to avoid tree nuts. People with peanut allergies may develop allergies to other foods, including tree nuts. In addition, the chance of a reaction due to cross-contact between peanut and tree nuts during the manufacturing process will be lowered if you avoid them altogether.
- Ice cream served in ice cream parlors should be avoided; cross-contact frequently occurs because of shared scoops.
- Peanuts go by many names, such as ground nuts, beer nuts, or monkey nuts. Use caution if you are not sure!
- Most allergic individuals can safely eat peanut oil, but not cold pressed, expelled, or extruded peanut oil – which are occasionally represented as gourmet oils. If you suffer from peanut allergies, ask your doctor whether you should avoid peanut oil.
- Siblings of children allergic to peanuts may be at increased risk of peanut allergies. Your doctor can provide guidance about testing.
- Peanuts can be found in many sweets and candies, especially chocolate candy. Read all labels carefully. Contact the manufacturer if you have questions.
Frequently asked questions
Can peanut allergies be outgrown?
Although once considered to be a lifelong allergy, recent studies indicate that up to 20% of children diagnosed with peanut allergies outgrow them.
Can alternative nut butters (i.e., cashew nut butter) be substituted for peanut butter?
Many nut butters are produced on equipment used to process peanut butter, therefore making it somewhat of a risky alternative. Additionally, many experts recommend peanut-allergic patients avoid tree nuts as well.
