Peanut Allergy: Foods to Avoid & Safe Alternatives
Peanut allergy is one of the most common and potentially severe food allergies. Even tiny traces of peanuts can trigger an allergic reaction, so strict avoidance is necessary. Unlike tree nuts (such as almonds or walnuts), peanuts are legumes, but they can still cause severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.
Foods That Contain Peanuts🥜(Avoid These!)
✔ Obvious Sources of Peanuts:
- Peanut butter, peanut flour, peanut protein
- Peanut oil (cold-pressed, extruded, or expelled)
- Boiled peanuts, roasted peanuts, crushed peanuts
- Mixed nuts, nutmeat, nut pieces
- Artificial nuts, beer nuts
- Mandelonas (peanuts soaked in almond flavoring)
✔ Less Obvious Sources of Peanuts:
- Arachic oil, arachis (another name for peanut oil)
- Earth nuts, ground nuts, goober peas, goobers
- Nu-Nuts flavored nuts (peanuts that are flavored to taste like other nuts)
Foods That May Contain Peanuts (Check Labels!)
⚠ Some foods may not list “peanut” but could still contain peanut-derived ingredients.
- Artificial & natural flavoring (may contain peanut derivatives)
- Hydrolyzed plant or vegetable protein (can be made from peanuts)
- Nougat (found in candy bars, sometimes contains peanut derivatives)
Always check “may contain peanuts” warnings on packaged foods. Many chocolate, granola bars, and baked goods are at risk for peanut cross-contamination.
Safe Peanut Alternatives
✅ Peanut-Free Spreads & Snacks:
- Almond butter (if no tree nut allergy)
- Sunflower seed butter (SunButter)
- Soy nut butter
- Coconut butter
- Pea-based protein bars (check labels)
✅ Safe Peanut Oils:
- Highly refined peanut oil is usually safe because the refining process removes allergenic proteins. However, cold-pressed, extruded, or expelled peanut oil is NOT safe.
- If in doubt, avoid all peanut oils and opt for alternatives like olive, canola, or coconut oil.
FAQs About Peanut Allergy
1. Is peanut allergy the same as tree nut allergy?
🚫 No. Peanuts are legumes, not tree nuts. However, many people with a peanut allergy also react to tree nuts.
2. Can I eat peanut oil?
⚠ Only highly refined peanut oil is considered safe. However, cold-pressed, extruded, or expelled peanut oil still contains allergens and should be avoided. If unsure, avoid all peanut oils.
3. Do all chocolate and candy bars contain peanuts?
⚠ Many chocolates and candies are made in facilities that process peanuts, even if peanuts aren’t listed as an ingredient. Always check for a “may contain peanuts” warning.
4. Is peanut butter the same as tree nut butter?
🚫 No! Peanut butter is made from peanuts (a legume). Tree nut butters (such as almond or cashew butter) are made from tree nuts, but they may still be cross-contaminated with peanuts. Look for certified peanut-free alternatives.
5. Can peanut allergy be outgrown?
🩺 Some children outgrow peanut allergies, but many do not. See an Allergist/Immunologist for testing before reintroducing peanuts.
6. How can I dine out safely with a peanut allergy?
🍽️ Be cautious at Asian, African, and Mexican restaurants, as peanut oil or peanuts are often used. Always inform the staff about your allergy and ask about cross-contact risks.
If you have questions and need help, The Allergy Immunology Clinic is here for you.
