Allergic reaction to nuts can progress rapidly to anaphylaxis. Peanut allergy is responsible for more fatalities than any other type of allergy.
If you suffer from a nut allergy, strictly avoiding nuts, including peanuts and tree nuts like cashews and walnuts, and food containing nuts is the only way to prevent a reaction. But, it is not always easy to avoid these foods since many unsuspecting products contain nuts.
Always check the label ingredients before you use a product. In addition, check the label each time you use the product. Manufacturers occasionally change recipes, and a trigger food may be added to the new recipe. Also, keep in mind that many prepared foods, including baked goods, candy, and ethnic foods, can be contaminated with peanuts if products containing peanuts are prepared in the same place or by the same manufacturer. Always be prepared for this possibility and the risk of a reaction.
Examples of peanut and tree-nut products and foods that may contain them, include:
Peanut Products
- Cold-pressed or expressed peanut oil
- Peanut butter
- Peanut flour
- Beer nuts
- Ground nuts
- Mixed nuts
- Nu-nuts® flavored nuts
- Peanut–containing foods
- Candy
- Chili
- Chocolate (candies, candy bars)
- Egg rolls
Peanut-Containing Ingredients
- Hydrolyzed plant protein
- Hydrolyzed vegetable protein
- Nougat
- Marzipan
Tree Nuts
- Almonds
- Brazil nuts
- Cashews
- Chestnuts
- Filberts
- Hazelnuts
- Hickory nuts
- Macadamia nuts
- Pecans
- Pine nuts (pinyon nuts)
- Pistachios
- Walnuts
Tree Nut-Containing Ingredients
- Marzipan / almond paste
- Nougat
- Artificial nuts
- Nut butters (such as cashew butter and almond butter)
- Nut oil
- Nut paste (such as almond paste)
- Nut extracts (such as almond extract)
Nut-Containing Foods
- Ground nuts
- Mixed nuts
- Chex mix
- Artificial nuts
- Nougat
- African, Chinese, Thai, and other ethnic dishes
- Cookies, candy, pastries, and other baked goods
- Grain breads
- Ice cream, frozen desserts
- High-energy bars
- Cereals and granola
- Salad dressing
- Marzipan
If you are sensitive to filberts or hazelnuts, avoid natural extracts such as pure almond extract and natural wintergreen extract. Use imitation or artificial flavored extracts.
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 11/13/2006…#11317
