Allergies occur when the immune system perceives a threat and the body reacts. Individuals with a peanut or nut allergy must be particularly careful as nuts often find their way into things you wouldn't imagine. For example, they can be ground into a prepared meat dish or added as a flavoring in certain cuisines. If you have a nut allergy, it is essential to let people know you have this allergy and to read all food labels. Manufacturers of foods sold in the United States have to note on the label whether the food contain peanuts or tree nuts, according to KidsHealth.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter would be a fairly obvious choice when trying to avoid foods that cause an allergic reaction to peanuts. However, it is a food that is often added to other favorites like chocolate or cookies. Any food that comes into contact with nuts should be avoided. According to the Food Allergy Initiative, some manufacturers use peanut butter as a means to thicken their pasta sauces. This small detail can be very costly for the consumer with an allergic reaction to peanuts. When foods are made with some amount of peanut butter, this information is not always shared with the public. If you are unsure about the ingredients in a product, it is best to contact the manufacturer for clarity. Each individual's reaction to peanuts or nuts can vary.
Chocolate
Chocolate manufacturers often produce chocolate products that are filled with a variety of nuts in the center. Chocolates that do not contain nuts may still pose a threat. The possibility of cross contamination may occur when nuts touch the surface of machines producing chocolate. According to the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital website, foods like chocolate may contain peanut protein, which is not indicated on the label, but can still cause an allergic reaction in some people.
Cereals
Cereals are a common breakfast staple, but for some, they can cause allergic reactions. Some companies incorporate nuts like almonds or pecans into their products. According to Northern Illinois University Housing and Dining website, cereals that include nuts as an ingredient should be avoided. However, any cereal brand that mentions on the label or packaging that they process nuts in their facility should be avoided as well. Accidental cross contamination is possible in facilities that manufacture more than one type of cereal. Products that display nut free facilities are safe to eat; however, reading packaging is still essential.
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