Peanut/Tree Nut Alternatives
Coconut is technically classified as a tree nut by the FDA. There is some debate over whether this should be the case. Regardless, before exposing your tree nut-allergic child to coconut, you should consult your allergist.
Peanut Butter:
- Sunflower Seed Butter is made from sunflower seeds and has a similar nutritional value and consistency to peanut butter, albeit at a higher cost. It can be found at most grocery stores near the peanut butter or in the natural foods section and in available under several brand names. Not all brands are free from cross-contamination.
Soy Butter:
- Another peanut butter alternative. I have not bought this in a LONG time, so I cannot comment on the nutritional value. We found the taste of Sunflower Seed Butter to be better so that is what we buy now. This can also be found in the natural foods section of grocery stores.
- There is a chocolate soy butter available made by I.M. Heathy company. We really like it around our house, makes a great spread for crackers as a dessert.
Nuts:
- Seeds are a great alternative to nuts. They are high in good fats and calories, are tasty, and make a great snack. Our favorites are sunflower seed kernels and pumpkin seed kernels (pepitas). I've heard seeds from squash can be toasted as well but we've not tried that at our house.
- Seeds that are not cross-contaminated are VERY hard to find. Most are processed in facilities with peanut or nut products. There are only a few sources I'm aware of that are allergen free and free of trans fats. Click here for my trail mix recipe, which lists the locations where ingredients can be found.