Peanuts and tree nuts provide a source of protein, vitamin E, niacin, riboflavin, folic acid, selenium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Despite all the nutrients nuts provide, they can easily be made up for by eating a balanced diet from all the food groups.
Tree Nut and Peanut Free Spreads
Without the classic peanut butter and jelly option, lunches can be a bit more difficult to pack for your little ones. Here are a few alternative spreads that can be great for healthy sandwich options.
• Soy Nut Butter
• Hummus
• Cream Cheese
• Tzatziki Sauce
Peanut Oil:
Advisory Statements
An advisory statement such as “made in a facility which processes products containing peanuts” is a voluntary statement posted on products by the manufacturers. A product without such an advisory statement does not mean that the product should be considered safe; it is the choice of the manufacturer to include an advisory statement and is not required by law. If you have a nut allergy, avoid products that have advisory statements. If there is no advisory statement on the package, you should contact the manufacturer to confirm that nuts are not processed in that facility.
Peanuts and tree nuts both fall under the 2006 Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act and must be clearly stated on the nutrition label of any packaged foods in the U.S. It will either be written in the ingredient list as “peanut” or “almond” for example. It may also be displayed under the ingredient list such as “contains tree nuts” or “contains peanuts”.
