What Ingredients To Avoid If You Have Peanut Allergies?
By The Food Scan Genius Team | Category: Generic Scanners | Updated June 2024
When Sarah’s seven-year-old son, Leo, broke out in hives after eating a bowl of “safe” pasta at a friend’s birthday party in Brooklyn, she was stunned. She had checked the label twice. But a hidden ingredient—peanut flour—had slipped past her careful scan. For millions of families like Sarah’s, understanding what ingredients to avoid if you have peanut allergies is not just a matter of preference, but a matter of life and death.
Understanding Peanut Allergies: A Growing Concern
Peanut allergies affect approximately 2% of children in the United States and are rising globally.[CDC] Even trace amounts can trigger severe reactions, including anaphylaxis. This makes it critical to recognize both obvious and hidden sources of peanuts in foods and everyday products.
- Immediate reactions: Hives, swelling, vomiting, difficulty breathing
- Delayed symptoms: Eczema, digestive issues, fatigue
- Severity: Reactions can be life-threatening and require emergency intervention
What Ingredients To Avoid If You Have Peanut?
The most effective way to prevent allergic reactions is to avoid peanuts and all foods that may contain them. However, peanuts can appear under many names and in unexpected places. Here’s what you need to know.
Common Names for Peanuts on Ingredient Labels
| Ingredient Name | Where Found |
|---|---|
| Peanuts | Snacks, candies, baked goods |
| Peanut Butter | Spreads, cookies, sauces |
| Peanut Oil (cold-pressed, expelled, or extruded) | Fried foods, salad dressings |
| Peanut Flour | Baked goods, protein bars, cereals |
| Groundnuts, Goober peas, Arachis oil | International foods, snack bars |
Hidden Sources: Ingredients That May Contain Peanuts
- Artificial nuts (may use peanuts as a base)
- Nougat (often in candy bars)
- Marzipan (sometimes contains peanut derivatives)
- Asian sauces (satay, mole, some curry pastes)
- Bakery and ice cream products (cross-contamination risk)
- Vegetable protein/hydrolyzed plant protein (may be derived from peanuts)
Ingredients That Sound Safe But May Not Be
- Tree nuts (not the same as peanuts, but cross-contamination is common)
- Peanut-free claims (always verify with manufacturer, especially for imported foods)
- “Natural flavorings” or “spices” (can occasionally contain peanut derivatives)
How To Read Ingredient Labels for Peanut Allergens
Ingredient labels are your first defense. In the United States, the FDA requires that peanuts be clearly listed as a major allergen. In Europe, the EFSA mandates similar disclosure.
- Look for bolded allergens: “Contains: Peanuts” must appear on packaged foods in the US and EU.
- Check for advisory statements: “May contain peanuts” or “Produced in a facility that also processes peanuts.”
- Review ingredient lists every time: Recipes and suppliers can change without notice.
According to a 2023 study in PubMed, 19% of packaged foods with advisory warnings still contained detectable peanut protein.
US vs. EU: Allergen Labeling Laws Compared
| Region | Allergen Disclosure | Common Labeling Terms |
|---|---|---|
| United States (FDA) | Peanuts must be listed in plain language; “Contains: Peanuts” required | Peanuts, peanut oil, peanut flour, may contain peanuts |
| European Union (EFSA) | Peanuts must be emphasized in ingredient list (bold/underline); “May contain” voluntary | Peanuts, groundnuts, arachis oil, may contain traces of peanuts |
While both regions require clear labeling, the EU often uses different terminology (such as “groundnuts” or “arachis oil”), which can be confusing for travelers or those buying imported products. News coverage from BBC Health highlights recent efforts to harmonize allergen labeling across Europe.
Real-World Risks: Cross-Contamination and Food Service
Even when avoiding obvious peanut ingredients, cross-contamination in restaurants, bakeries, or packaged foods is a serious risk. According to the FDA, most accidental exposures occur outside the home, often due to shared equipment or unclear labeling.
- Ask about preparation methods when dining out
- Inform staff of your allergy every time
- Avoid buffets and bakeries where cross-contact is likely
News outlets like The New York Times have reported on the challenges families face navigating food labels and restaurant menus, especially as ingredient lists grow more complex.
How Food Scan Genius Makes Ingredient Safety Simple
For parents like Sarah, reading every label can feel overwhelming. That’s where Food Scan Genius comes in. This innovative app allows users to scan the barcode of any packaged food and instantly see if it contains peanuts, tree nuts, or other allergens. It’s designed for anyone who wants to know what ingredients to avoid if you have peanut allergies or other dietary restrictions.
- Scan any product in the Generic Scanners category for instant allergen alerts
- Personalize your profile for multiple allergies or dietary needs
- See regional labeling differences (US vs. EU) before you buy
User Testimonial: “Food Scan Genius saved my daughter from a severe reaction at summer camp. I just scanned a snack bar, and the app flagged hidden peanut flour that wasn’t obvious on the label. Every parent should have this app!” — Maria P., Chicago
Download Food Scan Genius today and take the guesswork out of grocery shopping and meal planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the most common hidden sources of peanuts?
- Peanut flour, peanut oil (cold-pressed), and certain candies or baked goods are common hidden sources. Always check for advisory statements and scan with Food Scan Genius for added safety.
- Can I eat foods labeled “may contain peanuts”?
- It’s safest to avoid these products if you have a peanut allergy, as cross-contamination can occur during manufacturing.
- Are tree nuts the same as peanuts?
- No. Peanuts are legumes, not tree nuts, but cross-contamination is common in processing facilities.
- How do labeling laws differ between the US and Europe?
- The US (FDA) requires plain language and “Contains: Peanuts” statements. The EU (EFSA) emphasizes allergens in the ingredient list and may use terms like “groundnuts” or “arachis oil.”
- How can Food Scan Genius help with peanut allergies?
- Food Scan Genius scans product barcodes and instantly alerts you to peanut ingredients or cross-contamination risks, using up-to-date US and EU labeling data.
Conclusion: Empowering Families With Knowledge and Technology
For families like Sarah’s, understanding what ingredients to avoid if you have peanut allergies is essential. By learning to recognize hidden sources, staying informed about labeling laws, and using tools like Food Scan Genius, you can shop, cook, and dine with confidence—wherever you are in the world.
Don’t leave your health to chance. Download Food Scan Genius and make every meal safer for you and your loved ones.
