Peanuts Are Hiding in Everyday Foods
Virginia peanuts make an excellent way to surprise someone you love with a gourmet snack gift. However, some people cannot consume nuts or accept peanut gifts. Allergies to peanuts are pretty common. It's the second most common allergy among children. In fact, one in 50 kids is allergic to peanuts, while one in 200 adults has the allergy. Even more interesting is that peanuts are hiding in everyday foods that many aren't aware of. This list of common foods that contain the sometimes dangerous ingredient is handy if you are worried about peanut allergies.
Where Peanuts Are Hiding
There are a plethora of food items likely in your fridge, freezer, or pantry that contain peanuts you're unaware of. Unless you have a peanut allergy, it may be something you've never even considered. If you can't taste it and you're not going to break out into an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis shock, then there's no need to worry. However, if you know someone that has the allergy or if you're looking to be more aware of what's in your everyday foods, here's a list of where you can commonly find peanuts:
- Egg or spring rolls
- Sauces with curry
- Szechuan dipping sauce and other Asian-style sauces
- Barbecue sauces
- Trail mix
- Ice cream
- Soups
- Cereal
- Pie crust
- Veggie burgers
- Salad dressings
Other Names for Peanuts
How can you be most cautious about consuming peanuts or serving them? Know the alternate names. Check the ingredients label for nut butter, nut paste, peanut floor, nut extracts, and hydrolyzed vegetable or plant proteins.
Before you start handing out gourmet nuts or peanut gifts, ensure the person you're trying to surprise doesn't have an allergy. If so, avoid all the items listed here and maybe shoot for something else among our list of tasty treats to give them instead!