Hidden Peanut Ingredients: Names to Look Out For on Ingredient Lists

Common ingredient names

• Peanut, peanut butter, peanut powder, crushed peanut, peanut oil
• Some compound seasonings, dipping sauces, hot pot bases and marinades
• Nut ingredients in certain sauces and baked goods
• Product warnings that say "may contain peanut"

Places where it often appears

Mixed nut snacks, energy bars, biscuits and baked goods, ice cream, chocolate products, kung pao-style dishes and cold dressed dishes, satay sauce and some Southeast Asian dishes, tangyuan and some Chinese pastries may all contain peanut. Cross-contamination in food service is harder to spot: shared woks, deep fryers, chopping boards, grinders and spatulas can all leave traces behind.

Practical tips

• Check the ingredient list before buying. Different flavours of the same brand should also be checked separately.
• Loose and freshly made foods carry a relatively higher risk. Ask about how they are made and about shared utensils.
• Do not judge only by "I ate it before and was fine". Recipes and production methods can change.
• Carry your emergency plan with you. Let the people with you and your carers know about it.

This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Please follow your doctor's advice for your specific situation.