Snack and Treat Choices for Children with Peanut Allergy
Snacks at break time, after school and when out and about are the most likely to cause problems. Preparing alternative foods in advance makes things easier.
Common risk points
Biscuits, energy bars, mixed nut snacks, chocolate products and some puffed snacks may contain peanuts or peanut butter. Loose snacks and labels that say "may contain peanuts" also need to be considered.
Alternative ideas
- Fruit: apples, bananas, oranges and similar are easy to carry and share
- Baked goods: choose rice cakes and biscuits with a clear ingredient list and no nut warning
- Dairy: plain yoghurt or plain milk, if the child is not allergic to it (choose something else if there is a cow's milk allergy)
- Staple foods: corn, sweet potato, rice balls (avoid products containing egg if there is an egg allergy)
Outings and group settings
Talk to the teacher in advance so the child can eat snacks brought from home. Before a classmate's birthday party, check the food and how it was prepared with the parents. Do not let the child share other people's food when it has not been checked. Check the expiry date of snacks kept on hand regularly, and keep them somewhere the child knows.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Please follow your doctor's instructions.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. If your symptoms affect daily life, please see a doctor.