Hidden Nuts!

Do you know where peanuts could be hiding?

When your child has a peanut allergy, reading labels becomes a second language. But even the most vigilant parent can be tripped up by peanuts hiding in plain sight—disguised under alternate names or tucked into unexpected products.

Here’s your guide to spotting hidden nuts, decoding tricky ingredients, and keeping your family safe.

🥜 First, Know the Alias:

Peanuts don’t always call themselves “peanuts.” Look out for these sneaky names:

• Arachis oil – This is just another name for peanut oil.

• Groundnuts – Common in British and Indian products. They're peanuts.

• Monkey nuts – Whole peanuts in their shell.

• Beer nuts – Often roasted peanuts with a sweet coating.

• Goober peas – Yes, that’s another name for peanuts!

• Mandelonas – These are peanuts altered to look and taste like almonds.

⚠️ If you see “may contain peanuts” or “manufactured in a facility that processes peanuts”, that’s a no-go for strict peanut-free households.

🍪 Where Peanuts Hide:

Here are common categories where peanuts love to sneak in.

1. Baked Goods

• Granola bars, muffins, brownies, protein balls

• Many “healthy” options use peanut butter or peanut flour as a base

2. Protein Powders & Bars

• Look out for “natural flavor” or “nut blend” in the ingredients

• Cross-contamination is high in manufacturing facilities

3. Sauces and Marinades

• Asian sauces (especially Thai, Chinese, Indonesian) often contain peanut oil or crushed peanuts

• Some BBQ sauces and spice blends use peanut flour as a thickener

4. Cooking Oils

• Refined peanut oil may be labelled simply as “vegetable oil” in some cases

• Always call the manufacturer if it’s unclear

5. Ice Cream Parlors & Chocolates

• Even nut-free flavors often share scoops, bins, and machines

• Chocolates labeled “may contain traces” are risky due to shared conveyor belts

6. Cereals and Trail Mixes

• Watch for clusters, granola, or “crunch” additions—they often contain peanut flour

• “Nut-free” mixes sometimes still include tree nuts, so check both peanut and other allergen labels

7. Ethnic Foods

• Indian: Groundnut oil, chutneys

• African: Peanut stews

• Southeast Asian: Satay, curry bases, dipping sauces

  
  

🛍️ Unexpected Places They May Lurk:

• Bird seed, pet food, hamster treats (a danger for curious toddlers!)

• DIY craft kits or slime ingredients (some scented oils use nut extracts)

• Bulk food bins (airborne or scoop contamination)

• Holiday gift baskets – even those labeled “gourmet” can contain trace peanut dust

  
  

✅ Tips for Staying Ahead

1. Download a label-decoding app (like Sifter or Spoonful)

2. Contact companies directly if the label isn’t clear—many have allergen hotlines

3. Teach your child to be label-aware early on with visual checklists

4. Avoid imported snacks that don’t follow Canadian labelling standards

   
   

💡 Final Word

Peanut allergies require more than just saying no to peanut butter sandwiches. With so many alias names and hidden sources, it’s essential to stay alert—but not afraid.

At No Peanuts Please, we’re here to help you feel empowered, not overwhelmed. Because when you know where peanuts hide, you know how to protect your child—and let them live fully.

💛CatarinaFounder, No Peanuts Please Canada

Honours Student • Camp Director • Swim Instructor • Allergy Warrior