Peanut Allergy Resources
Peanut Allergy
What is Peanut Allergy?
Peanut allergy is one of the most common food allergies in children. It happens when the immune system mistakenly sees proteins in peanuts as harmful, leading to an allergic reaction.
About 2% of children in the UK have a peanut allergy, and this number is increasing. Children who have eczema from a young age are also at a higher risk of developing peanut allergy with this being around 1 in 5.
Most children develop a peanut allergy in early childhood, though it can sometimes start later.
What is a peanut?
Peanuts are legumes and not related to tree nuts like Brazil, almonds, walnuts or cashews, so a peanut allergy doesn’t automatically mean your child will be allergic to these nuts, also called tree nuts.
However, about 25-40% of children with a peanut allergy also have an allergy to at least one tree nut. Additionally, a peanut allergy increases the chance of being allergic to sesame and lupin.
Can My Baby Have Peanut Butter If They Have Eczema?
If your baby has eczema, you may have been told that they are more likely to develop a food allergy. That can make introducing foods like peanut feel quite worrying. The important thing to know is that having eczema does not also mean your baby is allergic to peanut....
Can babies have peanut butter? When and how to introduce it safely
When it comes to introducing solid foods, many parents feel a little anxious — especially when it comes to foods that are common allergens. One of the most frequent questions I hear is: “When can my baby have peanut butter, and how do I give it safely?” I remember...
Is Nutella® Safe for nut or peanut allergy?
For more than 60 years, Nutella® has been on the breakfast tables of millions worldwide. You might use it as a treat alternative to nut spreads by adding it to pancakes with a dollop of ice cream on top or spreading it on toast. This makes it one of the most popular...
IgE vs IgG Food Allergy Testing: What’s the Difference?
Updated September 2026 to reflect current guidance on food allergy testing. IgE and IgG are both types of antibodies, but they mean very different things when it comes to food allergy. If you’ve been looking into allergy testing, you may have come across IgE blood...
Is Avocado a Nut or Tree Fruit? Discover the Truth!
Oh, the beloved avocado! A superstar in many diets and honestly, who can resist? They’ve woven their way into my meals time and again with their versatility. But as much as I’m an avocado aficionado, wearing my Dietitian hat means navigating the intricate lanes of...