If You're Allergic to Peanuts, Can You Eat Almonds?

If you’re allergic to peanuts, you may wonder whether almonds and other nuts need to be avoided too.

The short answer is that having a peanut allergy does not automatically mean you’re allergic to almonds. Peanuts and almonds belong to different plant families: peanuts are legumes, while almonds are tree nuts.

However, some people are allergic to both peanuts and one or more tree nuts. There is also a risk of cross-contact between peanuts and tree nuts during manufacturing and food preparation.

For these reasons, if you have a diagnosed peanut allergy but don’t know whether you can safely eat almonds, you should seek advice from your GP or allergy specialist rather than trying them yourself. It is always advised to err on the side of caution.

What’s the Difference Between a Peanut and Almond Allergy?

Despite their name, peanuts aren’t actually tree nuts. They’re legumes and belong to the same broad plant family as foods such as peas, beans and lentils.

Almonds, on the other hand, are classed as tree nuts alongside foods including:

• Hazelnuts
• Walnuts
• Cashews
• Pecans
• Brazil nuts
• Pistachios
• Macadamia nuts

Because peanuts and tree nuts come from different plant families, an allergy to peanuts doesn’t automatically result in an allergy to almonds or other tree nuts.

In fact, many people with peanut allergy can tolerate some or all tree nuts. Equally, someone can be allergic to both peanuts and almonds, or to certain tree nuts while tolerating others.

Can You Eat Almonds With a Peanut Allergy?

Potentially, but this depends on your individual allergies.

You shouldn’t assume almonds are unsafe simply because you have a peanut allergy. However, you also shouldn’t assume they’re safe if you’ve never eaten them or don’t know your allergy status.

If you have a peanut allergy, an allergy specialist can assess whether you may also be allergic to tree nuts. Depending on your circumstances, assessment may involve your medical history alongside tests such as a skin-prick test, blood test or supervised food challenge.

This is particularly important if you’ve previously experienced a serious allergic reaction.

Can You Eat Other Tree Nuts if You’re Allergic to Peanuts?

The same principle applies to other tree nuts.

Being allergic to peanuts doesn’t necessarily mean you need to avoid every tree nut. Some people can safely eat almonds, for example, but may react to cashews or walnuts. Others may need to avoid several nuts.

Avoiding every type of nut can therefore be unnecessarily restrictive for some people. However, the decision about which nuts are safe should be based on your individual allergy history and appropriate medical assessment.

If you’ve been advised that certain tree nuts are safe for you, follow the guidance provided by your allergy specialist about introducing and continuing to eat them.

What About Cross-Contact Between Peanuts and Almonds?

Even if you’re not allergic to almonds themselves, cross-contact with peanuts can still present a risk.

Peanuts and tree nuts may be processed, packaged or prepared in the same environments. A product containing almonds could therefore potentially come into contact with peanut proteins during manufacturing or preparation.

If you have a peanut allergy:

• Check the ingredients every time you buy a product, even if you’ve eaten it before.
• Pay attention to precautionary allergen information such as ‘may contain peanuts’.
• Be particularly careful with mixed nuts, confectionery, baked goods and foods prepared in shared environments.
• When eating out, tell staff about your peanut allergy and ask about ingredients and the risk of cross-contact.

How Are People Allergic to Peanuts?

A peanut allergy occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies certain peanut proteins as a threat.

Exposure can then trigger the release of chemicals including histamine, producing an allergic reaction. Symptoms generally develop quickly and can include:

• Itching or tingling in the mouth
• Hives or an itchy rash
• Swelling of the lips, face or eyes
• Stomach pain, vomiting or diarrhoea
• Throat tightness
• Wheezing or difficulty breathing

The severity of reactions can vary, and a previous mild reaction doesn’t guarantee that future reactions will also be mild.

Peanut Allergy and Anaphylaxis

Peanuts and tree nuts are among the foods most commonly associated with anaphylaxis, a serious allergic reaction requiring immediate treatment.

Warning signs can include swelling of the tongue or throat, difficulty swallowing, wheezing or difficulty breathing, dizziness, confusion, collapse or loss of consciousness.

If you have been prescribed adrenaline for your allergy, make sure you understand when and how to use it and carry your prescribed medication as instructed.

How Can You Find Out Which Nuts You’re Allergic To?

If you think you may have a peanut or tree nut allergy, speak to your GP. They may refer you to a specialist allergy clinic.

Diagnosis isn’t based on a test result alone. An allergy specialist will consider your symptoms and medical history and may use skin-prick testing, blood testing or, where appropriate, a medically supervised food challenge.

YorkTest’s Food & Environmental Allergy Test measures IgE sensitisation to selected food and environmental allergens. Results showing IgE sensitisation should be considered alongside your symptoms and clinical history and do not, on their own, diagnose a food allergy.

The Bottom Line

A peanut allergy doesn’t automatically mean you are allergic to almonds. Peanuts are legumes and almonds are tree nuts, so it is possible to have a peanut allergy while safely eating almonds and other tree nuts.

However, some people are allergic to both, and cross-contact with peanuts can also make certain almond products unsuitable.

If you have a diagnosed peanut allergy and aren’t already known to tolerate almonds, don’t experiment by eating them yourself. Speak to your GP or allergy specialist about appropriate testing and which nuts are safe for you to include in your diet.