Pesto is a delicious and versatile sauce that can be enjoyed on pasta, sandwiches, or even as a dip. However, if you have a nut allergy, you may be wondering if pesto is safe for you to eat.
The answer depends on the ingredients in the pesto. Traditional pesto is made with pine nuts, which are a type of tree nut. If you are allergic to tree nuts, you should avoid pesto that contains pine nuts.
However, there are many pesto recipes that do not contain pine nuts. These recipes typically use other ingredients, such as sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or even spinach, to add flavor and texture. If you are allergic to tree nuts, you can safely enjoy pesto that is made without pine nuts.
Here are some things to keep in mind if you have a nut allergy and want to eat pesto:
- Read the label carefully. Make sure that the pesto does not contain any nuts that you are allergic to.
- Ask the manufacturer. If you are unsure about the ingredients in a particular pesto, contact the manufacturer to ask if it contains any nuts.
- Make your own pesto. This is the best way to ensure that your pesto is nut-free. There are many recipes available online for nut-free pesto.
If you are unsure whether or not you can eat pesto, it is always best to err on the side of caution and avoid it. You can always talk to your doctor or allergist for more information.
Nut Allergy and Pesto – Always Eaten It….. | Mumsnet
This thread on Mumsnet discusses the issue of whether or not it is safe to eat pesto if you have a nut allergy. The OP’s son is allergic to brazil nuts, but has never had a reaction to pesto, even though it contains cashews. The OP is wondering if it is safe to continue letting her son eat pesto.
The responses to the OP’s post are mixed. Some people say that it is fine to continue eating pesto if you have never had a reaction to it, even if you are allergic to one or more of the nuts it contains. Others say that it is best to avoid all nuts if you are allergic to any of them, as there is always a risk of cross-contamination.
The OP ultimately decides to continue letting her son eat pesto, but she plans to wait until he has had his allergy test before doing so. She also plans to make her own pesto, so that she can control the ingredients.
Conclusion
If you have a nut allergy, it is important to be careful about what you eat. Pesto can be a safe option for people with nut allergies, as long as it does not contain any nuts that you are allergic to. However, it is always best to err on the side of caution and avoid pesto if you are unsure about the ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I eat pesto if I am allergic to pine nuts?
No, you should not eat pesto if you are allergic to pine nuts. Pine nuts are a type of tree nut, and people with tree nut allergies should avoid all tree nuts, including pine nuts.
Can I eat pesto if I am allergic to cashews?
It depends on the ingredients in the pesto. If the pesto contains cashews, you should avoid it. However, there are many pesto recipes that do not contain cashews. You can safely eat these pestos if you are allergic to cashews.
Can I eat pesto if I am allergic to peanuts?
Yes, you can eat pesto if you are allergic to peanuts. Peanuts are not a type of tree nut, and people with peanut allergies can safely eat tree nuts, including pine nuts.
Can I make my own pesto?
Yes, you can make your own pesto. There are many recipes available online for nut-free pesto. This is the best way to ensure that your pesto is nut-free.
Additional Resources
That is all very helpful, thanks. I find it all very unfamiliar and perplexing, but we are figuring it out. Though it’s awful to consider what you put in your mouth, progress is being made. I’m accepting that I’m not a domestic goddess and that I’ll have to do a little more cooking, baking, etc. at home!
Making your own pesto is very simple; just add the ingredients to a blender and give it a quick whirl. Because my husband was reacting to something in the homemade one, which wasn’t store bought, I had to do it in every possible combination. I added garlic, basil, olive oil, and pine nuts. I’ve also made it without the pine nuts, and it was still delicious. To accommodate for allergies, you can also alter it by using different ingredients. HTH.
Hello everyone, I have a question for all parents and sufferers of nut allergies: after your child was diagnosed, did you allow them to continue eating things they always did and had no issues with? My daughter is allergic to Brazil nuts, but we haven’t had the test for cashews yet, among other things (4 weeks away and counting!) He has loved pesto pasta since he was a little child and has had it at least once a week. He has never reacted to the cashew-containing brand I buy, but I am now too afraid to give it to him because a lot of advice suggests avoiding all nuts even if you are allergic to one. This is his true comfort food, so you can imagine how unhappy he is! Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Beggsie
Thanks tatt. Peter Rabbit had a stall at the children’s food festival that we attended this past weekend near Oxford. I had read somewhere that their pasta sauces were free of nuts, and when I contacted them, they verified this. So, have stocked up on loads. All I have to do now is start preparing my own pesto!
I’m not Nigella either, and I’m annoyed that my daughter can’t have all the simple pasta meals or many other things! We’ll have to find other ways to entertain.
Mole Saucethis mole recipe
Though most mole sauces pesto are made with nuts—try subbing tahini or sunflower seed butter for the peanut butter—you may have heard that the classic Mexican dish was made with chocolate.
Though marzipan may resemble vibrant fruits, almond paste is used to make this confection. Try one of these as an alternative if you’re looking for one.
Nut Allergy: Everything You Need To Know
FAQ
Is pesto nut allergy friendly?
Can you eat pine nuts if you have a nut allergy?
What is a good nut allergy substitute for pesto?
Does all basil pesto contain nuts?
Can you eat pesto if you have a nut allergy?
Nuts are a common allergen. If you have a tree nut allergy, it’s essential to check the ingredients in pesto, as most types are made with tree nuts. Accidentally eating pesto that contains nuts could trigger a life threatening anaphylactic reaction in those who are allergic to tree nuts ( 7 ).
Can you be allergic to chestnuts?
Allergy to chestnuts has been widely reported in latex-fruit syndrome, although reports of primary chestnut food allergy are extremely rare.
Can you make pesto if you have allergies?
As long as you don’t have allergies, the ingredients used to make pesto are generally good for you. In fact, they may help reduce your blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, and cancer risk. Homemade pesto is easy to make. Experiment with different ingredients and keep a batch in your freezer for a quick pop of summer flavor any time of year.
Can you eat nuts if you’re allergic?
Your body treats them as a potential threat and tries to fight them off. This response is an allergic reaction. Even a little bit that you swallow or inhale can bring it on. It’s easy to avoid the nuts themselves, but they’re also added to a lot of other foods, and you may not always be aware.