Frequently asked questions.

Peanuts are actually legumes (like beans), not tree nuts. However, many people with tree nut allergies are also allergic to peanuts, and vice versa. They're often grouped together because they cause similar reactions and are found in similar foods. If you're allergic to one, you should be tested for the other.

Tree nut allergies are less likely to be outgrown than some other allergies (like milk or egg). However, some people do outgrow them, especially if they were diagnosed as children. Regular testing with an allergist can help determine if your allergy has changed. Never try to "test" this yourself — always do it under medical supervision.

A mild allergy might cause hives, itching, or mild swelling. A severe allergy can cause anaphylaxis — a life-threatening reaction that affects breathing, blood pressure, and can lead to loss of consciousness. Reactions can be unpredictable: a "mild" allergy can become severe with the next exposure. That's why it's important to always carry your auto-injector, even if you've only had mild reactions before.

This depends on your specific allergy profile. Some people are only allergic to one type of nut (e.g., just almonds), while others are allergic to all tree nuts. Cross-reactivity is common, so many allergists recommend avoiding all tree nuts unless you've been specifically tested and cleared for individual types. Always follow your allergist's advice on this.

It means the product doesn't intentionally contain nuts, but it's made in a facility that also handles nuts. There's a risk of cross-contamination during manufacturing. Whether you avoid these products is a personal risk decision. Many people with severe allergies avoid all "may contain" products to be safe.

"Free-from" products should be safe, but always check the label yourself. Some "free-from" products may still have "may contain" warnings if they're made in shared facilities. The safest products are those made in dedicated nut-free facilities — look for this on the packaging or contact the manufacturer to confirm.

This is similar to "may contain" warnings. It's a personal risk decision. Some people with severe allergies avoid these products entirely. Others are comfortable with certain brands they trust. If you're unsure, contact the manufacturer to ask about their cleaning procedures and risk management.

If you have symptoms, use your auto-injector immediately and call 999. Don't wait to see if symptoms get worse. Even if symptoms seem mild at first, they can escalate quickly. If you're unsure whether to use your auto-injector, use it — it's better to use it unnecessarily than to wait too long.

Yes. Some spirits (like Bombay Sapphire gin) are filtered through almond shells. Many wines use isinglass (a fish-derived fining agent). Pet food can contain peanut butter or lupin — handling it can leave residue on your hands. Always read labels carefully and contact manufacturers when in doubt.

Use it immediately if you have difficulty breathing, throat tightness, dizziness, widespread hives, or any signs of anaphylaxis. The golden rule: if you're unsure whether to use it, use it. Adrenaline is safe to use, and the risk of not using it when needed is far greater than using it when you might not need it.

Yes, always. Even if you feel better after using your auto-injector, you need to go to hospital. You could have a biphasic reaction (a second wave of symptoms) hours later. Hospital staff will monitor you and can give you additional treatment if needed.

Check it monthly and set a reminder on your phone. Replace it before it expires — don't wait until the last day. Expired auto-injectors may not work properly, and you need them to be reliable in an emergency.

They're all adrenaline auto-injectors, just made by different manufacturers. They all do the same thing — deliver a dose of adrenaline in an emergency. The main differences are in the design and how you activate them. Your GP or allergist will prescribe one, and it's important to practice with the training device so you know how to use it.

Be direct and clear. Say something like: "I have a severe nut allergy. I need to avoid all nuts and any risk of cross-contamination. Can you check with the chef which dishes are genuinely safe for me?" Don't be apologetic — this is a medical necessity, not a preference. If staff seem dismissive or unsure, it's okay to leave.

Thai, Indian, Middle Eastern, and some Chinese cuisines often use nuts extensively. However, any restaurant can be risky if they don't have proper procedures. The key is how well-trained the staff are and how seriously they take allergies, not just the cuisine type.

It can help, especially for busy restaurants or special occasions. Calling ahead lets you gauge how seriously they take allergies. If they're dismissive on the phone, they'll likely be dismissive in person. However, always confirm again when you arrive, as kitchen procedures can change.

Thank them for their honesty and go elsewhere. A restaurant that can't guarantee safety isn't safe for you. It's better to find somewhere else than to risk a reaction. There are plenty of restaurants that take allergies seriously — find those instead.

No. I'm someone with 30+ years of lived experience with severe nut allergies. I'm not a doctor, allergist, or medical professional. Always consult your GP or allergist for medical advice. This site shares practical strategies based on experience, not medical expertise.

No. If I recommend a product or service, it's because I genuinely think it's useful, not because I'm being paid. I maintain editorial independence so you can trust that my recommendations are honest.

Absolutely. Head to the contact page with questions, topic suggestions, or feedback. If I don't know the answer, I'll point you to someone who does.

Yes — I offer menu testing services to help restaurants serve customers with nut allergies safely. See the contact page to discuss how I can help your business.