Behind The Label

I LOVE Thanksgiving food. From the turkey, to stuffing, to apple pie, and to even my famous Zucchini Muffins. However, with allergies, you must always be aware. So, leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday, here are some recommendations of the top ingredients to double-check and the safest swaps to keep your holiday delicious and allergy-friendly.

1. Pies & Desserts
Watch out for: Pecan pie, mixed nut toppings on desserts such as apple crumble or coffee cake, potential almond flour crusts, and any bakery items processed with nuts.

Swap Options:

• Pumpkin pie using a nut-free crust
• Apple crisp with oat topping (no almond meal)
• Nut-free chocolate chip cookies or brownies
• Store-bought nut-free pie dough

2. Stuffing
Watch out for: Any Bread from facilities with nuts or containing nuts, stuffing mixes containing pecans or walnut pieces.

Swap Options:

• Homemade bread cubes from a safe nut-free loaf
• Comfirmed Nut-free packaged stuffing mix
• Potential add ins like celery, sausage, apples, or herbs instead of nuts

3. Salads & Veggie Dishes
Watch out for: Nut vinegarette dressings, candied pecans, walnut crumbles, and almond slivers.

Swap Options:

• Crunchy toppings like roasted chickpeas or toasted pumpkin seeds
• simple dressings such as oil and vinegar instead of an unknown almond cranberry vinaigrette

4. Sweet Potato Dishes
Watch out for: Almond streusel toppings.

Swap Options:

• Marshmallows
• A brown sugar and cinnamon oat crumble

5. Turkey & Ham
Watch out for: Brines or glazes containing “natural flavors,” nut-based oils, or factory cross-contact with nuts.

Swap Options:

• A simple herb butter rub
• Maple or brown sugar glaze made at home with safe ingredients
• An easy water and kosher salt brine solution

6. Rolls & Breads
Watch out for: Breads containing almond flour, specialty nut breads such as cinamon walnut, pesto spreads with pine nuts, or any cross-contamination at bakeries.

Swap Options:

• Confirmed nut-free dinner rolls
• Nut free Cornbread
• Butter, olive oil, and herb spreads

7. Hidden Nut Contaminated Foods

Watch out for: Any possible spice blends, chocolates, specialty sauces, Bakery items like muffins, and granola toppings that might contain nuts.

Ultimately, a nut-free Thanksgiving is 100% possible. It just takes smart swaps and a little ingredient awareness. As always, remember to stay safe and have a Happy Thanksgiving!!