A coconut is a tree nut. True or false?

Oh, such a touchy subject for so many, and the answer all depends on who you ask. If it’s the U.S. FDA, the answer is… TRUE.

However, if you ask most parents and physicians in the food allergy community, it’s NOT true as far as they are concerned.

In 2006, the FDA labeled the coconut as a tree nut, since both can be classified as a one-seeded fruit. Technically (or botanically) speaking, a coconut is actually a drupe – a fleshy fruit that surrounds a shell which contains the seed.

Does it matter? Unfortunately for folks and families struggling with nut allergies, it sure does. It has caused a lot of confusion, considering that for people who are allergic to tree nuts, coconut does NOT commonly cause an allergic reaction… As a matter of fact, coconut is an AMAZING alternative for baking, drinking and more to the real offenders (e.g., walnuts, cashews, etc.).

To make matters even more confusing, if you see a “contains tree nuts” warning on a label, you’re going to rush to place the item back on the shelf without reading further, while the “allergen” it contains may actually just be coconut… again, a healthy, wonderful alternative to the “real” offenders.

Bottom line, if your child has a nut allergy, it’s a good idea to speak with his or her allergist to make sure coconut is safe. Because, as with any food allergy, there’s always a possibility they could have both – a tree nut allergy and a coconut allergy.

Hope this helped clarify this pesky and nutty subject. : )

Iris

P.S. Want to know the in’s and out’s of your child’s nut allergy? Sign up for my newsletter, and I’ll keep you on your toes!