Tree nuts

Tree nuts are nuts that grow on trees, such as almonds, walnuts, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans and pistachios. Peanuts are not tree nuts; they are legumes. A tree nut allergy can be severe, and some people react to one nut while others react to many. An allergist can tell you which nuts you need to avoid.

How to use it

The EU and the US list different nuts:

• EU and UK. "Nuts" is one of the 14 allergens, and it means exactly eight: almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, cashews, pecans, Brazil nuts, pistachios and macadamia nuts. The label must name the nut and emphasize it. Other nuts, such as pine nuts and chestnuts, are listed as ingredients but are not part of the allergen group.
• US. Tree nuts are one of the nine major allergens, and the label must name the specific nut. The FDA's list includes nuts the EU does not name, such as pine nuts. In its 2025 guidance the FDA stopped treating coconut as a tree nut.

Coconut, nutmeg and water chestnut are not nuts in the EU sense. Most people with a tree nut allergy can eat them, but ask your allergist before you assume so.

Common mistakes

• Missing nuts in sauces and pastes such as pesto (pine nuts, sometimes cashews or walnuts) and romesco (almonds or hazelnuts).
• Missing almond in marzipan, almond paste (mandelmassa in Swedish), frangipane, macarons and amaretti.
• Forgetting nut flours, nut milks, nut butters, praline, nougat and baklava.
• Missing cashews in vegan cheeses, creamy curries and dairy-free desserts.
• Using nut oils, such as walnut or hazelnut oil, without checking whether they are safe for you.

In recipes

Nuts are often a garnish, so they are easy to leave off when you cook for someone with an allergy: toasted seeds or crisp breadcrumbs give a similar crunch. When nuts are the base of a sauce, cake or pastry, choose a different recipe instead of trying to replace them.

"May contain nuts" statements are voluntary in both the EU and the US. If you have a tree nut allergy, read labels every time you buy, ask in restaurants and bakeries, and talk to your doctor about what to do if you eat nuts by accident.