Shopping for Peanut Free Snacks

One thing that peanut allergies rob you is the ability to be spontaneous in terms of food choices. If you are not going to be eating at home, there is no room for, “We'll just eat what they have wherever we are going.” For me, this was one of the most daunting parts of Tyler’s peanut allergy when he was first diagnosed. Now that I have two and a half years under my belt, I’ve learned how to always be prepared.

No matter where we are going, I almost never trust sweets (cookies, cakes, candy, etc) unless myself or a trusted relative has baked them. That’s where a trip to Sam’s Wholesale comes in handy. I go there and buy several big boxes of individually wrapped treats that I know are safe. I send several of them to church with my husband, a pastor. This prevents me from freaking out over unexpected potlucks or spontaneous dinner invites. I also keep several packages in both cars for other unexpected food issues. The extras are just stored in our basement storage room for other planned outings.

It’s very hard to explain to a three year old why everyone else is eating cookies and he can’t have any. That’s why I always try to be prepared so there are no tears. While he may not be able to have what everyone else is eating, he is overjoyed by the treats he does get. I try not to let him eat these around the house too much so they really are “treats” for him.

Here’s what a recent shopping trip yielded:



(As a bonus all three of these also happen to be milk and egg free, too!!)

While spontaneity may not be a big part of our life anymore, having special treats within arms reach that I know my little guy can eat brings me a big peace of mind. That is more valuable to this PA mom than anything money can buy.