Hidden Holiday Food Allergens
This information has been reviewed and approved by BJ Lanser, MD (November 2024).
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Summary: Hidden Holiday Food Allergens
Holidays that revolve around food can truly be extra challenging for families raising children with food allergies. Here are some common allergens found in traditional family meals.
- Holiday cookies: wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, eggs
- Self-basting turkey: soy, wheat, dairy
- Green bean casserole: dairy, wheat, tree nuts
- Sauces and salad dressings: fish, shellfish, eggs, dairy, seeds
- Vegan or "dairy-free" spreads, dips, and dressings: tree nuts, legumes, soy
- Sweet Potato Casserole: dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs
- Pies: dairy, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs
7 Tips to Prevent Food Allergy Worries
- Tell the host about food allergies in advance
- Offer to bring an allergen-safe dish
- Offer to show recipes to guests who have food allergies
- Keep food packaging for guests to review
- Avoid cross-contamination during food preparation and serving
- Everyone should always wash their hands with soap and water before and after meals
- Have your epinephrine auto-injector with you at all times, and remember…”No epi, no eating!”