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Tasty Substitutions for Peanut Butter - A Childhood Food Staple

A peanut butter and jelly sandwich is a traditional childhood staple and adults eat them as comfort food. However, it isn't much of a comfort when you have a peanut food allergy! Allergic reactions range from mild itching and stomach upset to life-threatening anaphylactic shock. While peanut butter may be a mainstay overall, you will have to find some spreadable sandwich alternatives to satisfy your appetite. Here are a few ideas:

1. Spreadable butters made from tree nuts - Almonds, hazelnut and cashews are just a few of the tree nuts that have been blended to make a spreadable alternative to peanut butter. However, you must proceed with caution. Many people who have peanut allergies also have allergic reactions to tree nuts. Therefore, only after careful allergy testing which rules out allergies to tree nuts can you try them. You can find these in health food stores as well as mainstream grocery markets.

2. Sunflower or soy butters - For a truly peanut and nut-free alternative, spreadable butter made from sunflower seeds and soy nuts are a great choice. You can find them in regular grocery stores these days as well as health food stores. Please note however that if you have an allergic reaction to soy products, you cannot consume the soy nut butter.

3. Salad dressings - If peanuts are the only food allergy you have, you may be able to use salad dressings for the spreadable part of your sandwich. Ranch and Caesar flavors are popular. However, be sure to check the food labels to ensure that no nuts or nut oils are used.

4. Spreadable chickpeas aka hummus - This suddenly hip dip for crackers and vegetables also makes for a great spread on bread when building a sandwich. It is made from ground chickpeas along with a few spices for taste. There are several flavors to choose from including roasted red pepper, garlic and herb and more. When choosing a flavored option, check the ingredients list to ensure that no food allergens are included that would preclude you from eating it.

5. Pimento cheese - This spreadable cheese spread is a southern tradition for sandwiches and crackers. Cheese, pimento, mayonnaise and a variety of spices make up this tasty treat and can be a great addition to any sandwich.

6. Cream cheese - There are spreadable versions of cream cheese that would perk up any sandwich. Best of all, you can even spread it with jelly too. If peanuts are your only allergy and you can handle dairy then cream cheese is a winner for sandwiches. If you choose flavored options, be sure to check the ingredient label to ensure no peanuts or nut oils is present.

7. Go Mexican with guacamole or bean dip - Tortilla roll-ups and pita bread can handle bean dip and guacamole if you want something flavorful. Mix a little salsa in them or sprinkle chili seasoning for a kick. These two flavors taste especially good with leftover chicken and pork cut up for sandwiches.

All in all, there are a variety of alternatives to choose from when you cannot indulge in peanut butter sandwiches. Exercise your right to experiment and you will likely find a new favorite sandwich.