At Nanuki, we believe everyone deserves delicious and healthy snacks, regardless of dietary restrictions. That's why we prioritise transparency and allergen awareness in everything we do. But navigating food allergies and sensitivities can be confusing. Fear not, fellow snackers! This post aims to empower you with knowledge so you can make informed choices about what goes into your body.
Allergies vs. Sensitivities: What's the Difference?
While both allergies and sensitivities can cause unpleasant reactions to food, they have distinct characteristics:
- Food Allergies: Trigger an immune system response, which can be mild (rash, itching) or severe (anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction). Symptoms typically appear quickly (within minutes or hours) after consuming the allergen.
- Food Sensitivities: Don't involve the immune system. Reactions tend to be less severe (bloating, headaches, fatigue) and may take hours or even days to manifest.
Common Food Allergies and Sensitivities:
Understanding common allergens can help you make informed choices:
- Peanuts and Tree Nuts: A leading cause of severe allergies. Even trace amounts can trigger a reaction.
- Soy: Can cause allergic reactions and is a common sensitivity.
- Gluten: Triggers celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder, and can also cause gluten sensitivity.
- Dairy: Lactose intolerance, a sensitivity to milk sugar, is quite common.
Label Reading Like a Pro:
Food labels are your best friend when managing allergies and sensitivities. Here's how to decipher them:
- "Contains" Statement: This indicates the presence of the top eight allergens (milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish) and must be clearly labeled.
- "May Contain" Statement: While not mandatory, manufacturers may use this to warn of potential allergens due to shared production lines.
Reliable Resources:
- Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN): https://cdc.thehcn.net/promisepractice/index/view?pid=4175
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA): https://inspection.canada.ca/en (For Canadian readers)
Snacking with Confidence at Nanuki
We understand the importance of clear labelling and allergen awareness. Nanuki snacks are meticulously produced in dedicated allergen-free facilities and clearly labeled to ensure your safety.
Looking for a delicious and safe snack?
- Craving Nut butter? Our Nut-Free Sunflower Seed Butter is a great, healthy and sustainable alternative.
- Need a Nut-Free Energy Boost? Our Boom Bars are packed with delicious seeds, wholesome grains and low GI sweeteners.
- Need a Gluten-free cookie? Look no further than our Kuki's and Nookies.
- Want to do some allergen free baking? Our pantry staples are allergen free and safe for home baking, snacking and cooking.
At Nanuki, we're committed to providing delicious, healthy food for everyone. By understanding food allergies and sensitivities, and choosing snacks and ingredients with clear labels, you can enjoy worry-free snacking and fuel your day with confidence!