Do pine nuts count as nuts?

[SoupMode]

DS is starting primary tomorrow, he will be taking packed lunches and we've been told the school is nut free.

I wasn't sure if pine nuts (as in pesto) counted as nuts so googled and I'm no clearer. Apparently they're a seed not a nut, but some websites say they count under nuts WRT nut allergies and some say they don't!

Anyone have any idea?

[dementedpixie]

Are they peanut free or all is is all nuts? Peanuts are ground nuts whereas other nuts are tree nuts. I'd clarify with the school itself tbh

[user789653241]

If it's nut free school, I would consider that include any kind of nuts.
But I am not 100% sure. Better check with your school.

[YogaDrone]

I had a debate with my son's "nut free" school about pine nuts in packed lunches as DS loves pesto pasta salad. They agreed it wouldn't be a problem as neither of the nut allergy children are affected by pine nuts although one reacts to sesame seeds/oil so the official school stance is no nuts or seeds.

As dementedpixie says, best to check with the school.

I hope your son enjoys reception OP

[SoupMode]

I think it's all nuts as nutella (hazelnuts) is banned too. Not sure where they stand on seeds, I'll have to ask.

It's difficult because DS doesn't eat meat, eggs or cheese so peanut butter and pesto pasta are staples for him. Looks like I'm sending him in with butter sandwiches tomorrow until I can ask about pine nuts!

[UnaOfStormhold]

If pine nuts aren't allowed you could make a big batch of homemade pesto without the pinenuts (there are lots of recipes uf you Google) and freeze in ice cube trays - then it's really simple to melt into hot pasta. Not quite as nice as the real thing but may save your lunches?

[Zodlebud]

I witnessed a severe allergic reaction to pesto last year. It is most definitely a nut and should not be taken into a nut free environment.

[dementedpixie]

It's not a technically a nut but you can still have a reaction to it. It depends if the school specifies seeds and nuts or just nuts and which types

[ForgivenessIsDivine]

It's a seed and not a nut but not uncommon for people to be allergic to both. DS is allergic to peanuts and sesame, DD is allergic to pecans and pine nuts.

[applesauce1]

Peanuts are technically not nuts either but can cause fatal allergic reactions.
My friend has a nut allergy and she has been to hospital as a result of a pine nut pesto being served in a restaurant (despite asking for them not to put any on the dish!).

[TheDropBear]

Not sure about the pine nuts but cheaper pesto often has cashews in instead of pine nuts so even if pine nuts are ok check the ingredients to be safe.

[Justabouthadituptohere]

As PP even more expensive pesto seems to have cashew rather than pine nuts nowadays

[CountFosco]

I'd ask, a lot of schools are 'nut free' as standard whatever the status of their pupils. If there is a pupil with a life-endangering allergy they should be absolutely on the ball about what is acceptable.

[slowrun]

Could you make some of your own pesto without any pine nuts in?

Alternatively are there any vegetarian pates he will eat, such as mushroom pate?

Or make a pasta salad, just adding basil, garlic and olive oil instead of pesto. Just thought, is he ok with the Parmesan which is usually in pesto?

[slowrun]

If he just does not like cheese flavour would he like mild cheeses such as haloumi (sp?) or mozzarella?

[grasspigeons]

I was going to say a lot of pesto has cashews in

[TrickyKid]

Please check with the school. My son has a severe (anaphylaxis) allergy to pine nuts. They will need to check what allergies the kids have but they would've probably stated no pine nuts on any info they give out if they have a child allergic to them. We were told is a rare allergy do you'll probably be fine.

[Ta1kinpeace]

Peanuts are a legume - related to peas
Pine nuts are a conifer seed - not related to any other common food
Tree nuts are not related to either

Nut bans are utterly surreal in their lack of understanding of chemistry and biology

[Fozzleyplum]

Pesto can be contaminated with other nuts, especially walnuts, as some manufacturers use the same line (chopping machines etc) for different products. DS is very allergic to walnuts and hazelnuts, and tested negative to pine nuts, but his worst reaction to date was after eating pesto which officially contained nothing to which he is allergic.

[SoupMode]

Thanks for suggestions, I will check with school but it looks like pesto is likely to be off the menu for packed lunches especially if like you say they often have nuts like cashews in.

He has autism and a very restrictive diet so unlikely to eat homemade pesto unless it's is indistinguishable from the one he's used to, and won't eat any of your other suggestions either. He can have butter sandwiches every day until he decides he wants to eat something new!

[Ta1kinpeace]

Does he like hummus ?
Just that then he'll get a big hit of calories to last him the day ?

[ScottishDiblet]

Hi yes pine nuts are a serious allergen and if it’s a nut free school that will include pine nuts I’m afraid. I’m sorry this complicates things for you OP. Some allergies don’t follow a pattern it doesn’t matter if you’re allergic to all nuts and pine nuts aren’t technically a nut - the allergy is just as bad to them too.

[SoupMode]

No he likes practically nothing.

When it comes to protein sources he eats baked beans, peanut butter, peas and pesto. And yogurt and fromage frais.

Although there is protein in bread and other stuff too, just in small amounts.

He can always have peanut butter for breakfast and pesto for dinner so it's not the end of the world.

[dementedpixie]

Ds had jam sometimes in his sandwich. What about chocolate spread (minus hazelnuts)

[hp2]

Check the pesto ( if not home made) a lot of shop bought ones contain cashew nuts.

[megletthesecond]

You need to check with the school. DS has an epi-pen for pine nuts. His other nut allergies have calmed down though.