Nut-free schools — they're here to stay. And for thousands of parents to kids with serious allergies, that's not just a good thing; it's a lifesaving policy.
According to Food Allergy Research and Education, a nonprofit organization that "works on behalf of the 15 million Americans with food allergies," one in every 13 children is affected by possibly deadly food allergies, which include serious allergies to peanuts and tree nuts. Even being in the vicinity of peanut dust or residue can trigger life-threatening reactions in some children. It's why many schools go nut-free.
Now comes the question: What is your six-year-old going to eat at school if PB&J is off the table?
Some nut butter alternatives look like peanut butter, some have a sweet taste that recalls peanut butter and all of them are just plain delicious. Besides making school a safe place for every kid, it's a chance to expand your own kid's palate and, hey, maybe yours at the same time.
1. Sunflower seed butter
This nut-free alternative is nut butter's natural doppelgänger with a creamy texture and identical appearance. Try different brands to find one sweet enough for your kids' tastes.
2. Chickpea cookie dough spread
A photo posted by Alexandra Bazooka (@alexandrabazooka) on Mar 25, 2015 at 2:45pm PDT
Cookie dough made out of...chickpeas? That's right, and almost any kid will eat cookie dough without thinking twice. Though many recipes use nut butter, try sunflower seed butter in its stead and the results will impress you. Sweet and spreadable with the added fiber and protein of chickpeas — it's sort of a wonder-spread.
3. Date, apple or pumpkin butter
Fruit butters have no actual butter in them but are denser and richer than jam, with added seasonings and sometimes a sweetener like maple syrup. Layer them with salty prosciutto or maple-roasted turkey if you're a budding gourmand who likes a sweet/savory mix.
4. Jazzed-up cream cheese
A photo posted by everything_bagels (@everything_bagels) on Jul 21, 2015 at 4:57am PDT
If your kids are experimental, mix in truffled honey. Or try maple syrup and diced or grated apples. If they like grilled cheese for dinner, maybe they'll go for cream cheese mixed with grated cheddar and crispy, diced bacon bits. Or combine with ranch dressing mix and caramelized onions for a twist on French onion dip.
5. Tahini
A photo posted by mypicturestory (@mypicturestory) on Mar 10, 2015 at 12:11pm PDT
This middle eastern sesame paste is a little earthier than peanut butter but has a similar satisfying texture and nutty taste. Try mixing it with honey at first and layering it with sliced banana. If your kid is super adventurous, slather it on hummus and stuff it in a pita.
6. Cookie butter
A photo posted by @angelyne.rose on Sep 17, 2015 at 9:59am PDT
This is not a hard sell. Layer it on sliced apples or pears and become the coolest parent at the lunch table. And try not to steal your own kid's lunch, please.
7. Whipped honey or maple butter
A photo posted by HYEBIN (@hyebin0824) on Aug 19, 2015 at 12:04am PDT
All the goodness you already love in creamy, thick consistency. Maple butter is especially sweet and delicious on date nut or whole grain bread, with smoked ham. Whipped (also called creamed) honey is a natural partner for sharp, salty cheese or just a good slice of challah.