Not-so-obvious Nut Ingredient Details
(return to the nut free shopping guide)
Arachis: Arachis is a family of a variety of perennial flowers and other such species. One species is the peanut. Arachis can refer to peanut or refer to peanut oil when used in many processed foods. This is also referenced occasionally as goober, ground nuts, earth nuts, pindar, fabaceae or the Virginia peanut.
Hydrolyzed vegetable protein (MSG, monosodium glutamate, sodium glutamate): MSG, sodium variety of glutamate, is used to give a thicker, meatier taste to foods. Glutamate exists in many products and is not solely isolated to nuts (it can also be derived from dairy products, meat, mushrooms, soy and tomatoes). However, it can be derived from nuts. If you have a nut allergy, you should be cautious since MSG is common in canned, packaged and prepared foods. Also, it can also be included in the general labeling of "natural flavors"-again this is not always derived from soy so call the manufacturer if you aren't certain.
Lecithin: Lecithin is used widely in foods as an emulsifier and lubricant as well as being sold in capsules. In processed foods and as capsules, lecithin is typically derived from either soy or from eggs, but also occasionally from nuts. Among other products, lecithin is common in many snack foods, including candy bars and chocolate products.
Mandelonas: Mandelonas is a peanut coated in almond flavoring. These are often branded as artificial nuts and like most artificial nuts, actually contain nuts.
