Peanuts are not the same as tree nuts (such as almonds, cashews, pistachios, walnuts, pecans and more), which grow on trees. (Though approximately 40% of children with tree nut allergies have an allergy to peanut.) ² Peanuts grow underground and are part of a different plant family, the legumes.

Do peanuts count as tree nuts?

Peanuts are part of the legume family and are not considered a tree nut. Some people with a tree nut allergy may be allergic to more than one type of tree nut. While others may only be allergic to one type of tree nut.

Can you eat tree nuts if allergic to peanuts?

And nearly all of the people with allergies to peanuts—which are technically legumes—were able to safely eat tree nuts like almonds, walnuts and Brazil nuts, even though tests had suggested they might be problematic.