With food allergies on the rise, many people need to avoid nuts in their diet. This means checking labels carefully and looking for cookies and baked goods made in nut-free facilities. The good news is that many manufacturers and bakeries now offer nut-free options.
Why are nut-free cookies important?
Nut allergies are one of the most common food allergies. They can cause severe, life-threatening reactions in some people. Even tiny amounts of nuts can trigger a reaction. For people with nut allergies, it is essential to avoid any products made in facilities that also process nuts. Many companies now specifically make cookies and other baked goods in dedicated nut-free facilities. This prevents any chance of cross-contamination.
What makes a facility nut-free?
For a facility to be truly nut-free, it needs to have strict protocols in place. All surfaces and equipment must be thoroughly cleaned between production runs. Staff need training on allergen control procedures. Ingredients must be sourced from nut-free suppliers. Regular product testing helps ensure there is no accidental contamination. Dedicated nut-free facilities take these steps so people with nut allergies can enjoy tasty cookies and baked treats without worry.
Major Brands of Nut-Free Cookies
Many popular cookie brands now offer nut-free options made in dedicated facilities:
Pepperidge Farm
Pepperidge Farm has a line of cookies and baked goods made in a peanut- and tree nut-free facility in Bloomfield, Connecticut. Some nut-free choices include:
- Pepperidge Farm Distinctively Thin Cookies
- Pepperidge Farm Chessmen Cookies
- Pepperidge Farm Sugar Cookies
- Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Baked Snack Crackers
Keebler
Keebler produces many nut-free cookies and snacks in a dedicated facility in Columbus, Georgia. Some options include:
- Keebler Sandies Shortbread Cookies
- Keebler E.L. Fudge Cookies
- Keebler Chips Deluxe Rainbow Cookies
- Keebler Club Crackers
Little Debbie
Little Debbie makes many classic snack cakes free from peanuts and tree nuts. Their nut-free products are produced in McKee Baking plants in Gentry, Arkansas and Stuarts Draft, Virginia. Some choices include:
- Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pies
- Little Debbie Fudge Rounds
- Little Debbie Zebra Cakes
- Little Debbie Honey Buns
Pillsbury
General Mills produces Pillsbury cookies and baked goods without peanuts or tree nuts on dedicated lines in their plants. Some nut-free options are:
- Pillsbury Ready-to-Bake Cookies
- Pillsbury Slice and Bake Cookies
- Pillsbury Funfetti Cake Mix
- Pillsbury Toaster Strudels
Enjoy Life Foods
Enjoy Life Foods has an entire product line that is free from common allergens like wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, egg, soy, fish, and shellfish. Their cookies and snacks are produced in dedicated allergen-free facilities in Northbrook, Illinois and Schiller Park, Illinois. Some nut-free choices are:
- Enjoy Life Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Enjoy Life Double Chocolate Cookies
- Enjoy Life Crunchy Flurry Baked Snack Bars
- Enjoy Life Soft Baked Cookies
Smaller & Artisan Nut-Free Cookie Brands
In addition to the major brands, many smaller and artisan bakeries now offer nut-free cookies and baked goods. Here are some nut-free options from smaller brands:
Divvies Bakery
New York City’s Divvies Bakery is a dedicated allergy-friendly facility. All their cookies, cakes, and other treats are free of peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, egg, and sesame. Some nut-free choices are:
- Divvies Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Divvies Brownie Bites
- Divvies Blondies
- Divvies Ooey Gooey Crispy Rice Treats
Skeeter Snacks
Skeeter Snacks bakes cookies, bars, and crackers in a peanut- and tree nut-free bakery in Anaheim, California. Some nut-free options include:
- Skeeter Snacks Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Skeeter Snacks Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
- Skeeter Snacks Shortbread Cookies
- Skeeter Snacks Cinnamon Graham Crackers
Gluten Free Cookie Company
The Gluten Free Cookie Company bakes certified gluten-free treats free of peanuts and tree nuts in their Rhode Island facility. Some choices are:
- Gluten Free Cookie Company Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Gluten Free Cookie Company Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
- Gluten Free Cookie Company Brownie Bites
- Gluten Free Cookie Company Blondies
Cookie Dō
Cookie Dō offers certified gluten-free, nut-free cookies and baked goods made in Ashland, Oregon. Options include:
- Cookie Dō Chocolate Chip Sea Salt Cookies
- Cookie Dō Double Chocolate Cookies
- Cookie Dō Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Cookie Dō Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Nut-Free Cookie Options at Mainstream Retailers
Many large grocery store chains now carry nut-free cookies and snacks. Here are some options commonly found at mainstream retailers:
Publix
Publix’s store brand Publix Bakery makes several cookies and snacks free of peanuts and tree nuts, including:
- Publix Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Publix Bakery Sugar Cookies
- Publix Bakery Graham Crackers
- Publix Bakery Brownies
Target
Target’s in-house brands offer nut-free cookies and snacks like:
- Market Pantry Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Market Pantry Oatmeal Cookies
- Market Pantry Sugar Cookies
- Favorite Day Brownie Bites
Trader Joe’s
Product offerings frequently change, but some nut-free Trader Joe’s cookies include:
- Trader Joe’s Joe-Joe’s Chocolate Vanilla Creme Cookies
- Trader Joe’s Crispy Rice Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Trader Joe’s Mini Chocolate Chip Oat Cookies
- Trader Joe’s Brownie Crisps
Whole Foods
Whole Foods’ nut-free options vary by region but may include:
- Whole Foods 365 Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Whole Foods 365 Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
- Whole Foods 365 Shortbread Cookies
- Whole Foods 365 Crunchy Rice Milk Chocolate Bars
Tips for Avoiding Nuts When Buying Cookies
When shopping for nut-free cookies, here are some helpful tips:
- Check labels carefully for allergen statements
- Call manufacturers directly if you have any questions
- Look for cookies made in dedicated nut-free facilities
- Opt for national brands that indicate nut-free status
- Seek out smaller specialty nut-free bakeries
- Ask at bakery counters and websites about nut-free options
- Inquire about policies at your local grocery store bakery
- Consider online mail order nut-free companies
Being proactive and asking questions is key to finding nut-free cookies and baked goods. Many companies are happy to share information and help consumers with nut allergies find safe options.
Making Your Own Nut-Free Cookies at Home
For ultimate peace of mind, consider making nut-free cookies at home. This ensures complete control over the ingredients. Here are some tips:
- Use butter or vegetable shortening instead of peanut oil
- Check flour packages for nut contamination warnings
- Use dark chocolate chips instead of chocolate with nuts
- Swap almond extract for vanilla extract
- Replace any nuts in recipes with seeds like sesame or sunflower
- Opt for oats labeled gluten-free if oat allergy is also a concern
With some simple substitutions, most standard cookie recipes can easily be made nut-free for baking at home.
Conclusion
Avoiding nuts when baking cookies is very possible with planning and careful label reading. Many brands offer nut-free options made in dedicated facilities. Smaller specialty bakeries cater to nut allergies with custom cookies and treats. Large grocery chains also carry nut-free selections. Making cookies at home gives homemade results where all ingredients can be controlled. With all these nut-free cookie options, people with nut allergies can still enjoy the classic taste and fun of cookies.
