Well Fed Network

Posted by Alisa Fleming on Kids Cuisine.

When I was a child, I didn’t know anyone with a life-threatening food allergy. Times certainly have changed. Severe food allergies are emerging at such rates that many schools are now implementing policies specifically to handle them. One of these is the ubiquitous “peanut-free policy.” Though there are a variety of foods that one can be allergic to, historically, peanuts do have a reputation for being the most hazardous. Therefore, in some schools, the PB & J has been banned, or at the very least quarantined.

Luckily, there are some fantastic allergy-friendly foods that all kids can enjoy together. In fact, in my pursuit for dairy-free products, I have come across quite a few “safe” companies. Though one has crossed my radar so many times in the past year that I felt it warranted further investigation. I obtained a package of the new nut-free trail mix from Nonuttin’ Foods to begin my research.

The trail mix had not a speck of tree nuts, peanuts, dairy, eggs, or wheat/gluten, but it was pretty darn tasty. It gave me a sneak preview of their cherry chips (positively addictive) and had that sweet, salty, crunchy, chewy vibe all rolled up in one package. I was also impressed with the packed full one-pound bag.

Nonuttin’ Foods was founded in 2002 by the Elliott family, in honor of their peanut allergic child. Their first product line included three granola bar flavors, each free of peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, and dairy. For these, they have received countless orders throughout North America.

Noting the strong demand, Nonuttin’ has continued to expand their product line at a record pace, while improving their already high quality ingredients.

In November of 2006, cherry fruit chips, sulfite-free dried apples, mini semi-sweet chocolate chips, 70% dark chocolate chunks, and vanilla cinnamon granola clusters were added to the roster.

In February of 2007 two nut/peanut-free trail mixes, Energy Explosion and Hiker’s Delight (one with raisins and one without) expanded the Nonuttin’ product line further. I believe I sampled the Energy Explosion.

As if these additions weren’t enough, in late April Nonuttin’ made another big move. They implemented new gluten-free formulas, and became the first company to begin using pure, gluten-tested oats and oat bran in granola products. The Nonuttin’ facility is now completely wheat and gluten-free. This is a definite plus for the growing number of little ones who now live with Celiac Disease.

The switch to new formulas for all of their original granola bars and vanilla cinnamon granola clusters also marked the introduction of GMO-free ingredients and the ability to meet “all natural” requirements.

With their processes and ingredients in order, and the first annual “Food Allergy Awareness Week” in full swing, the Elliott family felt it was appropriate to release one more product in honor of the occasion. This week, a new flavor of Nonuttin’ granola bars was launched, double chocolate chunk with 70% dark chocolate chunks and organic free trade cocoa. I am hoping to get my hands on this one soon!