For people with tree nut allergies in particular, autumn and the festive season can be a tricky time. Seasonal menus bring unfamiliar recipes and changing ingredients, making it important to check what is in your food or drink and how it is prepared.
A seasonal name does not tell you everything about the ingredients. Ask staff to check the full recipe, including syrups, sauces, plant-based drinks, toppings and garnishes, and discuss any risk of cross-contamination during preparation. Allergen information requirements apply to drinks made to order as well as food.
Declaring your allergy is not always straightforward
It may seem simple to say, “I have a tree nut allergy,” but doing so means trusting that staff will understand your needs and communicate them to whoever prepares your order. That can feel daunting, especially in a busy café or bar.
You are not being difficult by asking questions. A reassuring response should be backed by accurate ingredient information and checks of preparation practices, not guesswork.
Be specific about which nuts you are allergic to. Peanuts and tree nuts are different allergen categories, so explain whether you need to avoid peanuts, particular tree nuts, or both.
You could say:
“I have an allergy to [your allergens]. Could you check whether this drink contains any of them, including in the syrup, toppings and garnish? Could you also check whether there is a risk of cross-contact?”
Before you order
Ask staff to consult the current allergen information rather than relying on memory. Check every component of your order, including optional extras. Do not assume that something you have ordered before will still have the same ingredients.
Cross-contamination happens when an allergen unintentionally gets into another food or drink. Ask about shared equipment, utensils and preparation surfaces, and what steps staff can take to reduce the risk. Removing a topping alone does not address cross-contamination during preparation.
Ask the server to record your allergy and pass it directly to the person preparing your order. A chef card can help communicate your requirements in writing, alongside a conversation.
Before taking a sip or bite, confirm that it is your order and that your allergy requirements were communicated and followed. You might say:
“Just to check, is this the order prepared for someone with an allergy to [your allergens]?”
This offers another opportunity to identify a misunderstanding before you consume anything.
Remember to ask about alcoholic drinks too. Ask bar staff to check ingredients, mixers and garnishes.
If staff cannot provide reliable information, dismiss your concerns or cannot explain preparation risks, you do not have to proceed. A confident “it should be fine” is not a substitute for checking. You can politely explain that you are not comfortable ordering without the information you need.
If you have been prescribed adrenaline, carry two in-date devices and follow your personal Allergy Action Plan. If you suspect anaphylaxis, use your prescribed adrenaline immediately and call 999, stating “anaphylaxis”. Do not stand or walk.
Always tell staff about your allergy, even if they do not ask. However, speaking up does not transfer the business’s responsibilities to you: businesses must provide information about regulated allergens used as ingredients and should manage cross-contamination risks.
At Allergy UK incorporating Anaphylaxis UK, we want all allergies to be taken seriously. Eating and drinking with friends and family should be enjoyable, not an experience in which people feel dismissed or excluded. Listening, checking and communicating clearly can help create a more welcoming environment.