Keeping up with Updated Cans and Cannots

     It can be extremely time consuming to follow up with manufacturers to see if your child can partake in their product. He probably have eating it many times before. So, why check...right? Well, that certainly is not the attitude to have. I had that very same attitude. However, in my research, I stumbled upon articles that mentioned that some children have had reactions to snacks they have eaten all their lives. Learning this fact has, definitely, created a cloud of anxiety over my head. I can imagine how you feel.

     To set me on my path, I  created a list of  snacks that my son loved to eat. I knew that some other moms have already researched manufacturers on similar products that you may use. Rather than just take the advice of a mom who had been on the same path before me, I decided that I have to also do my own leg work. That is the reason behind the disclaimer. Just because one mom found some useful information for her child doesn't mean it applies to all children.

     I jotted down the names of the manufacturers. I noticed that between my trying to be frugal and paying attention to my child's health was playing tug of war. I had to ask myself what was important. If I paid close attention to my child's health, it meant that most snacks had to come from the popular snack moguls; such as Kellogg's, Town House, Nabisco, etc.  Also, buying from the Dollar Tree, Aldi, and Sav-a-lot, I discovered some of our most staple snacks claimed to have been produced in a facility that may have contained traces of peanuts and tree nuts. I am not saying to not shop at these stores. I am not saying that these stores are not safe for people who do not have allergies. In fact, they have awesome deals on meats and other items. My main concern is for people who have to be extra careful with products that may cause a reaction in those who cannot be near or consume one or more of the top 8 allergens. Some of those products are sold there. I realized that I cannot shop there for the snack portion of my grocery list.

     I had to leave the bargain stores selection of goodies. I  had to go back to the large grocery chain stores, like Stop and Shop or Shaw's to get the  name brand products. And nooooo, it doesn't mean that you always need name brand products. It just means that in our research so far, the products that my son is highlighting happens to be products from name brand and are sold at stores that are nearby. Not much of a problem so far. However, I am still on the path finding gourmet products. In going to stores like Stop and Shop, I find that the prices did go up, substantially. I guess I just have to start watching coupon shows to get on top of my game. You can find a bargain here and there. That's altogether a whole other blog advice in which I have no expertise. Lol. I will get back to you on that if and when I save a ton on snacks using them.

     What I totally recommend is signing up with Snacksafely.com  to get your updated approved snack list for tree nut allergy folks. It helps with creating a snack list you and your child can use to determine which snacks your child can prepare for school. What I normal do is print out the list and hand it to him. He would then highlight the snacks he would love to have. I create a list in my smart phone. So, the next time I'm in the market I can pull it up on my phone rather then carry the rather large list with me. Go check it out....the most recent update to the snack list is ready as of Aug 21, 2015.

Until later, Catherine Ratliff (Tree Nutty Mom)