Originally published on March 14, 2021; Updated and republished on November 12, 2021.
Peaches are nutritious fruits filled with nutrients. Peach skins are known for their fuzzy peel. They are commonly eaten fresh or used as an ingredient when baking pies and cobblers.
However, have you ever suspected that you are sensitive or allergic to peaches? This in-depth guide will help you identify peach allergy symptoms and reactions and what foods to avoid cross reactivity.
Peach Food Family
Peaches are part of the Rosaceae Food Family. These sweet fruits are known for their fuzzy skin and white, yellow, or red flesh. Peaches are known as stone fruits and pitted fruits because of their botanical classification as a drupe. Drupes are fleshy fruit that contains a single seed.
If you are allergic or sensitive peaches, you may need to avoid other foods that belong to the Rosaceae family. The following foods are part of the Rosaceae Family:
- Almonds
- Apples
- Apricots
- Blackberries
- Cherries
- Pears
- Plums
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
Peach Cross Reactivitiy
Peaches are part of the Prunoideae or plum subfamily of the Rosaceae Family. The botanical name of peach is Prunus persica.
People who can not eat peaches may be especially sensitive to foods from the same botanical sub family of Prunoideae:
- Apricot
- Plum
- Cherry
Peaches and Pollen Fruit Syndrome – Oral Allergy Syndrome
Cross reactive pollen in foods and plants may cause oral allergy syndrome (OAS), also known as pollen fruit syndrome. Another name for this is pollen food allergy syndrome. These cross reactions by the immune system can be challenge to identify.
Peaches are associated with oral allergy syndrome and related reactions among rosaceae foods as well a foods from other food families. With OAS, fresh peaches may cause mouth itching and other symptoms.
Mugwort Allergy and Peaches
Peach Allergy is associated with Hypersensitivity to Mugwort.
Mugwort Allergy is associated with Oral Allergy Syndrome reactions to the following foods:
- Apple
- Banana
- Cherry
- Citrus
- Hazelnut
- Peach
- Peanut
- Persimmon
- Pineapple
- Tomato
- Watermelon
- Zucchini
Birch Pollen Allergy and Peaches
Cross reactions to peaches are also associated with Birch Tree pollen allergy. Foods associated with peach and birch pollen include:
- Apple
- Apricot
- Banana
- Carrot
- Celery
- Cherry
- Grape
- Kiwi
- Mango
- Melon
- Nuts, including hazelnut
- Peach
- Pear
- Persimmon
- Plum
- Strawberry
- Tomato
- Watermelon
Grass Pollen Allergy and Peaches
Hypersensitivity to peach is also associated with grass pollen allergy.
Grass pollen allergy is associated with reactions to the following foods:
- Celery
- Melons
- Orange
- Peach
- Tomato
Some people with oral allergy syndrome can safely eat cooked versions of reactive foods, even if they can’t eat the raw fruit. To learn more, we recommend consulting an allergist so that you can receive very personalized instructions.
Help for Peach Allergy, Peach Sensitivity, and Peach Intolerance
Even though following a Peach Free Diet may be necessary, it may also be annoying and frustrating. But help is available.
In the case of a known or suspected peach allergy, we recommend working with an allergist to ensure an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. A blood test and skin prick test may be needed. It may be helpful to be tested for tree pollen allergies.
Conducting a food challenge under the supervision of an allergist may also be beneficial.
We also recommend working with a Registered Dietitian, Certified Nutrition Specialist, or Certified Leap Therapist to identify which foods are safest and what foods should be avoided. These professionals can also ensure that your diet is as enjoyable and nourishing as possible.
People who have to avoid many fruits and vegetables may need assistance ensuring that their diet is adequate in fiber, micronutrients and antioxidants.
Other Reasons to Avoid Peaches
People avoid peaches for other reasons as well. Some people have an aversion to the taste of peaches or the texture, especially the fuzzy skin.
People on low carbohydrate diets such as keto may avoid or limit the amount of fruits (including peaches) they eat.
Without a proper diagnosis, some people feel that they have a fruit allergy or some other type of food intolerance that prevents them from comfortably eating peaches.
People with fructose intolerance may also have to avoid peaches.
Hidden Sources of Peaches
Peaches are often used as an ingredient in desserts and other dishes. Please exercise caution with the following foods:
- Baked Goods
- Cereals
- Cobblers
- Cookies
- Dried Fruits
- Fruit Cups / Mixed Fruit
- Fruit Leather
- Ice Cream
- Jams
- Jellies
- Juices
- Pie
- Pureed Fruits
- Salads
- Smoothies
Peach Allergy and Cross Contamination
Cross contamination is a risk for people with food allergies. Cross contamination can occur on farms, in processing, in manufacturing, as well as in homes, restaurants, and food service settings like hospitals and schools.
If you can not eat peaches, be cautious of foods that are prepared near peaches. Some examples may include salad bars and bakeries. Practicing good food hygiene may help prevent the risk of cross contamination.
Common Forms of Peaches
Peaches are commonly found as fresh fruit, canned fruit, in fruit juice blends, in fruit cocktails and in baked goods such as peach pie and peach cobbler. Peach may also be found in salsa, salads, sauces, and savory dishes.
Symptoms
Allergic reactions to peaches are likely to be similar to reactions to other food allergens.
Common Food Allergy Signs and Symptoms
Common food allergy signs and symptoms include the following. Reactions may include one or many reactions, and severity may vary based on factors such as the amount eaten and other factors.
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Eczema
- Fainting
- Hives
- Itching
- Itching in the mouth
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea
- Nasal congestion
- Swelling of any body part
- Swelling of the face
- Swelling of the lips
- Swelling of the tongue and throat
- Tingling in the mouth
- Trouble breathing
- Vomiting
- Wheezing
Anaphylaxis Signs and Symptoms
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction. This severe allergic reaction can be caused by food allergy or other allergies.
Signs and Symptoms of Anaphylaxis include:
- Constriction of the airway
- Difficulty breathing
- Dizziness
- Fast pulse
- Lightheadedness
- Loss of consciousness
- Sensation of a lump in the throat
- Drop in blood pressure
- Shock including a drastic drop in blood pressure
- Swollen throat
- Tightening of the airway
Alternatives to Peaches
The following fruits may be good alternatives to Peaches:
- Coconut
- Cranberry
- Dates
- Grapefruit
- Lemon
- Lime
- Papaya
- Pineapple
Alternative Sources of Vitamin C
Peaches contain vitamin C, but there are alternatives that you can enjoy.
Listed below are some alternatives:
- Bell Peppers
- Broccoli
- Brussel sprouts
- Potatoes
Final Thoughts
The best cure is prevention, but it is also good to know how to treat adverse food reactions.
Working with an Allergist, Registered Dietitian, Certified Nutrition Specialist or Certified Leap Therapist can help you plan a safe and nourishing diet.
This article is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.
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