Creative and Tasty Substitutes for Peanut Butter

Cream Cheese

This is not for the dairy-allergic, of course, but cream cheese has several virtues as a sandwich spread. It’s got a thick, spreadable texture; it acts as a moisture barrier to keep the bread from getting soggy, and it comes in flavors from fruit (to go with jelly) to chopped vegetable (to go with cold cuts).

Guacamole

Guacamole is hearty enough to stand on its own as a sandwich topping. It goes especially well in pitas and tortillas and makes a nice counterpart to chicken. And the rich green color may appeal to an adventurous child.

Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce

Many families buy cranberry sauce once a year at Thanksgiving. But it’s a lovely counterpart to turkey or chicken sandwiches throughout the school year. Consider adding mayonnaise to your turkey-and-cranberry sandwiches to keep the bread from getting soggy.

Hummus

Hummus, a Middle Eastern appetizer that’s become quite popular in the United States, is a great, healthy choice for sandwiches (and dips, too). You can buy this sesame-chickpea spread at the deli counter of many supermarkets, or find recipes online to make your own. High in protein, it’s especially good for vegetarian families.

People who are allergic to peanuts may also be sensitive to sesame, so proceed with caution. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider if you have questions.

Vegetable Purees

Many kids who won’t eat vegetables when they look like, well, vegetables will eat them if they’re cleverly disguised. Vegetable purees, like red pepper puree, are colorful and tasty, betraying a little hint of their healthful origins. These purees make excellent sandwich spreads, though you’ll want to add a moisture barrier like cream cheese, butter, or oil to prevent soggy bread, especially if you’re packing lunch to eat later.

Salad Dressing

Salad dressings are a potential source of hidden allergens, so do check labels closely. But your child’s favorite dressing might be delicious on a sandwich. Try blue cheese, ranch, or Thousand Island dressing.

Bean Dips

Like hummus, Mexican-inspired bean dips make hearty sandwich spreads. Serve them with Colby-Jack or Asadero cheese and some salsa.

Soy and Sunflower Butters

Two items specifically created for kids with peanut allergies (or who might be attending peanut-free schools) are “soy nut” butter and sunflower seed butter. You’ll find these in the health or specialty food aisle of your grocery store, at specialty retailers like Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s, or at health food stores. Both are peanut- and tree nut-free, although soy nut butter is obviously not safe for children with soy allergies.

Other Nut Butters

This may be a risky alternative, as some children who are allergic to peanuts are allergic to tree nuts as well. However, if your child has been tested and is definitely allergic to only peanuts and not to tree nuts, alternative nut butters will be the nearest experience to peanut butter you can get. Almond butter, cashew butter, and hazelnut butter are relatively widely available. Talk to your allergist or dietitian if you have any concerns about the suitability of tree nut butters for your child's diet.

CAUTION: If you’re avoiding peanut butter because your child’s school has a “no peanuts” policy, be aware that substituting other nut butters may not be allowed, either.