Coconut Is No Longer a Tree Nut Allergen

Tree nuts are one of the most common food allergies for children and adults, causing a variety of symptoms that range from mild to severe. In 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released updated guidance regarding allergen labeling on food products, in which many tree nuts, including coconut, were removed from the mandatory declaration list. Individuals with a tree nut allergy must stay informed with this change and understand what information to look for on a food label.

What is a food allergy vs. sensitivity?

A food sensitivity is when your body has a hard time digesting a particular food. It may involve an upset stomach, but it is not life-threatening. A food allergy is an immune-system reaction and can be life-threatening (anaphylaxis). It can involve multiple organ systems and various degrees of symptoms. Mild symptoms may include itchiness of the nose, mouth or skin; runny nose; minor rash; or mild nausea or upset stomach. Severe symptoms can include difficulty breathing or persistent cough; swelling of the tongue or lips; widespread hives or redness of skin; pale or blue skin; faintness, weak pulse or dizziness; recurring vomiting or diarrhea; or anxiety, confusion or feeling of dread.

When it comes to food allergies, mild reactions are classified as having symptoms that affect one area of the body; severe reactions are classified as any of the previously mentioned severe symptoms or a reaction that impacts more than one area of the body, even if the symptoms are mild.

What is a tree nut vs. a fruit?

According to the FDA’s recent allergen labeling guidance, there is no universally accepted botanical definition of a tree nut. Many sources use broad terms (including ‘fruit’) to describe what we understand to be a tree nut, whereas other sources further define a tree nut as a one-seeded fruit that does not open and release seeds once ripe. Coconut is a fruit with a hard shell, known as a one-seeded drupe — which many botanists would argue is not a true tree nut.

What is the prevalence and severity of coconut allergies in the U.S.?

A study published in 2023 indicates that about 1 in 260 Americans could have a coconut allergy, but less than half of these people have a confirmed diagnosis from a physician. The study also suggests that coconut allergy symptoms could be less severe than other major allergens, though more research is needed.

How is coconut labeled on a food product?

The “Top 9” major allergens in the U.S. that require declaration on a food label are milk, wheat, soybean, eggs, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts and sesame. Guidance released in 2025 removed coconut and several other varieties of nuts from the list of tree nuts requiring declaration as an allergen. This includes beech nut, butternut, chestnut, chinquapin, coconut, cola/kola nut, ginkgo nut, hickory nut, palm nut, pili nut, shea nut and lichee nut.

If any of the removed tree nuts are used to make a food product, it is still required to be listed in the ingredient list (i.e. “coconut milk”) but is not required to be included in the allergen declaration (i.e. “Contains: tree nuts”).

The FDA’s updated list of tree nuts that are required to be declared as an allergen include:

1. Almond
2. Black walnut
3. Brazil nut
4. California walnut
5. Cashew
6. Filbert/Hazelnut
7. Heartnut/Japanese Walnut
8. Macadamia Nut/Brush Nut
9. Pecan
10. Pine Nut/Pinon Nut
11. Pistachio
12. Walnut (English, Persian)

Why is this important?

Understanding how to find and interpret food label information is critical for individuals impacted by allergies. Look for information within the ingredient statement (i.e. coconut milk) if you have a coconut allergy.