Buzz
A pivotal 2015 study revealed that introducing small quantities of peanut protein can significantly reduce the likelihood of peanut allergies, cutting the risk by 80% in vulnerable children. While costly peanut powders are available, an affordable alternative is Bamba, a snack priced at just 99 cents.
Bamba is a crunchy, peanut-flavored treat that dissolves effortlessly in your mouth. Think of it as a peanut-based version of Cheez Doodles. This snack is immensely popular in Israel, where it’s a staple for babies, much like Cheerios are in the United States.
While there’s no guaranteed method to prevent peanut allergies, the NIH suggests a three-step strategy to minimize the risk:
High-risk infants (those with severe eczema or egg allergies) should begin consuming peanut products between 4 to 6 months, but only after consulting a doctor, who may advise a skin test beforehand.
Infants with mild to moderate eczema should start eating peanut-containing foods around 6 months of age.
Infants without eczema or food allergies can introduce peanuts at any time.
Parents who remember being advised to delay introducing peanuts to their children should note that this advice is now outdated. (Consult your child’s doctor if you have any concerns.)
In the study demonstrating the benefits of early peanut introduction, researchers used Bamba, served three times a week with meals. As a fan of Trader Joe’s, I’m pleased to share that Bamba is now available there. (Savvy snack enthusiasts have also found it in ethnic grocery stores.)
At just 99 cents, Bamba is a steal—not only because it’s cheaper than Cheez Doodles, which cost two to three times as much, but also because other companies are charging significantly more for peanut powder packets designed for baby food.
HelloPeanut offers peanut packets at $25 per box, amounting to $32 per month for a maintenance dose. (For that price, you could purchase a bag of Bamba daily, share some with your child, and still save money.) SpoonfulOne provides a similar product, blending 16 foods into a fine, allergy-preventing powder, priced at $70 per month on a subscription basis.
Seriously, just go with Bamba.
Update 4/16/2018: We’ve included a section detailing the latest guidelines on when to introduce peanuts. Bamba is an excellent snack option for babies not at high risk of peanut allergies. It’s also a more affordable choice compared to the services highlighted earlier. However, it’s not a substitute for professional treatment for high-risk children.
