Peanut-Free Candy Bars for School Fundraising

Why Schools Should Consider Selling Peanut-Free Products

Peanut allergies have become more common over recent decades and are a health concern for many people. According to Food Allergy Research & Education, or FARE, peanut allergy is one of the most common food allergies. Peanuts can cause a severe, potentially fatal allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.

This is why we carry candy bars listed as 100% peanut-free and manufactured in a certified peanut-free facility.

Our candy bar product pages list each lineup's allergen details, and we wrap and label each bar individually with ingredients and allergens. If your school has a specific policy, contact our team before ordering, and we will confirm which products meet your requirements.

Here are some answers to common questions about peanut allergies related to candy bar fundraisers and why we need to become more aware and concerned.

What Is a Peanut Allergy?

A peanut allergy is a severe reaction to ingesting peanuts. Symptoms include stomach pain, swelling in the neck and throat, and possible constriction of the airway, which can be fatal.

• Other Symptoms: Hives, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, wheezing, dizziness, and a drop in blood pressure.
• Anaphylaxis: A severe, sudden reaction that affects several body systems and needs immediate treatment.
• Emergency Response: Epinephrine is the first-line treatment, followed by calling 911, and more than one dose may be needed.
• Small Amounts Matter: FARE notes that a child with a peanut allergy can react if peanut butter gets on their fingers and they rub their eyes.

How Many Children Are Affected?

Allergies to peanuts affect up to 2% of children, according to FARE, and about 6.1 million Americans have a peanut allergy. The percentage of children with peanut allergies rose sharply in recent decades.

Figures change as new surveys are published, so check the sources for the latest numbers.

What Peanut-Free Candy Bar Fundraisers Do We Offer?

Our $1.00 America's Variety bars and our $2.00 Nifty 50 Chocolatiers candy bars, along with our other lineups below, are manufactured in a certified peanut-free facility.

See the $2 gourmet bars, straight caramel bars, Funtastic Collection, $3 gourmet bars, and Premium Collection.

To learn more about chocolate bar fundraisers, see 5 Reasons Schools Love Chocolate Bar Fundraisers.

What About Our Bar With Almonds?

Peanuts are a legume (a nut grown underground), unlike other tree nuts such as almonds or walnuts (grown above ground). Tree nut allergies differ from peanut allergies.

However, some people with a peanut allergy also react to tree nuts. Studies report a wide range, from about 6% to 40%, and FARE reports that about 40% of children with a tree nut allergy also have a peanut allergy. Some children with a peanut allergy can eat other types of nuts, while others are allergic to all nuts. Because the answer differs for each child, families should ask their child's allergist before assuming almonds are safe.

• For a Nut-Free School: Choose flavors without almonds, such as caramel, crispy rice, or milk chocolate, and confirm the ingredients with the team.
• Tell Families: Share the flavor list and say which bars contain almonds.

How Severe Are Peanut Allergies?

Peanut allergies can be fatal, so education is essential.

• Severe Reactions are Common: FARE reports that more than 40% of children with food allergies have had a severe reaction, such as anaphylaxis.
• Treatment Must Be Fast: Give epinephrine within minutes of symptoms, then call 911.
• The Allergy Often Lasts: Only about 20% of children with a peanut allergy outgrow it.

What Are Schools Doing About Peanut Allergies?

Schools around the country designate areas in their cafeterias as 'Peanut Free Zones'. Some schools have even become completely peanut-free by not allowing any peanuts or peanut-containing foods on their property. Schools also educate their teachers, coaches, parents, and anyone involved with students and their activities.

Policies vary by school and district, so confirm yours before you plan a food fundraiser. For related rules and ideas, see school food fundraiser rules and allergy-friendly snack ideas for school fundraisers.

An Allergy-Aware Fundraising Checklist

1. Know Your Policy: Ask your school nurse or administrator what your school requires.
2. Choose Products Carefully: Confirm each product's allergen details, and contact the team before ordering.
3. Say Which Flavors Contain Almonds: Share the complete ingredient list if possible.
4. Read Other Allergens: Chocolate commonly contains milk and soy.
5. Keep Sellers Informed: Train students to answer allergy questions honestly and refer to the label.
6. Know the Emergency Plan: Staff and volunteers should know where epinephrine is kept and when to call 911.
7. Offer a Non-Food Option: This allows every family to take part.

Non-Food and Other Options

• Scratch Cards: Custom cards that profit up to $90 each. See scratch card fundraisers.
• Smencils: A non-food product that sells for $1. See Smencils.
• Custom Apparel: School gear in an online store.
• Donations: An online donation page lets supporters give directly.

For inclusion guidance, see inclusive fundraising for schools and school fundraising safety tips.

Frequently Asked Questions About Peanut-Free Candy Bar Fundraisers

Are peanut-free candy bars safe for children with a peanut allergy?

Big Fundraising Ideas' candy bar product pages list the lineups as peanut-free and made in a certified peanut-free facility. Every family's situation is different, though, so families should read the label and ask their child's allergist. Schools should contact the team before ordering to confirm which products meet their allergy policy. This is general information, not medical advice.

What is the difference between peanut-free and nut-free?

Peanut-free means a product contains no peanuts. Nut-free usually also excludes tree nuts, such as almonds and walnuts. Some of our bars contain almonds, so a nut-free school, not only peanut-free, should choose flavors without almonds and confirm the ingredients.

Do any of the candy bars contain almonds?

Yes. The America's Variety lineup includes a milk chocolate almond bar; the Funtastic Collection includes an almond bar; and the Premium Collection includes gourmet chocolate almonds. Check each product page's flavor list for the lineup you choose.

Can a child with a peanut allergy eat almonds?

It depends on the child. Peanuts are legumes and almonds are tree nuts, but some people with a peanut allergy also react to tree nuts, and studies report a wide range, from about 6% to 40%. Ask the child's allergist before assuming almonds are safe.

Which Big Fundraising Ideas candy bars are peanut-free?

The $1 America's Variety Bars, $2 Gourmet Chocolate Bars, $2 Nifty 50 Chocolatiers, $2 Straight Caramel Bars, $2 Funtastic Collection, $3 Gourmet Chocolate Bars, and $3 Premium Collection are all listed as peanut-free. Contact the team to confirm which ones fit your school.

Are the candy bars gluten-free?

Most lineups are listed as gluten-free and kosher. The $3 Gourmet lineup is gluten-free except for the chocolate wafer flavor, and the Premium Collection is gluten-free except for the crispy wafer. Peanut-free does not mean free of other allergens, since chocolate commonly contains milk and soy, so read each label.

What should a school do to run an allergy-aware fundraiser?

Choose products carefully, tell families which flavors contain tree nuts, share the ingredient labels, follow your school's allergy policy, and make sure staff know the emergency plan. Offer a non-food option for families who prefer it.

What are the signs of anaphylaxis, and what should you do?

Signs can include hives, swelling of the lips or throat, trouble breathing, wheezing, vomiting, dizziness, or fainting. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency, and the first-line treatment is epinephrine, followed by a call to 911. More than one dose may be needed, so follow the child's emergency plan and get medical care.

Are there peanut-free fundraisers that are not food?

Yes. Scratch cards, Smencils, and custom apparel are not food, and an online donation page lets supporters give directly. These options can sit alongside a candy bar sale for families who prefer not to buy food.

How do I confirm a product fits my school's allergy policy?

Contact the Big Fundraising Ideas team before you order, and read the ingredient and allergen information on each product's page and label. Share your school's policy and ask which flavors meet it.

Try a candy bar fundraiser.

Need more info? Reach out today for a FREE consultation with an expert. Contact Big Fundraising Ideas or call (866) 980-9930, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST. For other options, see no-upfront-cost fundraisers.

Author Bio

Clay Boggess has been designing fundraising programs for schools and various nonprofit organizations throughout the US since 1999. He’s helped administrators, teachers, and outside support entities such as PTAs and PTOs raise millions of dollars. Clay is an owner and partner at Big Fundraising Ideas.