Almonds are generally classified as tree nuts, but are more closely related to the Rosaceae family of plants which include apples, strawberries and peaches. Allergic reactions to almonds are less common than other tree nuts.

Almonds contain 6 allergenic proteins, Pru d 3 is a lipid transfer protein (LTP). This group of proteins commonly cause allergic symptoms.

Pru d 4 is a profilin protein, this is a panallergen which can cause problems across many different foods.

Most tree nut allergies are caused by seed storage proteins, almonds only have 1 type of seed storage protein, Pru d 6 is an 11S seed storage protein which can cause people to be allergic to whole groups of tree nuts, seeds and legumes.

Almond allergy is often linked to LTP Syndrome, where similarly shaped proteins in other plants resemble those in almonds and elicit an allergic reaction.

There may be cross reactivity with other plants in the Rosaceae family. This includes apples, cherries, strawberries, peaches, plums, apricots, pears and raspberries.

Common foods involved in LTP allergy include kiwi, strawberries, sunflower seeds, walnut, apple, mulberry, banana, pea, apricot, cherry, plum, almond, peach pomegranate, raspberry, tomato, grape, celery, peanut, asparagus, cabbage, broccoli, chestnut, lemon, tangerine, orange, hazelnut, lettuce, lentils, lupin, green bean, pear, mustard, wheat and maize.

Profilin proteins are also found in pineapple, celery, peanut, chilli, watermelon, orange, hazelnut, carrot, strawberry, soya, barley, walnut, lychee, lupin, apple, banana, dates, cherry, kiwi, peach, pear, mustard, tomato, aubergine and wheat.

11S seed storage proteins are also found in kiwi, cashew, pecan, macadamia, peanut, brazil nut, pumpkin, soya beans, walnut, pistachio, sesame and mustard.

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