Coconuts are part of the Aracaceae family of plants and are more similar to palm plants, banana and pineapple than they are to tree nuts. Coconuts are not classified as tree nuts, they are classified as fruits.

Coc n 1 is a major allergen associated with allergy to coconut - it is classified as an inhalent allergen rather than an ingested food allergen. It is a protein which is vicilin like, these types of proteins are usually found in nuts, seeds and legumes and are referred to as 7S seed storage proteins.

There is some evidence that coconut can cause allergic contact dermatitis - this is due to cocamide diethanolamine (Cocamide DEA). These are fatty acids found in coconut which are used in many cosmetic products. If sensitised to cocamide DEA you will still be able to eat the fruit from a coconut without any reactions.

Coconut is a low FODMAP food. FODMAP stands for Fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols. Foods high in FODMAPs can cause symptoms of food intolerance, affecting the gastro intestinal system and this can be mistaken for a true IgE food allergy.

Coconut contains a moderate amount of salicylates. Salicylates have the potential to cause worsening of asthma, swelling, itching and hives as well as food intolerance symptoms in people who are sensitive to salicylates.

You can read more about Food Intolerances on the dedicated Food Intolerance Page.

Coconut allergy is most commonly associated with contact urticaria (hives or welts) and atopic dermatitis.

Vicilin-like proteins are usually classified as food proteins, other foods containing a similarly shaped protein are peanuts, cashews, pecan, hazelnut, walnut, pistachio, soya beans, sesame seeds, buckwheat and mung beans.

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