Water chestnuts are edible plants in the Cyperaceae family of plants, also known as sedges, which are like rushes and grasses.

Water chestnuts should not be confused with horse chestnuts or sweet chestnuts, which are not related. Chestnuts are in the Fagaceae family, other plants in this family include oak and beech trees. Horse chestnuts are in the Sapindaceae family. Other closely related plants include maple and lychees.

Another plant water chestnut is confused with is water caltrop, which is used to make singoda flour. Water caltrop are plants in the Lythraceae family of plants. Other plants in this family are henna and pomegranate. Lots of articles referencing water chestnut allergy are actually refer to this plant, which is cross reactive with latex.

Water chestnuts are 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.

Water chestnuts are high in 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.

Allergy to water chestnuts is not currently linked to any allergic syndromes.

Water chestnuts are not currently linked to any cross reactivity.

The usual allergy food lists are not exhaustive, you can find the most up to date information on the Cross Reactivity Tool.

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