Darrick Robles Hmmm, how that smells! Gingerbread, cinnamon stars and marzipan are tempting – but many people are allergic to Christmas treats. The substances they contain can trigger reactions that can range from unpleasant to life-threatening. Fortunately, there are allergy-friendly and gluten-free alternatives from the bakery that also taste really good.
Why are we allergic?
More than 4% of Germans have a food allergy. An allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to foreign substances in the environment. Allergic diseases are genetic. Food allergies mainly occur when eating and drinking. But a kiss can also trigger a strong allergic reaction – for example, if your partner has eaten nuts beforehand.
Food allergies can cause tingling in the mouth, skin rashes , swelling, and shortness of breath. Digestive problems such as diarrhea , vomiting and abdominal cramps are also possible. The most dangerous reaction is anaphylactic shock, which is life-threatening and must be treated immediately.
We call substances that trigger allergies allergens. In theory, any food can be an allergen. However, there are some that people are more likely to develop an allergy to. These include:
- cow milk
- Owner
- Wheat
- Soybeans
- Nuts (peanut, hazelnut, walnut)
- fish and seafood
Allergy or intolerance?
Food intolerances are more common than allergies. About 20% of Germans are affected. The most common intolerances include lactose intolerance, fructose intolerance and gluten intolerance (celiac disease). The allergic reaction manifests itself primarily in gastrointestinal problems such as flatulence or abdominal pain.
Intolerances arise when the body cannot digest certain food components properly – for example because a certain enzyme is missing. For example, if you can eat a single strawberry without feeling anything, but experience stomach problems after eating a whole bowl, you may have fructose intolerance.
Baking tips for allergy sufferers: Substitute ingredients
Not everyone can just feast on Christmas. Traditional pastries in particular are often packed with nuts, cream, butter and wheat flour. The allergens are often hidden in fillings, glazes and the note: “May contain traces of nuts”. If you have an allergy or intolerance, the safest thing to do is to bake your own. We have tips on how to cleverly substitute risky ingredients in Christmas classics.
nuts and almonds
If you react to nuts and almonds, you should avoid nougat and marzipan . How about a fruity jam or a homemade chocolate filling instead? You can replace chopped hazelnuts with grated coconut, sesame or oatmeal . Instead of nuts, dried fruits such as dried cranberries, chopped apricots or figs are also suitable in fillings or as toppings. They are almost as crunchy and bring a fruity note to your creation.
cow milk
Milk alternatives are a dime a dozen – you probably already have a personal favourite. Oat and almond drinks are perfect for Christmas baking because of their natural sweetness. Did you know that there are also hazelnut drinks ? You can find them in health food stores and health food stores.
Baking without butter? Nothing easier than that: Instead of normal butter you can use vegetable margarine or coconut oil . If you don’t have a nut allergy, nut butter also goes wonderfully with Christmas cookies.
chicken eggs
Eggs are in almost every cookie dough. As a natural binding agent, they ensure that the mixture of sugar, flour and baking powder remains smooth. Of course there are also allergy-free alternatives. In addition to egg substitute powder, the following also work
You can replace an egg in your baking mix with these alternatives:
- Ripe banana: With their natural sweetness, bananas are the perfect egg substitute in Christmas baking. Simply mash with a fork and add the other ingredients.
- Flaxseed Egg: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water, leave to stand for an hour, done.
- Apple puree: Like applesauce, but without added sugar. The apple flavor is lost during baking.
Gluten
Most classic cookies are made from wheat flour, which people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease do not like. Gluten is a sticky protein found in the grains of many grains such as wheat, spelt, barley, oats and rye . It is difficult to digest and can trigger irritable bowel syndrome in some people .
Many Christmas classics can be baked without gluten: cinnamon stars consist mainly of ground almonds, coconut macaroons made of grated coconut and egg whites. For cookie cutters, you’ll need a gluten-free flour mix or flour, such as teff flour, corn flour, rice flour, or coconut flour.
Fast help with allergies
Do you suspect you have an allergy ? Important: If you have a strong allergic reaction, you should see a doctor as soon as possible – on the spot. Even with less severe symptoms, the following applies: Get medical advice to track down the cause. Keeping a symptom diary is particularly helpful . Our doctors can tell you more about allergy tests that might be right for you. If you have known allergies, they can prescribe appropriate medication. You should also seek medical advice if you suspect an intolerance.
