When I was a kid, I didn’t know anyone with nut allergies. As an adult I hadn’t thought too much about it other than occasionally hearing that a friend’s child had an issue with nuts. Since I have opened The Happy Chocolatier I must admit that I am amazed by the number of customers who have come in looking for nut-free chocolates and candies. My own son was recently diagnosed with tree nut allergies – just about 6 weeks after The Happy Chocolatier opened (there is some irony there). As a result, I now think a lot about nut allergies and consequently, The Happy Chocolatier has nut-free offerings.

My wife and I have done quite a bit of research into nut allergies. And frankly, I am at a loss as to why this dramatic increase. Were our parents just ignorant of nut allergies when we were kids? Doubtful as many of us would have been going into anaphylactic shock. Has something changed the environment? I know there are many theories. I am inviting readers to chime in with thoughts and opinions as to why the spike in nut allergies.