What nuts are not in the peanut family?

November 23, 2025 •

2 min read

While most people consider peanuts a type of nut, they are actually legumes, part of the pea and bean family. This botanical classification means a wide variety of true nuts and other drupes are not in the peanut family, a crucial distinction for those with allergies.

Quick Summary

This guide reveals the botanical differences between peanuts and other common varieties. It clarifies the classification of tree nuts and drupes, which are distinct from the legume family, and explains why this distinction is important for culinary and allergy reasons.

Key Points

Peanuts Are Legumes: Botanically, peanuts are edible seeds that grow underground in pods, classifying them as legumes, not true nuts.
True Nuts Have Hard Shells: True nuts, like chestnuts and hazelnuts, are hard-shelled fruits from trees that do not split open naturally.
Drupe Seeds Are Not Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, and cashews are seeds of drupes, a type of fruit with a fleshy exterior and a stony pit.
Not All 'Nuts' Are What They Seem: Many items called nuts, such as pine nuts, macadamia nuts, and Brazil nuts, are actually seeds.
Allergy Implications: A peanut allergy does not necessarily mean an allergy to tree nuts, but cross-contamination is a risk in processing facilities.
Nutritional Similarities: Despite botanical differences, peanuts and many tree nuts share a similar nutritional profile, including healthy fats and protein.

The Botanical Reality: Peanuts Are Legumes

Peanuts, despite their culinary use, are botanically legumes, belonging to the same family as peas and beans. They grow underground in pods. True nuts are hard-shelled fruits from trees that contain a single seed and do not open to release it.

True Nuts vs. Culinary Nuts

Botanical classification differs from culinary use. Many items we call 'nuts' are technically seeds of drupes, which are fruits with a fleshy exterior and a hard pit. This distinction is important for allergy management, as legumes and tree nuts have different allergens, though cross-contamination is possible.

Examples of Nuts Not in the Peanut Family

Many foods commonly called nuts are botanically distinct from peanuts, which are legumes. These include true nuts, seeds of drupes, and other edible seeds.

True Nuts

Chestnuts: These contain different proteins compared to peanuts and most tree nuts.
Hazelnuts (Filberts): Botanically classified as true nuts.
Acorns: A classic example of a true nut.

Seeds of Drupes

Almonds: The seed found within the fruit of the almond tree.
Walnuts: The seed from a walnut tree's drupe.
Pecans: The seed contained within a drupe.
Pistachios: The seed of the pistachio tree's fruit.
Cashews: These grow from a structure attached to a fruit called a cashew apple.

Edible Seeds Mistaken for Nuts

Pine nuts: These are seeds from pine cones.
Macadamia nuts: These are the seeds of a fruit.
Brazil nuts: Seeds from a South American tree.
Coconut: A drupe, often legally classified as a tree nut.

Comparison Table: Peanuts vs. Other 'Nuts'


Characteristic	Peanuts	True Nuts (e.g., Chestnuts, Hazelnuts)	Drupe Seeds (e.g., Almonds, Walnuts)	Other Seeds (e.g., Pine Nuts, Macadamia)
Botanical Family	Legume (Fabaceae)	Fagaceae, Betulaceae	Rosaceae, Juglandaceae	Pinaceae, Proteaceae
Growth Location	Underground in a pod	On trees	On trees, inside a fruit	On trees, within cones or fruits
Shell Type	A pod that splits open	Hard shell that does not split open	A stony pit inside a fleshy fruit	Various, may or may not split
Allergenic Proteins	Distinct from tree nuts	Often cross-reactive with other tree nuts	Can be cross-reactive with other tree nuts	Less common cross-reactivity with peanuts/tree nuts
Example	Peanut	Hazelnut	Almond	Pine Nut

Culinary Considerations and Allergies

The botanical differences have practical implications, particularly for allergies. A peanut allergy doesn't automatically mean an allergy to tree nuts. However, due to cross-contamination risks during processing, caution is advised. Some with peanut allergies may react to other legumes like lupin, but this is less frequent. Consulting an allergist is the best approach for testing and dietary advice.

Conclusion

Botanically, peanuts are legumes, distinct from true nuts like hazelnuts and chestnuts, and drupe seeds such as almonds and cashews. This clarifies why a peanut allergy isn't always linked to a tree nut allergy. Understanding these differences is essential for managing food sensitivities and appreciating the botanical diversity of these foods. For nutritional comparisons, resources like Harvard Health offer insights.

Frequently Asked Questions

A peanut is a legume, not a true botanical nut. It belongs to the same plant family as peas, beans, and lentils and grows in a pod underground.

No, almonds are not in the peanut family. Peanuts are legumes, while almonds are the edible seeds of a fruit called a drupe that grows on a tree.

The main difference is their botanical classification and growth habit. Legumes, like peanuts, grow in pods underground, while tree nuts, like walnuts and pecans, grow on trees.

Not necessarily. Allergies to peanuts and tree nuts are distinct, though some people have both. It is important to consult an allergist for testing and proper guidance.

No, cashews are not in the same family as peanuts. Cashews are the seeds of a fruit called a drupe that grows on a tropical tree, whereas peanuts are legumes.

Botanically, a coconut is a fibrous, one-seeded drupe, which is a type of fruit. However, the FDA legally classifies it as a tree nut for labeling purposes, and some people with tree nut allergies may react to it.

For most people, yes, pine nuts are safe for someone with a tree nut allergy because they are seeds from pine cones, not tree nuts. However, it is always best to consult an allergist if you have concerns about specific foods.