Dates

[SilverLining]

Anyone know of safe brands of dates?  The two stores I checked have store brand only, and both have a nut warning.

Can they be purchased other than in a square package, and safe?

[gvmom]

We have purchased Trader Joe's Medjool Dates in that sort of clamshell packaging. 

Just as a quick look to find info, I did find this:

http://nutallergychicago.blogspot.com/2013/03/bard-valley-medjool-dates-not-safe.html

While that is for Chicago, the idea behind calling about the dates at your local Trader Joe's might give you the information you need to know if they have safe dates.

Dates are difficult though.  I know a long time ago I tried to contact a company to direct order from but didn't get much helpful info.  I kind of had to search around, and what I found really was a lot of dates are processed with nuts.  Sometimes though, it is only one type of nut.... so.... if you aren't allergic to THAT particular nut, it might be okay.  We are Tree Nuts in addition to Peanuts, so dates processed with pistachios or walnuts don't work for us.

[SilverLining]

I googled Trader Joe Canada.  Got two in New York and one in BC.

Thank you for the info though. I guess I'll continue checking packages when I find them, but I won't be going out of my way.

[bookedup]

Made In Nature is nut free: https://www.madeinnature.com/organic-snacks/dried-fruit/deglet-noor-dates

Look at their FAQ page.

https://www.madeinnature.com/faqs/

We have had their dates and they are good.  Really love their dried figs.

[SilverLining]

Thank you. They are even sold near me.

[GoingNuts]

Thanks for sharing, Bookedup - I've never been able to find safe dates, but one store near me (and another near my niece's house) has them.    I like to use dates for my nut-free Charoset during Passover.    I've always ended up substituting something else.

[gvmom]

Another thanks here Bookedup.  I hadn't heard of this company before, and it looks like they have some good stuff.  The cranberries caught my eye.

Did you order directly from them, or did you buy in a local store near you? 

[bookedup]

gvmom, they have this brand at our local Costco in NJ. The dates I only saw once but the figs are often in stock.

[SilverLining]

My husband found another brand that might be safe.

Jaffa by Reinhold Foods. I use their other products, but have never seen dates before. He bought them, but I won't use until I can call them Tuesday. They may be available only in Canada, not sure.

I will also be looking for the Made In Nature when I'm at stores that sell them though. Always good to have options.

[spacecanada]

Made in Nature is safe for us - peanut, tree nut free facility (they handle coconut so they no longer have a nut free statement on the bag). We buy them at Costco in Canada in a large bag. I think you can order them online as well.  They make several dried fruits and have all their nutty items processed in a different facility.

[SilverLining]

SunMaid has peanut/nut free raisins and dates.

I'm not sure where I can get the dates.

[SilverLining]

My husband found another brand that might be safe.

Jaffa by Reinhold Foods. I use their other products, but have never seen dates before. He bought them, but I won't use until I can call them Tuesday. They may be available only in Canada, not sure.

I will also be looking for the Made In Nature when I'm at stores that sell them though. Always good to have options.

Reinhold (Jaffa) are still safe.

[SilverLining]

SunMaid has peanut/nut free raisins and dates.

I'm not sure where I can get the dates.

I got an email from them. The dates are not available here.