I have used sunflower butter or soy butter (they both look and taste a lot like peanut butter), but I do not serve any nut products at all...even though I don't have allergy kids. It isn't hard at all. My family can still eat it...just isn't served in the daycare. Personally, if my child was diagnosed with a peanut allergy, no matter what the severity, I would be a "nervous nelly" as well. It's just not something to take chances on.