Hives and wine coolers
 

I searched the forum, but didn't find anything related to this topic. If I am mistaken, I am sorry.

Last night I had a B&J Exotic Berry wine cooler. Shortly after finishing it, I noticed some hives, a few on my arms and more on my legs. Go back about 2 weeks. I had a B&J Blue Hawaiian wine cooler and had worse hives than last night. I thought it was the shorts I was wearing that night, because it seemed to be only where the shorts were. But now, after last night I am not so certain.

Could I be allergic to a certain brand of wine cooler? I have had wine coolers before, but never had hives before. How should I go about finding if I am allergic to a certain brand?

Hives are a pretty common allergice reaction to certain berries- especially strawberries...

They could even come on later in life...

it also could be a preservative that is in the wine cooler... B & J may use one that others dont

Easiest place to start is get an ingredients list of both wine coolers and see what is in common there...

Mal said it all.

I discovered I was allergic to only certain sunscreens. I tried all that I could until I found one that wasn't causing me hives. Then I looked at the ingredients and found one that was common with all that caused me hives but not in the one that did not cause me hives.

Start by comparing the two drinks. Look for what is common between them and that MIGHT narrow it down a tad to the things that could be possible allergens. Then test it out with some different brands with different ingredients but keep the benedryl handy (but don't take before hand cause you might end up not getting the hives if you take the antihistamine prior to drinking the allergen. Also keep a friend close by in case of an emergency. With many allergies (esp food allergies) a reaction such as hives can escalate without warning to an anaphlactic reaction.

Even better if you can afford it go to an allergist and tell them your suspicion. They can possibly test you for allergies to the specific ingredients in those drinks.

I checked the bottles and they do not list the ingredients. Is that legal? So I went to B&J website and sent them an email. I am waiting their response.

I think there is something regarding alcohol not being a food product or something that excludes it from being required to have a list of ingredients.

Keep us posted. I'm curious to see the outcome.

Sounds like a pretty stupid rule. An allergen is an allergen. My wife is allergic to strawberries and chocolate, so she has to be pretty careful with this sort of thing as well. I'm looking forward to what you find out, Sports.

hmmm... still no word from Bartles and Jaymes. How long should I wait?

call the corporate office 866-830-5714.

They won't tell you squat. Trade secret.

Do this. Wait til you are hive-free. Drink one of the offending wine coolers. If you get hives, avoid that cooler in the future.

Ta DA!

Next question for Doctor Obvious?

well Clavus, you are right. They did respond today. Exactly what you said:

"However, due to strict company policy we are unable to provide you with the processes or ingredients used in our products as this is considered proprietary information -- our secret recipe. We hope you understand. If you have a specific ingredient you are known to be allergic to, I will be happy to research the matter further with our winemakers."

I think I will just avoid them all together. I will stick with beer and my special white russian. I don't want to chance a more serious reaction.

One thing to consider is food coloring. Those wine coolers are known to have lots of artificial (yet tasty) substances added.

One thing you can do if you really like the WC, is to try an anti-histamine before you drink them. Anything over the counter will work fine. All that hives are is a histamine release in reaction to what you digesting, inhaling, touching, etc.

Drink better wine, dude!
Of course, I live in Napa, CA. so I am spoiled rotten.

But seriously, you "are what you eat" - right? Drink & eat the best stuff you can afford.

If you like "coolers", create your own with nice wine and add sparkling sodas or whatever. Add a slice of lime or lemon or whatever... You will be much happier & no hives. Take care & enjoy! Y our girlfriends etc. will love your creativity!

Cheers!

I am testing Seagram's Wine coolers tonight. So far, no hives. I will just have to remember to stay away from B&J.

never mind. i think i spoke too soon. although they only appear to be around my eyes, i am pretty sure i am having a reaction now. oh well.

One Word: Benadryl

Its going to be your best friend!