Please note, this post merely offers suggestions and helpful tips. Be sure to read all labels carefully before sharing any Halloween candy or treats mentioned in this post.
This post is all about how to celebrate an allergy-friendly Halloween. Many don't understand the grave concern parents face as they send their children out trick-or-treating each Halloween. Since 1 in 13 children are living with severe food allergies there are more concerned parents out there than you may think. Not to mention the children who are unable to participate in trick-or-treating for fear they may have a severe allergic reaction to all those treats. As someone who has food allergies myself, and a daughter with a tree nut allergy, trust me I can totally relate.
Keep reading to find out more about how you and your family can have a safe and allergy-friendly Halloween.
The Teal Pumpkin Project
The organization FARE (Food Allergy Research and Education) developed The Teal Pumpkin Project. It is a simple way to make trick-or-treating safer and more inclusive for children living with food allergies. To participate, simply place a teal pumpkin on your doorstep. This signals that, in addition to candy, your home offers non-food trinkets and treats that are safe for ALL trick or treaters. For more information visit the FARE website.
What Are Allergy-Friendly Halloween Treats?
Note: Please be sure to read all labels carefully before sharing any candy or treats mentioned in this post. This list just offers suggestions.
Candy and Food
Blow Pops, Tootsie Pops, and Dum Dum Lollipops
Laffy Taffy
Dots
Red Vines
Jolly Ranchers
Starburst
Ring Pops
Tootsie Rolls
Swedish Fish
Haribo Gummy Bears
Popcorn
Hot Apple Cider Packages
Caramel Apples (minus all peanuts/nuts)
Non-Food Halloween Treats
Bubbles
Halloween Pencils and Erasers
Halloween Bookmarks
Stretchable Skeletons
Glow in the Dark Necklaces
Bouncing Balls
Spider Rings
Slap Bracelets
Craft Kits
TIPS
Did you know? Six of the top major food allergens are in the treats given out each Halloween to trick or treaters. These include (wheat, milk, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, and egg). For a list of the top major food allergens, read more here.
Here are some tips to help you stay safe this Halloween.
Read ALL labels.
- Throw away anything homemade or anything without a label.
- On the label look for the names of the top allergens and the statement "MAY CONTAIN", or "MADE/PROCESSED IN A FACILITY". These statements are indicators that allergens may be present due to cross-contamination.
- Mini size/Fun size candy and treats may have different ingredients than the larger versions. So don't assume they are safe.
- Candy your child ate last year may not be safe this year. Manufacturers often change ingredients in their products.
- Have your child carry their EpiPen in case of any emergency.
Look For Teal Pumpkins.
- Teal pumpkins indicate that a house has safe treats for trick or treaters.
Follow the Rule, Always Ask First.
- Teach younger children to ask their parents or another adult to read the label before eating any treats.
Talk With Your Neighbors.
- Let your neighbors know about your child's allergies and what is safe for your child.
Talk With Your Child's School.
- If your child's school allows Halloween parties make sure to discuss your child's allergies with their teachers and any parents who may be involved in the party planning. Let them know what is safe for your child and offer to provide safe treats for the party.
Donate or Trade Candy and Treats.
- Keep what's safe and donate the rest, or have your child trade with others.
- For information on where you can donate candy read more here.
If you found this post helpful, then read my post Allergy-Free Skincare Products for more great tips.
Leave a comment and let me know if you have any other helpful tips for celebrating an allergy-friendly Halloween. I love to hear from you.
Blessings, Laura xo
