As moms, there’s nothing quite like seeing our kids’ faces light up with excitement for Halloween. From picking out the perfect costume to the thrill of trick-or-treating, it’s a time for making memories. But for those of us with kids who have food allergies, Halloween requires a little extra care and planning. Don’t worry, planning for allergy-friendly Halloween doesn’t have to be scary.
Creating a safe and inclusive Halloween experience for our little ghouls and goblins starts with understanding food allergies. Then we can take practical steps to make sure everyone feels included in the fun. This year, let’s ditch the worry and embrace a spooktacular and safe allergy-friendly Halloween.
Food allergies are more common than we might realize. They affect millions of children in the US alone. While any food can trigger an allergic reaction, certain culprits like milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish, and sesame account for 90% or more of cases.
It’s not just about avoiding those ingredients directly. Cross-contamination can happen during manufacturing or handling, and even trace amounts can trigger a reaction in sensitive individuals. There is even a higher chance that kids will accidentally consume an allergen amongst their Halloween treats.
When you picture your child excitedly running from house to house in their costume, what comes to mind? Now imagine having to tell them to wait before they can even touch any of the goodies they’ve collected. You then proceed to pull out the wipes so you can meticulously clean each piece of candy before deeming them safe for your child to eat.
Sounds a little stressful, right? Luckily, there are ways you can help your child enjoy all the fun Halloween has to offer without all that worry. By understanding common food allergy issues and embracing things like the Teal Pumpkin Project, Halloween can be a fun time for everyone.
Remember that heartwarming feeling you got seeing homes lit up for Christmas? The Teal Pumpkin Project aims for that same kind of impactful visual cue for food allergy awareness. Participating households place a teal pumpkin on their porch, signaling they offer non-food treats to trick-or-treaters.
You can find teal pumpkins at most craft stores around Halloween. But if you can’t get your hands on one, don’t worry. You can always print a sign from the Teal Pumpkin Project website and put it on your door.
Ditching the candy altogether doesn’t mean kids have to miss out. It can actually spark more imagination and creativity when brainstorming alternatives. Glow sticks, stickers, temporary tattoos, bouncy balls, and small toys are great options.
These allergy-friendly Halloween treats will make your little trick-or-treaters just as happy as traditional Halloween candy. Plus, they can help promote a more inclusive Halloween for kids with dietary restrictions.
Now, I know some kids might be disappointed with only non-food treats. Don’t worry. Plenty of allergy-friendly candies can satisfy a sweet tooth. Some options might surprise you, while others might already be a part of your usual candy lineup.
Here are a few favorites to get you started:
| Candy Brand | Store | What To Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Skittles | Target | Double-check ingredient lists, especially for seasonal or limited-edition flavors. |
| Starburst | Target | Same as Skittles – always better to double-check the ingredient label than be sorry later. |
| Swedish Fish | Amazon | Free of top nine food allergens. |
| YumEarth Organic Vitamin C Lollipops | Target | Manufactured in a dedicated allergen-free facility and free of top nine allergens. |
Remember, ingredient lists and manufacturing practices can vary. Always, always, always, check the labels carefully before letting your child indulge in any new treats, even those from brands known for their allergen-friendly options.
Allergy-friendly Halloween goes beyond just the candy. As parents and caregivers, it’s our job to be advocates and raise awareness. We can do that in a bunch of different ways. Let your child’s school and any parents of your child’s friends know about their allergies.
Talk to your neighbors about the Teal Pumpkin Project and encourage them to participate. You can also support FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) by participating in their awareness campaigns or donating to fund research for food allergy prevention. Even small actions can make a big difference in the lives of those living with food allergies.
The Halloween color for allergies is teal. It signifies that a house is participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project. These households provide non-food treats for trick-or-treaters who have food allergies or other dietary restrictions. Teal is a great way to promote awareness for food allergies and make Halloween more inclusive.
Always double-check labels before giving any candy to a child with nut allergies, but some popular safe choices include:
Be sure to check for any “may contain” warnings or allergy alerts on the label. Look for candies manufactured in a dedicated nut-free facility for extra precaution. You can use a shop sifter to help narrow down safe options based on your child’s specific allergies.
Kids with peanut allergies don’t have to miss out on any of the trick-or-treating fun. Participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project by placing a teal pumpkin or sign outside of your home.
It signals that you have allergy-friendly candy and non-food treats for trick-or-treaters. If your child receives any candy while out and about, make sure to swap any unsafe ones out with treats you’ve confirmed are safe. You can also check out FARE’s website for more tips on having an allergy-friendly Halloween.
Planning for an allergy-friendly Halloween does require a bit of extra thought, but don’t let it get you down. Remember the joy on your kid’s faces as they rush to ring each doorbell. It’s worth putting in the time and effort so they can participate without fear. By supporting allergy awareness, we’re helping all little ghosts and goblins enjoy a fun and inclusive Halloween.
Safe and Fun: Planning an Allergy-Friendly Halloween
Jill Gilbert
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