Halloween is a time of spooky fun, fall-themed festivities, and, of course, a few tricks and a handful of treats. However, for those living with food allergies and sensitivities, this holiday may also be accompanied with anxiety as they navigate enjoying ghoulish goodies that aren’t a part of their typical allergen-free diet. But fear not! We’re here to offer our top trick-or-treat tips to help you and your little ones enjoy Halloween without compromising your health or safety.Â
The Teal Pumpkin Project
Before we dive into safety specifics, let's talk about the Teal Pumpkin Project. This initiative, started by Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), encourages households to place a teal-painted pumpkin or a sign outside their homes to signal that they have non-food treats available for trick-or-treaters with allergies. These can include stickers, small toys, or other non-edible goodies, making it a safer experience for all. So when in doubt, keep an eye out for those blue-hued jack-o-lanterns.
Allergen-Free Candy & Snack Options
If you prefer to hand out edible treats, there are several allergy-friendly candy brands and snack options available that are certain to be a hit amongst those with and without food allergies. Some things to keep in mind when selecting trick-or-treat goodies include ensuring the selection is free from the top-9 most common food allergens, choosing kiddo-sized goodies, & communicating with parents to make sure your treats are safe for their little ones.Â
Here are a few of our favorite allergen-free treat options for your spooky celebrations!
- Dum Dum lollipops
- Skittles
- Mike and Ikes
- Starbursts
- Single Serve Binge Watching Buttery Seasoned Popcorn
- Life Savers Gummies
- Dots
- Enjoy Life Chocolate
- Swedish Fish
- Ring Pops
- Pixie Sticks
- Smarties.
Non-Food Treats
Non-food treats are another excellent way to ensure a safe Halloween for everyone. Some of our favorite Safe + Fair great ideas include:
- Stickers and temporary tattoos
- Kiddie-sized water bottles or cartons, juice boxes, or sports drinks
- Glow sticks and glow-in-the-dark toys
- Bubbles
- Small toys like rubber ducks or bouncy balls
- Mini coloring books and crayons
- Spider rings and Halloween-themed trinkets
By providing these options, you can create an inclusive atmosphere and prevent any child from feeling left out.
Allergy-Friendly Treat Bags
For children with food allergies or sensitivities, Halloween can be daunting. To help them have a safe and enjoyable experience, consider preparing allergy-friendly treat bags that include snacks they can enjoy. Include a mix of allergen-free candies, stickers, and small toys to make them feel part of the Halloween festivities.
Communication is Key
If you or your child has food allergies or sensitivities, communication is vital. Teach your child about their allergies and how to stay safe while trick-or-treating. Also, make sure they know not to eat any candy until you've had a chance to review it. If you're the one handing out treats, consider putting up a sign or sharing your approach with neighbors so they can help support a safe Halloween for all.
Final Word
Halloween should be a time of joy and excitement, not anxiety or fear. By keeping these allergy-friendly trick-or-treat ideas in mind and leaning on allergen-friendly initiatives like The Teal Pumpkin Project, you can create a Halloween that is safe and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their food allergies or sensitivities. With a little team effort & spooky season spirit, together, we can make Halloween a truly inclusive and memorable experience for all.
