Halloween treats that won’t terrify kids with allergies

By Marjory Pilley
Halloween should be filled with spooky surprises, but not the kind that puts children’s health at risk. But for families with food allergies, anxiety over potential allergic reactions is a scary reality. Discover trick-or-treating and party strategies for an allergy-friendly Halloween and turn concerns into inclusive fun for everyone.
By the numbers
Food allergies are a serious and growing public health concern. For many, even a small exposure to certain foods can trigger severe reactions, making everyday activities, like holidays and celebrations, potentially dangerous.
According to Food Allergy Research & Education, a staggering 33 million Americans, including one in every 13 children, suffer from life-threatening food allergies. They also note that a patient with a food-related allergy is sent to the emergency room every 10 seconds. It is no wonder Halloween is a daunting event for so many people.
Tips to trick-or-treat safely
The annual rite of trick-or-treating carries potential risks for children with food allergies. But with proper planning and awareness, it can be a safe and enjoyable event for everyone. Here’s what you need to do.
Plan ahead
Begin by mapping out a trick-or-treating route that prioritizes safety. Look for houses participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project, an initiative by FARE that promotes allergy awareness by encouraging households to offer non-food treats. Households taking part typically display a teal pumpkin, signaling a safe stop for kids with food allergies. Add your residence to the Teal Pumpkin Project Map, which helps local families easily identify safe locations and plot your route.
Engaging with online neighborhood forums or school groups to identify or share information about allergy-friendly homes is also helpful. If such resources are sparse, initiating a conversation may foster a more inclusive community.
Regardless of your comfort level with the plans, always keep allergy medications easily accessible to a trained user in case of an emergency. If a parent or caregiver will not be with the child, be sure to go over the expectations with the responsible person in charge.
Set ground rules
Before heading out, set clear guidelines with your child. Chrissy Carroll, MPH, RD at Dairy Free for Baby, says, “It’s usually best to enforce a rule for no eating during trick-or-treating so that you have enough time to go through the candy later and read labels.” Otherwise, prepare a special treat bag filled with safe, pre-approved goodies that your child can dip into while out and about.
Vet the treats
Take time to carefully check the labels on all treats collected. To make this process engaging, involve your child in a parent approval process, where you can read labels together and discuss which treats are safe.
According to Chrissy, “Online ingredient lists do not always match current or prior manufacturing practices, so you want to always check the product in hand. Sometimes, fun-size versions of candy have different ingredients or cross-contamination risks compared to their full-size counterparts.”
Look for clear allergen labeling and be wary of any homemade treats or items that lack detailed ingredients. Stay vigilant about cross-contamination possibilities, particularly with candies that may be processed in facilities that handle dangerous ingredients while not containing allergens themselves. Apps like Spokin and FARE’s Allergy Alerts can be helpful tools in quickly identifying safe options.
Treat trade-ins
You don’t have to toss what can’t be eaten. Consider implementing a trade-in process for unsafe treats. Once the candy is vetted, allow kids to trade it for pre-approved, safe non-food items such as toys, stickers or books. Another option is to donate unwanted candy to local charities or businesses.
Hosting an inclusive Halloween party
Whether you’re a parent of a child with allergies or not, creating a safe environment ensures all guests can enjoy the festivities without worry. Follow these steps for a successful party.
Communicate clearly and transparently
When sending out invitations, include an RSVP form with a section for guests to list any allergies. This approach not only informs your menu planning but also reassures parents that their child’s needs are considered. Aim to provide ingredient lists for dishes served at the party so each person can make decisions for themselves.
Allergy-friendly party snacks and treats
Design your menu to avoid common allergens. Brands like Enjoy Life Foods, MadeGood and YumEarth offer allergy-friendly alternatives to traditional snacks and ingredients and avoid the most common food allergens. Use allergen-free ingredients for themed treats like pumpkin cookies
Opt for simple dishes with fresh fruits and vegetables, like apple nachos, so everyone can enjoy the same treat. Get creative by serving pumpkin dessert hummus with apple chips or creating ghost-shaped bananas with chocolate chip eyes.
To prevent cross-contamination, create an allergy-free zone at your party. Use color-coded serving plates and utensils and ensure that all surfaces are kept clean. Communicate these precautions to your guests to alleviate any concerns they might have.
Plan non-food activities
Offer a variety of non-food-related activities to ensure that the fun isn’t limited to eating. Organize a costume contest with categories like Most Creative, Spookiest and Funniest to celebrate the children’s efforts and creativity. Offering non-food prizes like Halloween stickers, tattoos or Halloween books keeps the spirit festive and inclusive.
Another idea is to set up a pumpkin-painting station. Use allergy-safe supplies, and let kids take home a personalized, no-carve pumpkin.
Halloween fun for everyone
With the right strategies for trick-or-treating and party hosting, Halloween can be enjoyable and safe for everyone. Adopting inclusive practices not only protects children with allergies but also fosters empathy and consideration, enriching the holiday experience for everyone.
Marjory Pilley owned two make-ahead meal assembly stores that helped busy families prepare healthy dinners with less stress. She also has a daughter with severe food allergies. Since 2013, she has been sharing popular dishes from her stores and other easy recipes on her blog Dinner-Mom.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The contents of this article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. The content presented here is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or dietary changes. Reliance on any information provided by this article is solely at your own risk.