How To Help Your Neighbors Enjoy A Food Allergy-Friendly Halloween!!

"A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest man"

- Roald Dahl, "Charlie In The Great Glass Elevator"

Before becoming a mom of a child with food allergies, I am not sure I thought about offering options (besides candy without peanuts) for children and adults with food allergies. When we started attending parties or events without safe options, I began making sure we always had a safe food. I bake cupcakes. keep them in the freezer, then pop one out for birthday parties. But, sometimes, I still forget. We attended a trunk or treat last week, and, out of a table full of cookies, there were no safe options. I share all of this to help others be more mindful, and inclusive in what you offer. Children, teens, and adults with food allergies want to have a fun and normal Halloween, too.

When looking for safe treats, under the ingredients list. If an allergen is in the product, you will see "CONTAINS". Companies are required to list Top 9 allergens. You will also see a "MAY CONTAINS" list. This means the product could be made in a shared facility, or there is a chance of cross-contamination. Some families are okay with MAY CONTAINS, while others are not.

Here are a couple of brands that we love, that offer allergy-friendly options:

Yum Earth (can be found at Target)

No Whey (can be found on Amazon)

Enjoy Life (can be found at Target)

Other candy/food options to offer:

Dum Dum suckers 

Smarties

Skittles

Mike and Ikes

Starbursts

Lifesavers

Dots

Ring Pops

Sour Patch Kids

Fruit snacks (Annie's are vegan, too)

Fruit Roll Ups 

Fruit By The Foot

Jelly Belly 

We also love Oreos and Graham Crackers, but they contain wheat.

You can also have non-food treats available. If you do this, I would suggest having a separate bucket, away from other candies, to ease the anxiety of the parents. (In one of my support groups, parents discuss having their children wear gloves to prevent cross-contamination).  Here are a few things we will be offering, and all from the Dollar Tree!

Stamps

Stickers

Bead necklaces

Bracelets

Tops

Squish balls (avoid latex)

Erasers

Pencils

Small pop-its

Toy rings

Fidgets

Small bubbles

The Teal Pumpkin Project is a great resource for more information. If you choose to offer safe treats, you can display a teal pumpkin at your house, print the following graphic, and even add your address to the map on the Teal Pumpkin Project Map HERE.

Thank you for being intentional and caring for your friends, family members, and neighbors. Just because we deal with food allergies, it does not mean we cannot have a safe, and FUN Halloween.  With love, Dr. Sarah