Halloween is a time for fun costumes, spooky decorations, and of course, treats! But for families managing food allergies, it can also be a time of increased anxiety. The good news is, with a little planning and some creative alternatives, your family can enjoy a safe and allergy-friendly Halloween.
Here’s how to make this Halloween both fun and safe, from trick-or-treating to Halloween parties, along with some delicious allergy-friendly recipes.
The Teal Pumpkin Project for Food Allergies
The Teal Pumpkin Project, launched by FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education), is a nationwide movement to make Halloween safer for kids with food allergies. When you see a teal pumpkin outside someone’s home, it means they’re offering non-food treats like small toys, stickers, or glow sticks. It’s a simple and inclusive way to ensure that all kids can enjoy Halloween without worrying about allergens.
If you want to participate, simply place a teal pumpkin on your porch and provide non-food treats. You can also add your house to FARE’s official Teal Pumpkin Project map!
Safe Trick-or-Treating Tips with Food Allergies
- Check Treats Before Eating: Remind your kids that they need to bring all treats home before eating them so you can check the labels for allergens. Watch out for candy that doesn’t have ingredient lists.
- Bring Your Own Treats: Carry a stash of safe treats for your child to enjoy while trick-or-treating. This way, they won’t feel left out if they receive something they can’t eat.
- Organize a Treat Swap: After trick-or-treating, swap out unsafe treats for allergy-friendly ones. This can be a fun family activity, and your child will still feel like they’re getting plenty of goodies.
- Carry Two Forms of Self-Injectable Epinephrine: Don’t forget to bring your child’s EpiPen or other allergy medications just in case, especially if you’re going out for long periods.
Halloween Parties and Food Allergies
Parties can be tricky when it comes to managing food allergies, especially when treats are involved. Here are a few ways to navigate Halloween parties safely:
- Communicate with Hosts: Let the host know about your child’s allergies in advance so they can help make the party safe.
- Prepare Safe Snacks: Bring your own snacks or treats that your child can enjoy at the party without worry. This ensures they can participate fully without the risk of an allergic reaction.
- Watch Out for Face Paint: Many face paints contain common allergens like soy, gluten, or dairy. Look for hypoallergenic, allergy-friendly options to keep your child’s skin safe. Kiss Freely is a great company to take a look at.
Fun Allergy-Friendly Halloween Recipes
Halloween doesn’t have to be all about candy! Here are a few creative and safe recipes that your kids will love:
- Spooky Apple Bites
Core and slice apples into wedges, then spread with sunflower seed butter (or any nut-free butter). Use dairy-free chocolate chips or safe candies to make eyes and a mouth for a spooky treat! - Ghostly Banana Pops
Dip banana halves in melted dairy-free white chocolate or coconut yogurt, then freeze. Add allergen-free chocolate chips for eyes and you’ve got a healthy, spooky snack. - Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats
Make traditional rice krispie treats using allergy-friendly marshmallows and butter. Shape the mixture into little pumpkins and use gluten-free pretzels as stems for a fun and festive dessert.
Take a look at my Youtube channel this month, to see me create the above recipes and more!
Final Tips for a Safe and Happy Halloween
- Make a Plan: Whether you’re trick-or-treating or going to a party, plan ahead so you know how to handle any food-related situations.
- Involve Your Child: Let your child help choose safe snacks and plan Halloween activities. This empowers them and helps them feel more in control of their allergies.
- Focus on Fun: Remember, Halloween is about more than just the treats. Encourage your child to enjoy the costumes, decorations, and friends!
With the right precautions, Halloween can still be fun and safe for kids with food allergies. By following these tips and participating in initiatives like the Teal Pumpkin Project, you can ensure that all kids in your community have a great Halloween.
If you’re looking for more support, ideas, or a place to connect with other parents managing food allergies, I invite you to join my Facebook Food Allergy Group. We’d love to hear about your Halloween plans and share even more tips for keeping the holiday safe and fun!