'Spook-Free Sweets'
How to Enjoy a FUN & SAFE Halloween
Staying Safe and Having Fun During Halloween with Food Allergies
Halloween is meant to be all about the fun – the costumes, decorations, and of course, the treats! But those managing food allergies know, it can bring some extra 'scaries'. However, with a few safety tips and a bit of planning, we hope everyone can join in on the excitement without risking their health.
Here are some ways we've thouht up to make Halloween allergy-friendly, fun, and most importantly SAFE!
1. Create Your Own Allergy-Friendly Trick-or-Treating Bag
One great way to enjoy Halloween is to bring along your own stash of safe treats. Load up on your favorite allergen-free snacks and fill a separate “trick-or-treat” bag for yourself or your child. This way, when you’re out with friends or family, you have a collection of safe, tasty treats to enjoy without worrying about ingredient labels.
PSST... Look for treats from brands that are dedicated to being top 10 allergen-free and made with simple, natural ingredients. These kinds of snacks are great because they’re safe for people with allergies and made with ingredients you trust.
2. Join or Host a Halloween Party with Allergy-Friendly Treats
If trick-or-treating feels like a challenge, foget about going door to door and consider hosting a Halloween Bash. Hosting your own party allows you to control what snacks are available and ensures that everything is safe to eat. Invite friends over and make it potluck so everyone can bring their favorite allergy-friendly treats to share!
Set up a spread of allergen-free snacks, and get creative! Between the many allergy friendly options in store and the tons of DIY inspo online you can make an allergy-friendly treat without the tricks.
3. Look out for the teal pumpkin project
The Teal Pumpkin Project is a fantastic initiative by FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) to make Halloween inclusive for everyone, including those with food allergies. Homes that display a teal pumpkin signal that they have non-food treats available for trick-or-treaters. These could be items like glow sticks, stickers, small toys, or temporary tattoos – fun items that are allergy-safe and still keep the spirit of Halloween alive.As a bonus, carrying a teal pumpkin or a teal accessory can also alert neighbors that you’re in search of non-food treats or allergen-free goodies. Plus, it’s a great way to spread awareness about food allergies and encourage a more inclusive holiday.
4. Plan Safe Costumes
It's not just the food - be mindful of costume accessories like face paints or fake blood, which may contain allergens. Check product labels to ensure they’re safe, especially if you’re wearing makeup or accessories that could come into contact with the skin or mouth.
5. Sort and Check Treats at Home & introduce the 'switch witch'
Once you return home, go through all the treats collected during trick-or-treating to ensure none contain your allergens. Many families have a fun tradition where they “trade” treats that contain allergens for safe, allergen-free options. One idea is to set up a “switch witch” who trades out unsafe treats for safe goodies or non-food treats as a surprise!
Halloween should be a time of joy and excitement, not stress or worry. With a few precautions, you can make sure it’s safe and inclusive for those with food allergies while still embracing the fun of the holiday. By planning ahead and being prepared, you can celebrate fully, knowing that your Halloween is both safe and spooky.
Enjoy the festivities, and remember – a little planning goes a long way toward making Halloween fun for everyone!