Easter is a time of celebration and joy for many families, but it can also be a challenging time for those who have food allergies. With so many traditional Easter foods containing common allergens like dairy, eggs, and wheat, you might need to make some considerations at your next Easter gathering. Here are some tips for keeping your family safe at Easter if someone has food allergies.

How to Enjoy Easter Gatherings with Food Allergies

Plan ahead

• Before Easter arrives, take some time to plan out your meals and snacks. Think about what foods are safe for your family member with allergies and what alternatives you can provide. Look for recipes that are specifically designed for people with allergies, or modify your traditional Easter recipes to make them allergy-friendly.

Read labels carefully

• When shopping for Easter foods, be sure to read labels carefully. Many common Easter foods like chocolate, candy, and baked goods contain allergens like milk, soy, and wheat. Look for products that are specifically labeled as allergen-free, and be wary of foods that may have come into contact with allergens during manufacturing or packaging.

Educate your family

• Make sure that your family members are aware of the allergy and know what foods to avoid. Teach them to read labels and to be cautious when eating foods prepared by others. Encourage them to speak up and ask questions if they're unsure about the ingredients in a particular food.

Prepare for social gatherings

• If you're planning to attend an Easter gathering, let the host know about the allergy in advance. Offer to bring an allergy-friendly dish to share, and make sure that your family member with allergies has a safe option to eat. If you're unsure about the safety of a particular food, it's best to err on the side of caution and avoid it altogether.

Be prepared for an emergency 

• Even with the best planning and precautions, accidents can happen. Make sure that you have an emergency plan in place in case of an allergic reaction. This post is an excellent resource to create your emergency plan. Keep medications like antihistamines and epinephrine on hand, and make sure that your family members know how to use them.

By taking a few extra steps, you can help ensure a safe and happy Easter for everyone.  With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can enjoy all of the traditional Easter foods and activities while avoiding contact with food allergies.

Want some great allergy friendly recipe ideas for Easter dinner? Or allergy safe additions to your Easter baskets?   Check out  Easter Dinner Recipe Ideas for Families with Food Allergies and Easter Basket Ideas to Avoid top 10 Food Allergens.