5 Tips and Tricks for an Allergy-Free Halloween!

Halloween is a magical time filled with costumes, trick-or-treating, and fun, but for families of children with food allergies, it can be challenging. With an estimated 8% of children in the United States affected by food allergies, according to the CDC, it’s crucial to take extra precautions to ensure the holiday is both safe and enjoyable. The good news? With a little preparation, your child can still have a spook-tacular Halloween!  

Plan Ahead for a Fun and Safe Halloween! 

By being mindful of your trick-or-treat route and staying proactive, you can create a Halloween full of memories while keeping your child safe. Here’s how to ensure the holiday goes smoothly: 

1. Be Aware of Different Candy Sizes and Flavors 

Candy is a major part of Halloween, but did you know that bite-size or fun-size versions of popular candies may contain different ingredients than their full-size counterparts. The same goes for limited edition flavors. Always double-check the labels, especially when the candy comes in varied sizes or seasonal varieties. Even if your child has safely enjoyed a particular candy in the past, new ingredients may have been introduced, so reading each label carefully is a must. 

2. Use the Teal Pumpkin Project to Identify Allergy-Friendly Homes 

One of the best ways to reduce the stress of Halloween is to plan your trick-or-treating route ahead of time. The Teal Pumpkin Project, started by Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), helps families identify homes offering non-food treats or allergy-safe alternatives. By participating in this initiative, households place a teal-colored pumpkin outside their home to signal that they have allergy-friendly items available, such as small toys, stickers, or glow sticks. FARE even offers a Teal Pumpkin Project map where you can locate these homes in your area. For more information on the Teal Pumpkin Project, be sure to check out our previous blog!

3. Prevent Snacking While Strolling 

It’s tough to resist the temptation to eat candy while trick-or-treating, but it’s important to make sure your little ones wait until they get home before digging into their haul. This allows you to review each item’s label and ensure it's safe for your child. If waiting to eat is too challenging for your child, carry some pre-approved, allergy-safe treats with you. That way, your child can enjoy some sweets worry-free! 

4. Keep a Stock of Safe Candies at Home 

It’s always a good idea to have a stash of safe treats waiting at home. This way, if your child collects candy that contains allergens, you can easily swap it out for something they can enjoy. Keeping their favorite allergy-friendly sweets on hand ensures that they won’t feel left out or disappointed when they have to part with unsafe candy. Plus, it can be a great incentive for them to wait until they get home to snack! 

5. Consider Donating or Swapping Out Unwanted Candy 

If you end up with a pile of candy that your child can’t safely enjoy, consider donating it. Many local food banks, shelters, or even dental offices (some offer candy buy-back programs) are happy to accept candy donations. This not only prevents waste but also turns a tricky situation into a positive experience for your child by teaching them the value of giving back to others. 

Join Our Waitlist for Even More Help This Halloween! 

Managing food allergies during Halloween doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right tools and strategies, you can create a safe, fun, and stress-free experience for your child. Our Allervision app is designed to make navigating food allergies easier year-round, including during tricky holidays like Halloween. Join our waitlist today to stay informed and ensure your child’s Halloween is filled with treats, not tricks! 

Have a safe and magical Halloween! 🎃