Why Food Allergies and Halloween Don’t Always Mix
Food allergies are on the rise, affecting 1 in 13 kids in the U.S. according to the CDC. And unlike seasonal allergies, they can come with a major health risk. “Food allergy reactions look different in every patient and can change over time,” explains Rebecca Schapira, DO, section chief of Carilion Clinic Allergy & Immunology. “They can range from mild symptoms, like an itchy rash and upset stomach, to life-threatening anaphylaxis.”
Since many Halloween treats contain common allergens—or are made in places where they might be cross-contaminated—it’s important to be extra careful. Some of the most common include:
- Peanuts and tree nuts (often in chocolate or candy bars)
- Dairy (found in most chocolates and caramel treats)
- Eggs (used in many baked goods)
- Wheat and gluten (in cookies and some candies)
- Soy (used in candy coatings and processed snacks)
Tips for a Safe and Fun Halloween
1. Plan Ahead
Before you head out for trick-or-treating, talk with your child about their allergies and why they can’t eat everything they get. Explain that not all candy is safe, but you’ll make sure they have plenty of fun (and safe) treats.
2. Pack Treats for the Walk
Carry a few safe treats with you while trick-or-treating so your child has something to snack on along the route. This way, they won’t feel left out while other kids are diving into their candy stashes.
3. Look for Teal Pumpkins
The Teal Pumpkin Project encourages families to place a teal-colored pumpkin outside their homes to signal that they’re offering non-food treats like stickers, glow sticks, pencils or small toys. This movement helps create a more inclusive Halloween for children with food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
Encourage your neighbors to participate by providing them with information about the project, or host a teal pumpkin station at your own home!
4. Inspect the Haul
When you get home, go through the candy haul together. Remove anything that doesn’t have a label or could contain their allergens. If you’re not sure about something, it’s best to toss it. Consider setting up a “trade-in” system where your child can swap the unsafe candies for allergy-friendly treats you’ve already picked out.
5. Host an Allergy-Friendly Party
If trick-or-treating seems a bit too risky or stressful, why not host your own Halloween party? You control the environment, so you can make sure everything is safe for your child and their friends. A pumpkin carving station, costume contest or spooky scavenger hunt can keep kids entertained without the need for candy at all.
6. Double-Check Labels
Even if your child has eaten a certain candy before, the “fun size” versions handed out during Halloween might have different ingredients or be made in facilities that handle allergens. Always read the label carefully before letting your child dig in.
7. Keep Emergency Meds on Hand
If your child has severe allergies, make sure you carry their emergency medications (like an epinephrine auto-injector) with you while trick-or-treating. It’s better to be safe and prepared, just in case.
Halloween with food allergies doesn’t have to be scary. Reach out to your child’s doctor if you have questions about how to help them stay safe while enjoying the holiday.
