5 Nutritionist-Recommended Allergen-Free Halloween Candies
Grab some sweet treats every kid can enjoy.
Wholly Owned ISUnited Kingdom
Halloween fun can easily turn scary when worrying about potential exposure to allergens. In addition to concerns of how much sugar your kids are consuming, candy swaps, trick-or-treating and other seasonal festivities can put those with food allergies at risk.
True allergies cause an immune system reaction that can cause mild or moderate symptoms such as hives, skin changes and stomach upset. In severe cases, allergic reactions can result in anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition where respiration and blood pressure are affected.
According to Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE), the most common allergens are milk, eggs, peanuts, soy, wheat, tree nuts (such as walnuts, almonds and pistachios), shellfish, fish and sesame.
Many popular candies contain common allergens so whether you have allergens in the home or plan to give out candy to neighborhood kids, it’s helpful to be educated. You can also avoid giving out candy altogether. Programs like the Teal Pumpkin Project encourage homeowners to place a teal-colored pumpkin on their porch to indicate that they will give out non-food items to trick-or-treaters.
However, if you decide you’d still like to give out something sweet, but want to be mindful, you’ve got options. Here are five candies that are free of some of the most common allergens.
Food manufacturers are required to disclose allergen ingredients. Check product websites and packaging for complete and current allergen information.
All sweet and savory products from YumEarth are free of the top nine allergies. These cute gummy bears are also made with organic cane sugar and colored with fruit and vegetable juices.
This kid-favorite staple comes up as a big winner for those with common allergies. They come in a variety of sized packs so there are plenty of options for trick-or-treaters.
Many lollipops are allergy friendly. These classic little suckers are free of peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, wheat and gluten. They are also perfectly portioned as a treat – every little bit helps when it comes to kids’ sugar consumption around Halloween.
Another great product from YumEarth, this time a chocolate variety. Kids will love these little crunchy morsels made with chocolate and crispy quinoa.
Another super accessible and affordable option that kids love. Welch’s are made with fruit puree, juice concentrates and come in a variety of flavors.
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