Allergy-Friendly Halloween: Real Stories & Tips from Equal Eats

Halloween Preparation & Mindset

1.    How did you usually prepare for Halloween with Will’s allergies?

From the time our son was little, in the weeks leading up to Halloween, we would discuss his allergies and how careful we would need to be during trick or treating.  He has always known to save his candy until trick or treating was completed. Once we arrived home, the first thing we would do is to sort through all of his candy.  Anything that wasn’t safe for him to eat, was separated out.  We also made sure to have safe treats at home for him to have if the treats he received included his allergens. 

2.    What was the biggest challenge you faced during Halloween season?

The biggest challenge was receiving treats that weren’t individually labeled or homemade treats.  Those types of items are always very risky.  When our son was smaller, it was difficult for him to understand that these items weren’t safe for him to eat.  It was especially difficult when homemade treats were handed out that were very appealing to him and his friends would eat them while trick or treating.

3.    How did you talk to Will about staying safe while still having fun?

We have always talked about the seriousness of his food allergies with our son.  Leading up to Halloween, we would remind him to never eat something without us checking it first for ingredients.  We made sure that he knew what was absolutely safe to have and anything that was questionable was not worth the risk of eating.  As he grew, he continued to know the process of keeping himself safe while still having fun with his friends.  He knew that he should save his treats until he got back home and we could sort through everything together.

4.    Did you ever feel worried about trick-or-treating? If so, how do you handle it?

As you are all aware, food allergies are a constant worry when there is ever food involved. When our son was younger, the families in our neighborhood would all walk around together, with our children.  This was so very helpful!  It was very much a family centered event.  This greatly helped, as well as always carrying Will's epinephrine injectors, to alleviate some of the worry. 

As he grew, he would go out with his friends and then everyone would come back to our house to sort through the treats and swap their favorites with each other, and things that weren’t safe for the kids with allergies.  It became a tradition.    

5.    What advice would you give to parents who are facing their first Halloween with food allergies?

Allow your child to experience the fun of Halloween.  Let them be a part of trick or treating with friends and relatives.  Remind them of the seriousness of their food allergies but remind them that they can still celebrate and enjoy some safe treats.  It takes a little more effort to sort through the candy, and read the ingredients carefully, but it is absolutely worth the time to do so.  Make sure to always have treats that they love at home that are safe for them just in case the ones they receive aren’t safe. 

Trick-or-Treating 

6.    How did you manage all the candy that came home?  Did you do a “safe swap” or something similar?

Every year, as soon as he was done trick or treating, we would come home and sort through everything he received.  It became a tradition.  Friends would come to our house, and they would go through their treats, and exchange treats with each other for safe ones for our son.  

7.    Were there any particular brands or snacks you trusted and preferred for allergy-friendly treats?

Will's allergies are to peanuts and tree nuts so the following treats are safe for him: Dum dum lollipops, Haribo gummy bears, tootsie rolls, Dots candy, Vermont nut-free chocolates, Starburst, Skittles, Ring pops, sunflower butter cups.

8.    Did you participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project? 

Every year we participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project.  We hand out non-food treats such as pencils, stickers, Halloween themed plastic figures and rings, etc.  

9.    How did you teach friends or neighbours to be more allergy-aware when handing out treats?

We told our neighbors and friends about the seriousness of food allergies and specifically what our son’s allergies involved.  Our family, friends and neighbors have been so wonderful.  Several neighbors had a specific bag set aside for our son which had safe treats for him. They would even reach out to us prior to Halloween asking what brands are safe and what his favorite candies were.  We have been very fortunate to have this in our lives.

10.    Have you noticed any improvements in community awareness over the years?

There is definitely more community awareness.  There are several people in our community that have food allergies.  Our families have worked diligently together to improve awareness within our schools and community. 

Community & Inclusion at Halloween 

11.    What made you feel most supported as an allergy parent at Halloween?

Having several neighbors that took the time to check in with us prior to Halloween to see if our son would be trick or treating and then taking the time to buy him safe, allergy friendly treats.  

12.    How did you help Will feel included if he couldn’t have all the same treats as others?

We have taught him that sometimes he might not be able to have what the other kids were having.  However, we also made sure to keep treats in our home that he loves and that he knew he can always have.  

Learning & Advice 

13.    What’s one thing you wish non-allergy parents understood about food allergies during Halloween?

Food allergies are not a choice and are extremely serious.  Everyone should feel included during this time of year.  Providing safe non-food treats as an option doesn’t take a lot of additional effort.  It means the world to a food allergic child to see that other people understand and are including them with options. 

14.    How has your approach to Halloween changed as Will has grown older? Did he eventually go out trick-or-treating on his own?

As he has grown, and gone out trick or treating without us, he continues to be vigilant with what he receives. He still continues to bring everything home, sort through it with friends and then enjoy some treats.  We also continue to read labels, which is extremely important.  Different sizes of candy are manufactured in different locations, and therefore have different labelling.  Don’t ever assume that something is safe.  

15.    What message would you like to share with other allergy families this Halloween?

Don’t let food allergies limit you from taking part in activities like Halloween.  Continue talking with your child about the seriousness of food allergies but also teach them that it can be done safely.  Provide safe alternatives at home, read every label every time, and never assume that a treat is safe. Is isn’t worth the risk if you aren’t 100% sure.  Go out and make some great memories with your kiddos!  Melissa 

The Equal Eats team also has 10 tips below to help families enjoy Halloween safely. 

Allergy-Friendly Halloween Tips from the Equal Eats Team

Ten tips for an allergy-friendly Halloween 

Ensuring that your child can safely enjoy the festivities is so important for families navigating food allergies at this time of year. Here are ten tips from the Equal Eats team: 
 

1. Educate and Communicate

Before the big night, talk to your child about their allergies. Make sure they understand the importance of not eating any treats until they've been checked at home. It's also a good idea to remind friends, neighbors, and teachers about your child's allergies.

2. The Teal Pumpkin Project

This initiative encourages households to offer non-food treats for kids with food allergies. Homes that participate will often display a teal-colored pumpkin. Consider participating or looking for these homes as a safe option for your child. Non-food treats can include stickers, pencils, or small toys. 

3. Host Your Own Event

Consider hosting a Halloween party at your home where you can control the snacks and activities. This can be a fun way to ensure your child has a safe environment to celebrate in.

4. Read Labels

Always read labels on any treats your child receives. Manufacturers can change ingredients without notice. If you're unsure about a particular treat, it's best to err on the side of caution and avoid it. 

5. Safe Swap

Have a stash of safe treats at home that you can swap out for any questionable ones your child receives while trick-or-treating. This way, they still get to enjoy the fun of sorting and choosing their favorites without feeling left out. 

6. Carry Emergency Medication

Always have your child's emergency medication, like an epinephrine auto-injector, on hand when trick-or-treating. It's better to be prepared in case of accidental exposure. 

7. Allergy-Friendly Recipes

If you're attending a Halloween party, consider bringing an allergy-friendly dish that your child can safely enjoy. This not only ensures they have something safe to eat but also introduces others to delicious allergy-friendly options.

8. Dress for Success

If your child's costume includes a mask, make sure it doesn't interfere with their ability to communicate about their allergies or consume treats. Also, consider adding a badge or sash that indicates their allergy, so adults handing out treats are aware. Kids can also show their Equal Eats ID card which lists their food allergies. 

9. Stay Informed

There are many apps and websites dedicated to helping families with food allergies. These can be great resources for finding allergy-friendly recipes, reading product reviews, and connecting with other families who understand your challenges. 

10. Spread Awareness

Use Halloween as an opportunity to educate others about food allergies. Share information with your neighbors, schools, and community groups. The more people are aware, the safer the environment becomes for all children.

Halloween can be a fun and memorable time for children with food allergies. With preparation and awareness, families can ensure that their little ghouls and goblins have a safe and enjoyable experience. Remember, the goal is to make Halloween a treat for everyone!

 

Author Bios

Karina Montagni
Chartered Marketer & Food Allergy Mum
Karina Montagni is a Chartered Marketer and holds a Master's degree in Tourism from Strathclyde University. She is Marketing Manager for Equal Eats and has over 12 years experience in managing multiple food allergies in her family. Karina is passionate about creating helpful content and resources which supports those living and traveling with food allergies and other dietary needs.

 

Melissa Schwarz
U.S. Product Manager & Food Allergy Mom
Melissa is a mother of a teen with multiple food allergies and has been successfully managing these allergies for 15 years. She is a dedicated advocate to our community with experience in increasing food allergy awareness in school systems.