Halloween is a favorite time of year for many—a night filled with costumes, spooky fun, and sweet treats. But for those managing food allergies or asthma, the holiday can be a bit tricky. The good news? With the right planning and precautions, you or your child can still enjoy a fun-filled Halloween without fear of allergic reactions or asthma flare-ups.
Here’s how you can make this Halloween both exciting and safe.
1. Be Aware of Common Food Allergens in Halloween Candy
Halloween is synonymous with candy, but many popular treats contain common allergens, such as:
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Peanuts
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Tree nuts
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Dairy
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Eggs
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Soy
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Wheat
Cross-contamination is also a concern, as many candies are processed in facilities that handle these allergens. To make Halloween safe, it’s essential to carefully read ingredient labels. Brands that offer small-sized or individually wrapped candies often include the necessary allergy information, but if there’s ever any doubt, it’s best to err on the side of caution.
2. Participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project
A wonderful initiative that helps make Halloween more inclusive for children with food allergies is the Teal Pumpkin Project. Homes that display a teal pumpkin on their porch or doorstep signal that they offer non-food treats, which are safe for kids with food allergies.
Non-food alternatives can be just as fun and engaging for kids, and include items like:
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Glow sticks or bracelets
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Halloween-themed pencils, erasers, or small toys
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Stickers or temporary tattoos
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Spider rings, bouncing balls, or other small novelty toys
If you’re a parent or caregiver of a child with food allergies, look for teal pumpkins in your neighborhood. Or better yet, join the movement and offer your own non-food treats to keep the fun going without the worry of allergic reactions.
3. Set Up a Candy Swap
A candy swap is a great way for kids with food allergies to still enjoy Halloween treats without the risk of consuming allergens. After trick-or-treating, you can set up a safe space at home where you sort through the collected candies, swapping out any unsafe treats with allergy-friendly alternatives. Some allergy-friendly candy brands to consider include:
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Enjoy Life (free from gluten and common allergens)
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Free2b Sun Cups (free of peanuts, tree nuts, and dairy)
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Surf Sweets (organic and allergy-friendly gummies)
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No Whey Foods (chocolate treats free from dairy, nuts, and soy)
This allows your child to still enjoy the excitement of trick-or-treating while ensuring they have treats that won’t trigger a reaction.
4. Bring Safe Treats to School and Halloween Parties
If your child is attending a Halloween party at school or a friend’s house, plan ahead by offering to bring allergy-friendly treats that everyone can enjoy. This way, your child doesn’t feel left out, and you have peace of mind knowing they’re eating something safe.
When talking to hosts, be upfront about your child’s food allergies and suggest allergy-friendly snacks that are easy to make or buy. Some great options include:
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Pre-packaged, nut-free cookies
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Fruit or veggie trays with allergy-friendly dips
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Popcorn balls made with safe ingredients
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Safe cupcakes or other homemade treats with allergen-free ingredients
If you’re hosting your own party, make it a point to label all food items clearly to help guests with allergies feel comfortable.
5. Asthma Management on Halloween
For those with asthma, the combination of cool fall air, mold from fallen leaves, and outdoor activities can lead to an increased risk of flare-ups. Here are some tips to help manage asthma while still enjoying Halloween:
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Avoid tight-fitting masks: Many costumes involve masks or face coverings, which can make breathing difficult for those with asthma. Instead, opt for face paint or makeup as a safer alternative.
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Watch the weather: Cold air is a known asthma trigger, so make sure you or your child is dressed warmly. If it’s particularly cold or windy, consider using a scarf to cover the mouth and nose to help warm the air before it’s inhaled.
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Keep an inhaler handy: Whether you’re trick-or-treating, attending a party, or walking around a haunted house, be sure to carry a rescue inhaler. It’s also a good idea to use preventive medication beforehand if your doctor has prescribed it for physical activities or cold air exposure.
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Minimize exposure to smoke: Halloween often brings bonfires and fog machines, both of which can irritate the lungs and trigger asthma. Try to avoid areas with heavy smoke, and if you’re hosting an event, consider alternatives to smoke-based decorations.
6. Plan for Trick-or-Treating Safety
Trick-or-treating is one of the highlights of Halloween for many kids, but if your child has food allergies or asthma, it’s important to take a few extra precautions. Here are a few ways to ensure a safe experience:
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Create a game plan: Before heading out, discuss with your child which houses are offering safe, non-food treats (you can check for teal pumpkins in the neighborhood). Set expectations that any candy collected will be checked by you before it’s eaten.
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Carry a safety kit: For kids with food allergies, carry antihistamines or epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPen) in case of accidental exposure. If your child has asthma, bring along their rescue inhaler and any other prescribed medication.
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Check the candy stash: When you get home, carefully go through your child’s candy to remove anything that could trigger an allergic reaction. For kids with asthma, also be cautious of candies that are known to cause breathing issues, like certain hard candies or overly sugary treats.
7. Focus on Fun Without Food
Halloween doesn’t have to be all about the candy! There are plenty of activities and traditions that can make the holiday just as exciting without the focus on food. Some ideas include:
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Pumpkin carving or painting: Create spooky or fun designs on pumpkins as a family activity that everyone can enjoy safely.
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Halloween movie night: Host a movie marathon with some allergy-friendly snacks or non-food treats to keep the spooky spirit alive.
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Costume contests: Get together with friends and family (virtually or in person) for a fun costume contest where everyone can show off their creative outfits.
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Halloween scavenger hunt: Set up a scavenger hunt for Halloween-themed items around your home or yard, offering non-food prizes for kids to find.
Halloween can be a challenging time for those with food allergies or asthma, but it doesn’t have to be! With the right preparation, open communication, and a focus on fun, everyone can safely enjoy the excitement and traditions of the holiday. Whether it’s swapping candy for non-food treats, managing asthma triggers, or joining in the Teal Pumpkin Project, there are plenty of ways to make Halloween both enjoyable and safe.
Stay safe, have fun, and enjoy the spooky season!