🎃 Allergy-Safe Trick or Treating: Making Halloween Fun for Every Child
- drkurowski
- Oct 9
- 3 min read
Halloween is one of the most magical nights of the year for most kids and adults alike — it's full of costumes, laughter, and just the right amount of spooky fun! However, if your child has allergies, it can be an incredibly stressful night! Between peanut butter cups, chocolate bars, and mystery candy and snacks, it can feel like every treat comes with a risk...and it does.
As a Parent and a Pediatrician, I want all kids to be able to enjoy Halloween safely and not feel left out. That’s why I love sharing about the Teal Pumpkin Project and how you can make your home a safe stop for every trick-or-treater.
💙 What Is the Teal Pumpkin Project?
The Teal Pumpkin Project is a nationwide movement started by the Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) to promote inclusion for children with food allergies or other special dietary needs.
Here’s how it works:
Place a teal pumpkin on your porch (or print a teal pumpkin sign and post it) to show that you offer non-food treats safe for kids with food allergies.
Hand out fun items like stickers, bubbles, glow sticks, or small toys instead of candy.
You can still offer candy — just keep the non-food treats in a separate bowl to prevent cross-contact.
This small gesture can make a huge difference for kids who often have to sit Halloween out or skip enjoying most of their candy haul.
🍬 What are Some Allergy-Friendly Treat Swaps
If you’d like to offer something everyone can enjoy, here are a few fun, allergy-safe ideas:
Non-food treats: glow bracelets, Halloween pencils, mini notebooks, vampire fangs, stickers, or bouncy balls.
Allergy-friendly snacks: Enjoy Life® mini cookies, YumEarth® organic pops, or MadeGood® granola minis — these are often free from the top 8 allergens.
Tip: If you offer candy to any child, make sure it’s individually wrapped, keep it wrapped in it's original wrapper and double-check for hidden allergens like nuts, soy, or dairy.
🏷️ Reading Labels Like a Pro for Safe Trick Or Treating
Food labeling can be tricky, especially around holidays when companies release “fun size” or seasonal versions.Keep these quick rules in mind:
Always read the ingredient list — every time. Ingredients can change from year to year.
Watch for cross-contamination warnings. Look for statements like “may contain peanuts” or “manufactured in a facility that processes nuts.”
When in doubt, skip it. It’s always better to play it safe than risk an allergic reaction.
Parents: When your kids bring home their candy, sort through it together. Make a “safe treats” pile and trade out anything uncertain for a safe favorite. It's also a good idea to do this to be sure that the candy has not been tampered with. This allows all kids to have a safe trick or treating experience.
🌟 Remember, Every Child Deserves to Feel Included
A little extra thought goes a long way toward making Halloween inclusive and joyful for all kids — whether they have food allergies, celiac disease, diabetes, or other dietary needs.
So this year, grab a teal pumpkin, some stickers or glow sticks, and spread the word! You’ll help make Halloween a night full of fun for every every child who rings your doorbell.
🎃 Happy Halloween from Dr. Kurowski at Thrive Pediatrics — where we believe every child deserves to feel safe, healthy, and included! 💙
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