Halloween is just around the corner. It’s almost time for fun costumes, spooky decorations, and Halloween treats. When you are dealing with food allergies or sensitivities, it can feel a little more intimidating. However, you don’t have to be worried about enjoying treats during the Halloween season. There are plenty of options out there in addition to creating your own. Here are a few ideas for Halloween treats that are gluten and allergy-free.
Halloween Treats that are Gluten and Allergy-Free
There are many different allergies out there. We are going to share items that are gluten-free or free of the eight common allergens. However, these items can change depending on manufacturing or how brands decide to prepare foods. It’s important to check for the most current ingredients and cross-contamination issues, and that includes whether you are eating out or gathering treats from friends and neighbors. Please use this list as a guide but always double-check information based on your specific allergies.
Store-bought candy
When purchasing candy at the store for Halloween, it can be tempting to grab all of your old favorites. However, some items are a higher risk for cross-contamination. In fact, some items you wouldn’t expect, like Twizzlers, contain gluten. This is why it is important to look through the different treat options to find the best option for your allergies. There are still some safe store-bought options. Here are a few treats to consider.
Allergen-friendly store-bought candy options
- Dots - Free of top 8 allergens
- Free 2 B Suncups - Free of top 8 allergens - Similar to a Reese's Cup
- Enjoy Life Chocolate - Free of top 8 allergens - Variety of chocolate chips, candy bars, and more
- Ring Pops - Free of top 8 allergens
- Saf-T Pops - Free of top 8 allergens
- Skittles - Free of top 8 allergens - Select varieties - Original, Sour, Wild Berry, Tropical, Orchards, Desserts
- Smarties - Free of top 8 allergens
- Sour Patch Kids - Free of top 8 allergens - Select varieties - Lime, Lemon, Orange, Berry, and Raspberry
- Starburst - Free of top 8 allergens - Strawberry, Lemon, Orange and Lime
- Surf Sweets - Free of top 8 allergens
- Swedish Fish - Free of top 8 allergens
- Blow Pop - Free of top 8 allergens
- Jelly Belly Jelly Beans - Free of top 8 allergens
- Nerds - Free of top 8 allergens
- Circus Peanuts - Free of top 8 allergens
Non-candy Halloween treat ideas
Sometimes it can help to skip the candy and move to items that might be fun for the kids instead. This will mean a little bit of pre-planning but could be a great alternative for those with food allergies. Even better, there are inexpensive ways to pick out these items. Stores like the dollar store, Party City, Oriental Trading, and Amazon will have a variety of options at a reasonable price. When picking out non-toy items, try to plan to have plenty that can be swapped out for candy that a kid with allergies can’t enjoy. Here are a few non-candy Halloween treat ideas.
Halloween toys and small gifts to give children with allergies
- Plastic rings and bracelets - These can be Halloween themed or themed off of their favorite color or show.
- Small Yo-Yos - You can find these in many stores and they make a fun candy alternative.
- Glow in the dark items - Glow in the dark bracelets, necklaces, or even glow sticks are a fun Halloween gift kids are sure to enjoy.
- Bubbles
- Bouncing Balls - Pick the small ones with plenty of bounce for a quick smile on Halloween.
- Wind-up toys - These can be just the thing to keep a kid entertained for a long time.
- Toy cars - You can’t go wrong with a small matchbox car or a hot wheels car.2020
- Play Dough - Check the ingredients as some play doughs use allergens in the recipe of their play-dough.
- Temporary tattoos
- Slap Bracelets - If you can find these to add to your Halloween treat box, they are sure to be a favorite.
- Pencils & Erasers - Halloween themed pencils and erasers are an inexpensive option that’s sure to make kids smile.
- Slime - Slime is a popular item and usually has less allergen risk than play-dough.
- Stamps - Stamps with an ink pad can be a fun treat for everyone. Many kids love to use stamps to put designs on some of their favorite art.
- Stickers - Stickers are always a hit and can be picked up at a variety of locations for barely any money.
- Hand-held mazes - Hand-held mazes are usually a lot of fun for kids to try to conquer.
Make your own treats
While Halloween treats are passed out at a variety of parties and events, many aren’t allergy-friendly. Sometimes the best approach is to bring along treats you know your child can have. This might mean spending some time in the kitchen baking before heading out. There are some fun snacks you can make before heading out for Halloween celebrations. Some are simple to make in a hurry while others may take a bit more time. Here are a few Halloween treats you can make yourself.
Halloween treats you can make from home
- Halloween cookies - Switch out ingredients such as flour for a gluten-free flour blend and make some Halloween cookies. Use Halloween cookie cutters for an added touch of fun.
- Caramel apples - You can either dip whole apples in caramel for a sweet treat or do apple slices dipped or drizzled with caramel for a fun alternative.
- Candy Bark - Candy bark is an easy treat to make. Even better, you can use allergy-free ingredients to make this simple treat.
- Chocolate dipped crackers - Switch out your crackers for an allergy-friendly cracker or cookie and dip them in allergen-free chocolate such as Enjoy Life for a great mix of sweet and savory.
- Pre-made brownies or donuts - Buy allergen-friendly pre-made brownies or donuts. You can bring them as is, or add an allergen-free icing to bring a special touch of Halloween to it.
- Cupcakes - Switch out flour for a gluten-free flour option and use an egg substitute to make cupcakes your child can enjoy at your next Halloween event.
- Fruit - Don’t underestimate the value of fresh fruit as a treat. Items like sliced apples, fresh raspberries, or blackberries can be a fabulous alternative to candy.
Looking for a delicious recipe to try at home?
Here’s one for an Elote Grilled Cheese Sandwich!