Preparing for an Allergy Friendly Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time for family and food, but when your child has food allergies, it can bring a lot of stress. Managing food allergies at a big family meal—where dishes are shared and ingredients are sometimes unknown—requires extra planning and care. Thankfully, with a little preparation, you can help ensure your child has a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable Thanksgiving. In this article, we’ll guide you through steps to create an allergy friendly holiday meal, from communicating with family to managing shared dishes. 

1. Talk to Family Early

As a parent of a child with food allergies, one of the most important things you can do is talk to your family early—well before the Thanksgiving meal. Let them know about your child’s allergies and what needs to be avoided in the meal preparation. 

• Be specific about your child's allergens: Provide a list of allergens to avoid, like peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, eggs, or gluten. Suggest safe ingredient alternatives. 

• Address cross-contamination: Even if your family is careful about ingredients, cross-contamination is a risk in shared kitchens. Talk to your host about using separate utensils and cookware to avoid this. 

• Offer to bring a dish: Bringing a safe, allergy friendly dish or two guarantees that your child will have something to enjoy at the table. Plus, it helps ease the burden on your host. 

2. Plan Safe Dishes

Thanksgiving favorites can often be adapted to be safe for your child. Here are a few allergy friendly ideas: 

• Stuffing: Traditional stuffing often includes allergens like dairy, gluten, or nuts. Swap out regular bread for gluten-free bread and use a safe butter alternative. 

• Mashed potatoes: Use plant-based milk and butter substitutes to keep this family favorite creamy and dairy-free. 

• Gravy: Many gravies contain flour, dairy, or other allergens. Make your own using cornstarch or arrowroot as a thickener, and ensure any broth used is free from common allergens like dairy and gluten.  

• Desserts: For pies or other desserts, use gluten-free crusts, egg replacers, and dairy-free alternatives. An easy, allergy friendly pumpkin pie or fruit crisp can make the holiday extra sweet. 

3. Create a Safe Space for Food Preparation

If you're hosting Thanksgiving yourself, dedicate a section of your kitchen to preparing allergy friendly foods. This helps to prevent cross-contamination from other dishes. 

• Label safe dishes clearly: Make sure everyone knows which dishes are allergy friendly by labeling them on the buffet or dinner table. 

• Serve allergy friendly foods first: This minimizes the risk of cross-contamination from shared utensils or serving dishes. 

4. Navigating Shared Dishes and Potlucks

If your family Thanksgiving includes a potluck-style meal, managing shared dishes becomes even more critical. 

• Request ingredient lists: Ask family members to provide a list of ingredients for the dishes they bring. Encourage them to avoid allergens when possible. 

• Designate a safe space for allergy friendly foods: Create a separate section of the table or buffet for allergy friendly foods to avoid cross-contamination. 

• Bring extra food: If you’re concerned about the safety of shared dishes, bring enough allergy friendly options to ensure your child has a full plate of safe foods. 

5. Making Thanksgiving Fun for Kids with Food Allergies

For kids with food allergies, Thanksgiving can feel stressful when they’re not sure what they can safely eat. Here are some tips to make the day feel fun and special for your child: 

• Involve your child in meal planning: Let them help choose recipes or prepare safe dishes so they feel more included. 

• Bring safe snacks: If you’re traveling or spending Thanksgiving at someone else’s house, bring safe snacks or a pre-packed meal for your child. 

• Create new traditions: Focus on non-food-related traditions, such as family games, sharing what you're thankful for, or crafting. This keeps the day special without food being the central focus. 

Creating a Safe and Memorable Thanksgiving for Your Family 

Thanksgiving is about coming together and enjoying time with loved ones. As a parent of a child with food allergies, taking a few extra steps in planning can ensure your child feels included and safe at the table. By communicating early with family, planning an allergy friendly menu, and setting up clear food preparation protocols, you can create a Thanksgiving that’s enjoyable for everyone—especially your child.