Understanding Halloween Candy Labels for Food Allergies

Halloween is an exciting time for kids, but for parents of children with food allergies, it can also be stressful. The abundance of candy, often with unclear or confusing labels, makes it tricky to ensure your little one stays safe while still enjoying the festivities. In this blog, we’ll guide you through how to read candy labels for food allergens and share tips for creating a fun, inclusive Halloween experience for all. 

How to Read Halloween Candy Labels 

Understanding candy labels is essential for keeping your child safe during Halloween. Here are key steps to take when evaluating whether a treat is safe: 

1. Check for Bolded Allergens 

The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) requires that the top 9 allergens—peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, eggs, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish, and sesame—are clearly listed in bold text. Always scan the ingredients for these allergens first. 

2. Look for Precautionary Statements 

Many candy brands use precautionary statements like "may contain," "processed in a facility with," or "manufactured on shared equipment with." While these are not required by law, they are important indicators of potential cross-contamination. If your child is sensitive to trace amounts, it's best to avoid these products. 

3. Beware of Mini or Fun-Size Versions 

Many candies come in different sizes for Halloween, such as fun-size or mini versions. These often have different ingredients or are processed in different facilities than their full-size counterparts, even if they look the same. Always double-check the label, even if the full-size version is usually safe. 

4. Know Hidden Sources of Allergens 

Allergens can sometimes be hidden in ingredients you wouldn’t expect. For example: 

• Caramel often contains dairy. 

• Nougat and marshmallow can contain egg whites. 

• Chocolate may be cross-contaminated with peanuts, tree nuts, or dairy during processing. 

When in doubt, stick to candies from trusted brands that offer allergy friendly options, like Free2b Foods, where all treats are made without the top 9 allergens and are produced in dedicated, allergy friendly facilities. 

Finding Safe Halloween Treats 

If you’re on the hunt for safe Halloween candy, here are a couple allergy friendly brands and options to consider: 

• Free2b Foods: We offer a variety of delicious treats that are free from the top 9 allergens, including our Bag O' Treats—a perfect Halloween option! Packed with individually wrapped Chocolate Minis, these bags are perfect for handing out to trick-or-treaters or sharing at parties. Worry-free snacking has never been easier! 

• YumEarth: Known for their organic lollipops and gummies, YumEarth offers a range of allergy friendly and organic candy options. 

Always check the packaging and ingredients list, even for allergy friendly brands, to ensure they meet your child’s specific needs. 

Creating a Fun and Safe Halloween for Kids with Food Allergies 

Halloween can be tricky for children with food allergies, but with a little planning, you can create a safe, enjoyable experience where they won’t feel left out. Here are some tips to help ensure your child can fully participate in the fun while staying safe: 

1. Organize Allergy Friendly Trick-or-Treating with the Teal Pumpkin Project 

Participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project is a great way to make Halloween inclusive for children with food allergies. Coordinate with neighbors to place teal pumpkins outside your homes, signaling that non-food treats like small toys, stickers, or glow sticks are available. This ensures that all kids, including those with food allergies, can safely enjoy trick-or-treating. 

2. Switch Witch Magic 

After a night of trick-or-treating, the Switch Witch can help kids swap any candy they can’t eat for a special toy or safe treat. It’s a fun and exciting way to keep Halloween safe for kids with food allergies while adding an element of magic to the holiday. 

3. Host a Halloween Parade 

If you’re looking for a fun, non-food-focused event, organize a Halloween costume parade in your neighborhood or at a party. Kids can show off their costumes, and small prizes or non-food treats can be given out for categories like "Most Creative" or "Best DIY Costume," making everyone feel included and celebrated. 

Make Halloween Magical 

Halloween doesn’t have to be stressful for families managing food allergies. By knowing how to properly read candy labels and finding safe, allergy friendly alternatives, you can ensure that your little ones have a fun and safe holiday. Whether you’re trick-or-treating, hosting a party, or handing out goodies, there are plenty of ways to make Halloween inclusive and enjoyable for everyone.