Did you know that, according to the CDC, one in 13 kids in the United States has a food allergy? Whether someone in your own brood is allergic to peanuts, tree nuts and the like or you’d just like to provide allergy-free candy for trick-or-treaters this year, here are 22 of the best allergy-friendly Halloween candy options that everyone can enjoy (that includes staples like Swedish Fish, Skittles and even Pixy Stix).
You should always read the ingredient lists and labels before letting your kid dig in, but according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, you should also be aware that even if they are not listed on the ingredient label, candies can contain trace amounts of allergens if factories produce multiple products. (And “fun size” items may be made on different equipment than their regular size counterpart, meaning brands your child previously ate without problems could cause a reaction.) Confirming if the candy is made in an allergy-friendly facility—or which allergens might be present—can help you avoid major scares. If it’s not explicitly stated on the label (as it should be), check the company website or reach out directly.
Psst: To further help out kids with food allergies, each year you can place a teal pumpkin outside your home to let families know that you’re also offering non-foodie treats (hellooo, fake vampire teeth). Because it’s the ghosts and horror movies that are supposed to be scary on Halloween, not the sweets.
