Could you use a couple of nut-free Halloween treat ideas?
Peanut allergies are common in the US, particularly among children. Even trace amounts of a peanut product can prompt symptoms ranging from minor irritation, such as hives, to a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis.
Many schools or classrooms today are nut-free due to the rise and severity in food allergies.
Trying to accomodate everyone when it comes to class parties or treats can often be a challenge. Don’t let allergies get in the way of fun with food!
Here are some simple and fun ideas you can incorporate this year:
(Here at MOMables, we try not to endorse certain brands of food, but we realize due to school rules and allergies, some require prepackaged foods with labels for class treats or parties. Here, we’ve tried to provide both fresh and packaged option ideas.)
- Try a festive container filled with homemade popcorn, courtesy of MOMables. If your child’s class requires labeled or packaged items, a great option is allergy-friendly BoomChikaPop.
- In a Halloween-themed cupcake liner acting as bowl, serve up some spooky grape “eyeballs” for healthy themed fun.
- Kids love cheese! Cut out slices with holiday-themed cookie cutters for a simple yummy treat.
- My daughter loves Apple Mouths: Using two apple slices, smear each with nut-free Sunflower Seed Spread, and place marshmallows in the center for the teeth, before placing together to create this silly snack. These make a great addition to the lunch box too!
- A nut-free trail mix is a great option for a yummy sweet and salty snack. Serve it up in a fun themed holder to add interest. Pictured is a simple mix of pumpkin seeds and raisins. You could also include dried cranberries and dried apples or dried banana bits for added crunch.
- If your child is set on candy or a sweet treat, and your school requires those prepackaged labled items, here are a few that are guaranteed safe for nut allergies: Tootsie Roll Company brand items (which includes Tootsie Rolls, Junior Mints, Charms, and Caramel Apple Pops), York Peppermint Patties, Skittles, Starburst, or Jolly Ranchers.
These are just a few simple and fun ideas to help! Don’t let allergies get in the way of having fun with food. Nut-free items can be just a delicious. Happy Halloween!
Lisa T.
As the mother of an allergic child, I am pleased to see that other parents are being considerate of children with allergies. The post above shows a list of “nut-free treats”. It is important to note a few things that were omitted from this post. First of all, peanuts are not nuts, they are legumes and grow underground. Nuts grow on trees. Additionally, it is not safe to assume that foods not containing peanuts directly are safe for a child with a true allergy. Anything from dried cranberries to baking soda to salad dressing can be made in a factory that also makes foods with peanuts, therefore making those foods off limits to a child with a peanut allergy. The nutrition label would need to be checked by a knowledgeable adult to check for any peanut “contamination” before it is consumed. A child could have a severe anaphylactic reaction simply from eating cheese (or anything) that was cut with a knife that was cleaned with a sponge that has peanut butter residue on it. Although it is great that people want to include everyone in school treats, please don’t assume foods are safe for peanut-allergic kids just because they don’t have peanuts directly in them.
lindsey
How do I make banana chip treats without the coconut. My child is very allergic to coconut as well as peanuts and such.
I love the sunflowe butter and it isn’t processed with other items with nuts.
Love these allergy snack ideas since it can be very hard to find different options
Keeley McGuire
Hi Lindsey! Could you be more specific – which banana chip treat are you referring to? There isn’t one pictured in this post. If you’re referring to adding dried banana to a trail mix, most store bought freeze dried bananas (which we love) are made with only bananas – no other added ingredients – so coconut should not be an issue.
Thanks!