Halloween and food allergies: Tips to keep kids safe and included

For most kids, Halloween is all about candy, costumes, and excitement. But for families managing food allergies, it can be a holiday full of worry and real risks.

“Children can have very serious reactions to food allergens,” says Amy Moon, RDN, a pediatric registered dietitian at Intermountain Health Primary Children’s Hospital. “Kids can have a full body or anaphylactic response.

That’s why Moon and other food allergy experts want to make Halloween safer, easier, and more inclusive. Here are a few smart strategies that take the fear out of the fun and help every child feel part of the celebration.

Understanding food allergies: How common are they in kids?

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 13 children in the U.S. has a food allergy. That’s about two kids in every classroom! What’s more, nearly 40% of those children have experienced a severe allergic reaction, often without warning.

The most common allergens in kids include:

• Milk
• Eggs
• Peanuts
• Tree nuts (like almonds, walnuts, and cashews)
• Soy
• Wheat
• Fish
• Shellfish
• Sesame

These foods are found in everything from cookies and cupcakes to snack mixes and candy – which can make Halloween, with its grab bags and mystery treats, especially challenging for families trying to avoid them.

And because mini-sized or seasonal candies often don’t have full ingredient labels, even experienced label-readers can be left guessing.

Know the signs of anaphylaxis and how to respond

An anaphylactic reaction can happen quickly and requires immediate medical attention. This severe response to an allergen can be life-threatening, especially in children who are too young to communicate their symptoms clearly.

Some of the most common signs include:

• Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Hives or rashes that appear suddenly
• Vomiting, diarrhea, or severe stomach pain

“An anaphylactic response requires a quick shot in the leg with an epi pen which contains epinephrine and immediate follow-up in an emergency room,” says Moon. 

If your child has been prescribed an epinephrine auto-injector, make sure it’s with you at all times, especially during trick-or-treating and Halloween parties.

Teach kids how to navigate Halloween treats safely 

“Halloween is tricky. Children want to experience everything,” says Moon. “They may be invited to Halloween parties at daycare, preschool, school or with friends. They may want to trick-or-treat, but they might not know what’s in the food or candy.”

That’s why early education matters. Teaching kids to slow down and ask questions before eating something new can help them stay safer anywhere food is.

Moon recommends a simple 4-step safety rule for young children:

STOP. LOOK. ASK. GO.

• STOP before eating anything.
• LOOK at the food and its packaging.
• ASK an adult if it’s okay to eat.
• GO ahead and enjoy it only if an adult confirms it’s safe.

This small routine helps kids build awareness and confidence. It also gives adults a chance to double-check ingredients before a child takes a bite.

3 simple ways to keep Halloween safe for kids with food allergies

Whether it’s your child’s first Halloween or they’ve been managing allergies for years, these tips can help make the night more fun and less stressful:

Plan ahead for Halloween parties

Reach out to teachers, daycare providers, or party hosts ahead of time to ask about the menu. Remind them about your child’s allergies and offer to bring a safe treat. This not only keeps your child protected but ensures they don’t feel left out when the treats start circulating.

Set clear rules for trick-or-treating

Let your child know ahead of time that they shouldn’t eat any candy while trick-or-treating. Waiting until you’re home gives you time to read labels together and sort out safe options. (Consider bringing along a small bag of allergy-safe treats so your child can enjoy something during the outing if needed.)

Check every label – or Google the ingredients

Even if your child has had a candy before, mini versions may be made in different facilities or have different ingredients than full-sized ones. If an item doesn’t have a label or looks unfamiliar, err on the side of caution. When in doubt, toss it out – or look it up on online.

What is the Teal Pumpkin Project?

If you’re new to the idea of non-food treats for Halloween, here’s a simple way to get involved and find safer homes to visit.

The Teal Pumpkin Project is a nationwide initiative organized by Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE). Its goal is to help children with food allergies safely enjoy Halloween by promoting non-food treat options.

When you see a teal-colored pumpkin on someone’s porch, or a sign in their window, it means they’re offering allergy-friendly, non-food items alongside or instead of candy.

These treats might include:

• Stickers
• Glow sticks
• Bubbles
• Small toys or puzzles
• Temporary tattoos
• Halloween pencils or erasers

“It’s important to look out for children with food allergies and provide an environment that helps them feel safe. It’s part of being a community,” says Moon. “It’s not hard! It’s easy to include some nonfood items, such as stickers, small toys or pencils in a separate bowl next to your usual Halloween treat bowl.”

Families who want to participate can visit foodallergy.org/teal-pumpkin-project to:

• Download a printable sign
• Add their home to the official Teal Pumpkin map
• Get more ideas for safe, fun giveaways

How Intermountain Health supports kids and families with food allergies

Navigating food allergies can be overwhelming, especially for young children and their caregivers. At Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital, our team of pediatric dietitians helps families understand allergies, build safe habits, and feel more confident at home, at school, and out in the community. From label-reading to meal planning to holiday prep, we’re here to support every step of your journey.