Okay, let’s not pretend that Halloween is a sensible time to stick to strict dietary guidelines. Chocolate and sugar rushes are the spices of life this time of year, but for many, they don’t have a choice.
Some have dietary intolerances to things like dairy and gluten that make it downright dangerous for them to eat them, while others have allergies that can make Halloween incredibly challenging for parents.
If your children have a hard time with conventional Halloween treats though, never fear, because there are more options than ever to ensure that everyone can enjoy some treats this Halloween! Check out these incredible recipes and candies you can treat yours and other children to this fall!
*Please note that this guide, while recently written, should only serve as a jumping off point. ALWAYS read labels before you give anything to people with dietary limitations or food allergies.
The Best Gluten-Free Halloween Candy and Treats
Gluten-free diets can be really challenging to live with, but there are a surprising number of candies and treats that are gluten-free and still sugar coma inducing enough for even the most discerning kids:
Gluten-Free Candy
Almond Joy
Hershey Chocolate Bars
SweeTARTS
Junior Mints
Charms Blow Pops
Smarties
Skittles
M&MS
And so many more! Get the full list from this article at VeryWell.
Gluten-Free Treats
Lil’ Ghosty Guys Sugar Cookies
The Best Vegan Halloween Candy and Treats
Halloween candy can have a surprising amount of animals products in it. Aside from dairy and sometimes eggs, gelatin is another one that many forget to check for. Here are some vegan Halloween candies you can stock your bowl with this year:
Vegan Halloween Candy
Swedish Fish
Dots
Jolly Ranchers
Sour Patch Kids
Charms Blow Pops
Smarties
SweeTARTS
Vegan Hazelnut Butter Bites (find them here)
Equal Exchange 55% Dark Chocolate Bites (find them here)
Vegan Halloween Treats
Spooky Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats
Jack o’lantern Orange Fruit Cups
The Best Natural Halloween Candy and Treats
If your kids don’t have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, it’s worth looking into candies without artificial colors and sweeteners. Plain old sugar may not be the healthiest thing in the world, but several studies have linked dyes to behavioral issues that go well beyond the end-of-Halloween sugar crash.
Check out these great brands for candies that are free from all of the usual suspects:
Natural Halloween Candy
Wholesome Organic Fruit Chews (like Starbursts!)
Sweet’s Naturally Flavored Candy Corn
Hammond’s All Natural Black and Orange Lollipops
Surf Sweet’s Spooky Spider Gummies
Clean Eating Homemade Halloween Treats
Paleo Chocolate Covered Apples
The Best Halloween Candy and Treats for Dairy Allergies
Dairy allergies affect one thing on Halloween — chocolate — and man is it frustrating. Thankfully, with the popularity of coconut products, there are some great dairy-free Halloween candies and chocolates out there, and some fantastic recipes to boot.
Dairy-Free Halloween Candy
Dairy-free chocolates (an ENTIRE STORE full of dairy-free chocolates!)
Vegan “Milk” Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Bites
Mini OCHO Organic Coconut Candy Bars
Dairy-Free Halloween Treats
Chocolate Peanut Butter Lollipop Bars
Enjoy Life Creepy Spider Cookies
The Best Halloween Candy and Treats for Nut Allergies
It is CRAZY how many foods have nuts in them, or are even just processed in places where they come into contact with them. Nut allergies can be serious, but there’s no reason anyone should miss out on a little Halloween frivolity because of them. Here are some nut-free Halloween candies you can feel good about buying!
Nut-Free Halloween Candy
Chocolate Sun Cups (made with sunflower seeds instead of peanuts!)
Swedish Fish
Skittles
Surf Sweets Natural Gummies
Haribo Gummy Candies
SweeTARTS
Dum Dum Lollipops
Sour Patch Kids
Sweet Delight Nut-Free Halloween Candy
Nut-Free Halloween Treats
Allergy-Friendly Frankenstein Krispies
Allergy-Friendly Monster Eyeballs
Showing You Care on Halloween
Taking some of these recommendations to heart this Halloween? Let trick-or-treaters know you’re thinking of those with food allergies with a teal pumpkin on your porch!
As part of The Teal Pumpkin Project, you can skip the food treats altogether and instead keep a bucket of toys, puzzles, and stickers for kids!
This article explains more, and offers some great examples of what you can keep in your special teal pumpkin bucket. Isn’t it incredible what we can do with a little awareness?
What unique dietary needs do you have in your home? Share with us what you’re doing this Halloween to accommodate them on Facebook, and tag us in the post! @WheatMT