What Are the Best Allergy-Free Candy Options for Children?
Of all the frightful things your child might experience this Halloween, an allergic reaction might be the worst. Sadly, many parents of children with food allergies. who haven’t yet found an effective food allergy treatment will have real concerns. Candy is part of the Halloween tradition, but many parents in Atlanta and throughout Georgia may not be aware of the allergens present in some of the most popular sweet treats.
While children with allergies do need to be cautious, it is still possible to have a fun-filled Halloween this year. Here are some precautions you may want to take, along with the types of candy to avoid.
Allergy Safety Tips for Children at Halloween
Read labels carefully – A product might appear allergy-free, but closer inspection could identify an allergen like milk, soy, eggs and other examples of common food allergies.
Check packaging for tampering – While the dangers of tampering with candy may be slim, it is always wise to closely inspect the products before consumption. If your child is trick-or-treating, make sure you inspect the treats before they consume it.
Offer allergen-free candy options – Children with allergies can feel left out at parties and events. Consider giving your child candy that you have verified as safe.
Keep an EpiPen® near – An EpiPen or other epinephrine auto-injector is crucial if an individual experiences anaphylaxis. If your child has an EpiPen, make sure it close by at all times.
What Candy Is Safe or Unsafe for Allergy Sufferers?
As mentioned, reading product labels will help keep your child and family members safe from allergens in candy. Also, be aware products may change ingredients to cater to the growing number of children suffering from food allergies.
Allergy-Free Candy
- Skittles
- Lifesavers
- Nerds
- Dum Dum Lollipops
- Sour Patch Kids
- Smarties (free of allergens when manufactured in the USA)
Candy Containing Allergens
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups – Milk, soy and peanuts.
- M&Ms – Milk, soy and possibly peanuts.
- Snickers – Milk, soy, peanuts and egg. The manufacturing facility also processes tree nuts.
- Kit Kat – Wheat, milk and soy. The manufacturing facility processes peanuts.
- Twix – Milk, soy, wheat and possibly almonds.
Unfortunately, there are many more examples of candy containing allergens. Additionally, products are commonly manufactured in plants that handle common allergens and there is a chance of trace elements appearing in seemingly safe options. For these reasons, always read the manufacturer’s guidelines for complete clarity. To reduce the risks even further, consider food allergy testing and oral immunotherapy to build a tolerance to an allergen.
Effective Food Allergy Treatment for Your Children
If you are concerned about your child’s food allergies and how you should address them, contact us for advice on allergy testing and treatment. We are available at our locations in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Druid Hills, Duluth and Johns Creek. Call us at (678) 668-4688 or request help online.
Image Credit – JLMcAnally/Shutterstock.com
By Dr. Thomas Chacko|2024-02-22T15:14:10-05:00October 5th, 2021|
