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Halloween is Almost Here!
October is almost halfway over, and the fall and winter holidays are quickly approaching! I thought I would share a few fun options that I compiled for healthier Halloween alternatives.
We do our best to avoid foods with artificial colors. When our son was young, he would get chemical burn diaper rashes after consuming foods with these colors. As he grew, we noticed a drastic difference in hyperactivity and neurological effects from dyes. Other concerns are the potential for dyes being carcinogens, as well as causing potential genotoxicity¹. Needless to say, we steer clear as much as possible!
Many kids are forced to dodge candy with nuts and other potential allergens. Maybe you have heard of the “Teal Pumpkin Project” — an organization whose purpose is to promote awareness and allergy-free options for kids so everyone can feel included. Most people who participate in this project for Halloween place a teal pumpkin in front of their door so children are aware that there are safe treats available at that home!
The TEAL PUMPKIN PROJECT and the Teal Pumpkin Image are trademarks of Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE).
Check out these 8 options that could help you promote a safer Halloween in your community!
Healthier Sweet Treats
1. YumEarth Organic Natural Candy, 5-lb Bag
2. Annie’s Organic Bunny Fruit Snacks
3. Angie’s BOOMCHICKAPOP Sweet & Salty Kettle Corn – 24 Count
4. 100% Pure, Unfiltered Honey Sticks
Fun, Affordable Toy Options
5. LED Finger Lights Beams – 100 Count
6. Bracelets – 52 Pack Slap Bracelets
7. Spider Rings – 36 Count
8. Fun Express Vinyl Paratroopers
¹https://cspinet.org/sites/default/files/attachment/food-dyes-rainbow-of-risks.pdf
These are great ideas. My oldest son has struggled with allergies and food sensitivities. He has to avoid peanut (and corn/soy at one point) and food colors. It is almost easier to just give small toys or goodies … but the Annies fruit snacks are a great choice.
Thanks, Sasha! I have a boatload of allergies and sensitivities myself, so I get it! 🙂
Great ideas! I was wanting to have healthier alternatives this year. Added bonus is then if we have extras it’s not a bunch of candy laying around!
Haha, yes!! As I was compiling this post, my 6-y.o. was looking over my shoulder, telling me which ones he wanted “saved” for him to have/play with. 😉
Such good idea. I have long thought that dyes could not be good for us. They are in everything these days. Thank you for the great suggestions.
You’re welcome, Alice! 🙂
It’s awesome that you have put in place this that could also make this Halloween fun for the kids with allergies. I shared this with friends who might have the same problem. God bless you for this.
Thanks for sharing, Jackie! 🙂