Halloween is one of the most exciting times of the year for kids. From costumes to spooky decorations and, of course, candy, it’s a night filled with fun. However, for the 1 in 13 children living with a food allergy, Halloween can be more complicated. Our son, Ryder, is one of those children. He absolutely loves Halloween. He’s all about the costumes and running door to door with his friends. But when it comes to the candy, we’ve had to make some adjustments. That’s where the Teal Pumpkin Project comes in, saving Halloween for kids like Ryder who have food allergies!
Ryder has multiple food allergies, including a life-threatening dairy allergy. We’ve learned to be very careful about what he eats. We inspect every food label, and if something might have been made on the same line as milk, we don’t take the risk. This makes Halloween—a holiday built around candy—especially tricky. Most traditional candies, particularly chocolate ones, are off the table for us. But thanks to the Teal Pumpkin Project, Ryder can still have a blast, without any worries.
What is the Teal Pumpkin Project?
So, what’s the deal with these teal pumpkins? The Teal Pumpkin Project began in 2014, thanks to Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE). The goal is to make Halloween more inclusive for kids with food allergies. Families participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project place a teal-colored pumpkin outside their home to show they have non-food treats available. This simple gesture allows kids with food allergies to enjoy Halloween without the anxiety of receiving unsafe treats.
Every year when Ryder sees a teal pumpkin, it’s like spotting a treasure. Instead of worrying about what’s in his treat bag, he knows he can grab a fun toy or allergy-safe treat. It’s not just about the treat—it’s about feeling included, enjoying Halloween like every other kid.
Our Food Allergy Journey
When Ryder was first diagnosed with multiple food allergies, including his severe dairy allergy, our lives changed drastically. We had to learn how to become experts at reading food labels, checking every single ingredient to make sure it was safe for him. If there’s any uncertainty about whether something was made on shared equipment with milk, we don’t take the chance. The stakes are just too high.
Halloween was one of the toughest holidays for us because so many candies contain common allergens. Chocolate, peanuts, dairy, soy—the list goes on. Every year, we sort through Ryder’s candy haul, swapping out anything that isn’t safe for allergy-friendly options we’ve stocked up on. But now, with the Teal Pumpkin Project, Ryder doesn’t have to miss out on the fun. He can fully participate in trick-or-treating, knowing that he’ll find something safe and exciting along the way.
You can visit our allergy resource page for more information on food allergies and how to keep your family safe. Whether you’re new to food allergies or a seasoned pro, we’ve got helpful tips and resources to support you!
How to Get Involved in the Teal Pumpkin Project
Want to join the movement and make Halloween a little safer for kids like Ryder? Here’s how you can get involved in the Teal Pumpkin Project:
- Get or Make a Teal Pumpkin: You can buy a teal pumpkin at most stores, or if you’re feeling crafty, grab some teal paint and make your own. This is the universal signal that you’re offering non-food treats.
- Stock Up on Non-Food Treats: Make sure you have a good selection of non-food items like glow sticks, mini toys, or stickers. You don’t have to eliminate candy completely—just keep it separate from the allergy-friendly options.
- Register Your House on the Teal Pumpkin Map: Head over to the FARE website and register your home on the Teal Pumpkin Project map. This way, families like ours can find your house and make Halloween safer for their kids.
- Download a Free Teal Pumpkin Sign: FARE offers free printable signs you can use to explain the meaning of your teal pumpkin for those who may not know.
By participating, you’re helping to raise awareness about food allergies while making Halloween fun for all kids.
Teal Pumpkin Project Halloween Prep for Families with Food Allergies
As a family dealing with food allergies, we’ve picked up some helpful tips for surviving and thriving during Halloween. Here are some of our top tricks for making the holiday enjoyable while keeping it safe:
- Candy Swap: After trick-or-treating, we sit down with Ryder and swap out any candy that isn’t safe for him. We stock up on allergy-friendly treats ahead of time to make the transition easier.
- Pack Safe Treats: While out trick-or-treating, we carry a stash of safe treats in case Ryder spots something he can’t have. This way, he’s never left out.
- Use the Teal Pumpkin Map: FARE’s website features an interactive map where you can find homes participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project. We use this to plan our trick-or-treat route, making it less stressful and more fun.
- Host an Allergy-Safe Halloween Party: If trick-or-treating feels too stressful, why not host a Halloween party? You control the food and treats, ensuring a fun and safe environment for everyone.
Fun Ideas for Non-Food Treats in the Teal Pumpkin Project
Not sure what to hand out besides candy? Don’t worry, we’ve got plenty of fun ideas that all kids will love. Non-food treats are perfect for families participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project, and they’re a hit with kids, food allergies or not! Here are some of our favorites:
- Glow sticks or bracelets – Fun, bright, and great for trick-or-treating in the dark.
- Temporary tattoos – Spooky Halloween designs that kids can show off.
- Mini slimes or putty – A little gooey fun without the allergens.
- Bouncy balls – Classic, simple, and entertaining for hours.
- Bubbles – Always a winner, because what kid doesn’t love bubbles?
- Halloween pencils or erasers – Useful and fun for homework!
Allergy-Safe Treats for Candy Lovers
If you still want to hand out candy but want to ensure it’s safe for most kids with food allergies, here are some top picks that avoid the most common allergens like dairy, nuts, and soy:
- YumEarth – Their gummy bears, lollipops, and fruit snacks are free from the top allergens and are delicious.
- Partake Foods – These mini cookie packs are free from the top allergens and come in fun flavors like birthday cake and chocolate chip.
- No Whey! Foods – They make allergy-friendly chocolates that are just as tasty as traditional chocolate treats.
- Dum Dum Lollipops – A simple, classic, and safe option for kids to enjoy.
Let’s Make Halloween More Inclusive
By participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project, you’re making Halloween brighter, safer, and more inclusive for millions of children with food allergies. Every time Ryder spots a teal pumpkin, it’s a moment of joy and relief. It gives him a chance to fully enjoy the holiday, without the stress of food allergies looming over him. And you can bring that same joy to other children, too.
So, grab a teal pumpkin, stock up on some non-food treats, and let’s make Halloween safe and fun for all kids, one teal pumpkin at a time!
Are you participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project this year? Let us know in the comments below and share your tips for an allergy-safe Halloween!
Happy Halloween, and may your night be filled with more treats than tricks!
