How to Trick or Treat with Food Allergies (Shared by 8 Gluten Free Bloggers)

Trick or Treat is right around the corner which means going out with food allergies can always make this a tough situation. You don't want your kids to not enjoy the fun experiences of dressing up, walking around to each house, grabbing as much candy as one can get. But of course, you also don't want your child to get terribly sick from the many food allergies that they may have to avoid. Us food allergy bloggers have lots of experiences in being a parent in these situations (myself excluded). Keep your children safe this Halloween but still let them have fun with these Tips on How to Trick or Treat with Food Allergies!

The Best Tips from The Featured Gluten Free Bloggers of October (via www.glutenawayexpo.com)

Gluten Free Palate (Chrystal)

"Keep a bag of allergy friendly candy on hand on Halloween so you can trade with your little one. Not only is it a great way to trade out candies that are not food allergy friendly, it's fun too!)"

I'm a Celiac (Pam)

"Have a stash of safe candy at the house so when the kids sort through the candy they can trade unsafe for safe."

GlutenAway (Myself)

"Do your research and buy some safe candy options beforehand. It's best to research online for a list of candies that you know are gluten-free. Do NOT let them eat any candy until they bring it back home. If they don't have many options from their Trick or Treat, switch out the gluten filled treats with the gluten-free ones that you bought them."

Keeley McGuire Blog

"The Teal Pumpkin Project isn't just for food allergies. It's great for kids with Celiac Disease, diabetes, and other specialty diets. Get the kids involved by decorating with teal pumpkins and handing out non-food treats to help keep everyone safe! The more you help them focus on the fun & can-haves, rather than cannots, they're sure to have a Happy Halloween!"

Making Life Sweet (Lauren)

"Keep a list of gluten-free candies with you and ask the homeowners if any of those are in the trick-or-treat bowl."

My Gluten Free Miami (Amanda)

"A great idea for parents with kids who are gluten free (or have other allergies) is to purchase some little toys and gluten free candy. After trick or treating trade the candy they received for the toys and candy that you bought. Kids get candy you trust and they don't feel left out."

Raising Jack With Celiac (Kelly)

"HAVE FUN!! Yes, your child will receive all types of "gluten" candy, but seriously, who likes Whoppers anyway? Jack has two siblings that are nonceliac, so he trades his gluten candy for their gluten-free Reese's pieces, Reese's peanut butter cups and Snicker's. If no siblings are available to trade with, have a stash of gluten-free candy on hand that your child can trade from. Then give gluten candy to your neighbors or co-workers."

The Gluten Free Nerd (Esther)

"I love the idea of using the Switch Witch concept. Girls and boys trick-or-treat as usual, and then when they arrive home, are encouraged to choose their favorite pieces of candy to keep while giving the rest to their Switch Witch. Finding new and creative ways to make children with food allergies feel included during holidays can be a challenge. In exchange for the candy, the Switch Witch gives children something else they may desire. This can be anything from a book, or a toy, or even allergy friendly candy."

Final Tip:
When it comes to Trick or Treating and Halloween, the last thing you want to do is make your child feel left out of the group. If you're child's food allergy is severe, maybe buy some toys or safe treats that you know will be 100% safe. Still let them go out with their friends and enjoy the fun of being a kid on Halloween. But make sure that they know that they are not able to eat anything until they get back home to you. That way your kid can still have fun, but you can also make sure that they are safe when eating their candy too.

Make sure to check out more gluten-free tips, recipes, products and more at www.glutenawayexpo.com!