Teal is the new orange when it comes to Halloween fun!
Teal pumpkins are showing up in the Halloween section at your favorite stores to support families with food allergies.
The Teal Pumpkin Project, introduced in 2014 by FARE, raises food allergy awareness and offers the option of non-food trinkets and toys in a separate bowl to make Halloween safer and more inclusive for all trick-or-treaters.
Families with food allergies are encouraged to carry teal pumpkins or treat bags to indicate a food allergy, and neighborhoods are encouraged to display a teal pumpkin or a teal pumpkin poster in front of their door or at their mailbox to let trick-or-treaters know that allergy-friendly treats are available.
Post one of our fun Teal Pumpkin posters on your mailbox or next to your front door to let trick-or-treaters know you have food allergy-friendly or non-food treats to support families with food allergies. Simply click on the image to download the PDF, then print it at home. You can also pick up a free Teal Pumpkin poster at PlasmaLab in Everett.
Are there allergy-friendly candies and treats that I can share on Halloween?
You can definitely find allergy-friendly sweets and treats at your local stores and online. One of my favorite go-to treats is the Made Good Granola Minis, which are free from the 8 most common allergens.
When you’re looking for allergy-friendly eats, be sure to read the labels and look for wording such as “made in a peanut-free and tree nut-free facility.” Last year, I found great options at Target, including Sensible Portions Garden Veggie Chips Ghosts & Bats, Skittles, Starburst, LifeSavers Halloween Fun Size Candy Variety Pack, and Market Pantry Spooky Shapes Fruit Snacks. Each of the package labels included “Does Not Contain Any of the 8 Major Allergens” – WOOT!
Oh, and what are the 8 most common food allergens to watch out for? Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Eggs, Cow’s Milk, Wheat, Soy, Fish and Shellfish. Sesame is also a common food allergen to be aware of.
For more Turn It Teal Halloween inspiration, watch FARE’s video with Emmy Award-winning journalist Heather Brooker.
What non-food treats can I give to trick-or-treaters?
The folks at FARE have shared a great list of non-food items that you can purchase at dollar stores, party supply stores, or online shops. These low-cost items can be purchased and handed out to all trick-or-treaters, or made available in a separate bowl from candy if you choose to hand out both options. Nearly all of these items can be found in a Halloween theme or festive colors.
- Glow sticks, bracelets, or necklaces
- Pencils, pens, crayons or markers
- Bubbles
- Halloween erasers or pencil toppers
- Mini Slinkies
- Whistles, kazoos, or noisemakers
- Bouncy balls
- Finger puppets or novelty toys
- Coins
- Spider rings
- Vampire fangs
- Mini notepads
- Playing cards
- Bookmarks
- Stickers
- Stencils