Halloween and Food Allergies: How to Keep Trick-or-Treating Safe and Fun in Philadelphia and the Suburbs

For many families across Philadelphia, Bucks County, and Montgomery County, Halloween is filled with excitement, costumes, and treats. But for parents of children with food allergies, the holiday can also bring stress and worry. Between candy swaps at school, community events, and trick-or-treating, the risk of accidental exposure to allergens—like peanuts, milk, egg, or tree nuts—is high. Fortunately, with preparation and awareness, Halloween can still be fun and safe for families throughout the Greater Philadelphia area.

Common Challenges Families Face in the Philadelphia Area

• Hidden Allergens in Candy: Many popular Halloween treats contain common allergens or are processed in facilities that handle them.
• Lack of Ingredient Labels: Fun-size or mini candies often don’t have full ingredient lists, making it hard to know what’s safe.
• Peer Pressure and Disappointment: Children may feel left out if they can’t enjoy the same candy as their friends at local school parties or community events.
• Cross-Contact Risks: Even allergen-free candy can be contaminated if handled alongside unsafe treats.

Tips to Make Halloween Safer

1. Plan Ahead: Talk with your child about which candies are safe and which ones to avoid before heading out.
2. Bring Safe Alternatives: Carry safe snacks or small non-food items so your child has something to enjoy right away.
3. Check Labels at Home: Sort through collected candy together. Read labels carefully before letting your child eat anything.
4. Communicate with Neighbors and Friends: If you’re attending a party or trick-or-treating with a group, let others know about your child’s allergy. Many Philadelphia-area communities are understanding and supportive.
5. Consider a Candy Buy-Back or Swap: Offer to trade unsafe treats for safe alternatives, stickers, toys, or other rewards.

The Teal Pumpkin Project®

One initiative making Halloween more inclusive is the Teal Pumpkin Project®, launched by Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE). Homes that display a teal-colored pumpkin signal that they are offering non-food treats—such as glow sticks, stickers, bubbles, pencils, or small toys. This helps children with food allergies (and other dietary restrictions) participate in the fun without worry.

You can join the Teal Pumpkin Project by:

• Placing a teal pumpkin outside your home in Philadelphia, Bucks County, or Montgomery County.
• Offering non-food goodies alongside traditional candy.
• Spreading the word to friends, schools, and community groups.

Final Thoughts

Halloween should be about costumes, laughter, and making memories—not fear over allergic reactions. With planning, communication, and support from community projects like the Teal Pumpkin Project, families can ensure that all children enjoy the magic of the season safely.

Look for fun non-food Halloween events in and around Philadelphia, Montgomery County, and in Bucks County!