Halloween is all about fun, candy and costumes, but it can also be an opportunity to sneak in some healthier options and keep every child safe from food allergies.
Here’s how to enjoy the spooky season without the sugar crash or allergy scares.
Healthy-ish Treats That Are Still Fun
Swap traditional candy for creative Halloween snacks your kids will love.
Try Monster Veggie Cups with layers of colorful veggies like carrots, bell peppers, cucumbers and cherry tomatoes in clear cups with a yogurt-based dip. Add a “spooky” twist with sliced olive “eyes” on top.
Or make Pumpkin Energy Balls with oats, pumpkin puree and a touch of cinnamon. Sweet, festive and bite-sized for little hands.
Both are easy to prep ahead of time and keep kids fueled for an evening of fun.
Halloween Pumpkin Colors Decoded
Did you know some trick-or-treat buckets use color codes? The idea can help families with children with all types of special healthcare needs navigate a night of trick-or-treating with a little less stress.
Teaching your child to recognize these colors can help them make safer choices when collecting candy or when sharing at school parties.
Teal: Allergy-Friendly Treats
Originally from the Teal Pumpkin Project, teal pumpkins or buckets mean non-food treats are available — stickers, pencils, glow sticks and more — for children with food allergies.
Purple: Epilepsy Awareness
The Purple Pumpkin Project uses this color to raise awareness for epilepsy. A purple pumpkin or bucket can indicate that someone in the home has epilepsy or that the family understands how to respond if a seizure occurs.
Blue: Autism Awareness
Blue buckets often signal that a child is on the autism spectrum. These children might not say “Trick or Treat!” or may appear “too old” to be participating, so patience and kindness are encouraged.
Pink: Breast Cancer Awareness
Pink pumpkins or buckets support breast cancer awareness, honoring survivors or those currently undergoing treatment.
Tips for a Safer, Healthier Halloween
- Mix treats with tricks: Include small toys or glow sticks along with candy to reduce sugar overload.
- Check labels: Pre-packaged treats should be scanned for allergens if you have a child with food sensitivities.
- Portion control: Let kids enjoy their candy in moderation; healthy snacks before trick-or-treating can reduce temptation for extra sugary bites.
- Talk to your pediatrician: If your child has a severe allergy, ask your pediatrician for strategies to enjoy holidays safely.
