It’s mid-October, which means the subject on everyone’s mind is Halloween! This holiday tends to focus on junk food and candy so it can be challenging if you have food allergies or are on a special diet. If you have food allergies or restrictions, the thought of going to friends’ houses or hosting a party can feel overwhelming. There’s always the concern that there won’t be any “safe” allergy free Halloween treats you can eat. Or, you won’t be able to prepare allergy-free food without everyone at your house noticing the candy is missing. You don’t have to skip all the candy, just make sure there are options available for everyone.
I’ve lived with my allergies for quite some time and have turned these issues into culinary challenges. Instead of thinking, I’ll have nothing to eat. I think, what can I bring? I also know that healthy foods can be just as delicious, if not more, than traditional party foods. It’s just a matter of creativity!
ALLERGY FREE HALLOWEEN SNACKS TO HAVE IN THE HOUSE
Below, I’ve listed some of my favorite homemade and store-bought snacks and treats. These are perfect for sharing. Plus, with a little decorating, you can transform an everyday platter into something spooktacular.
Image from fatfreevegan.com
Hummus and Raw Veggies:
It might seem boring to start with the veggies, but won’t you be relieved to have a vegetable to snack on in the midst of all the sugar and candy. AND you can make a bowl of hummus super fun and spooky by going with black beans to make this Spiderweb Hummus Bowl or use red beets for something bright and different.
Image from coastalwandering.com
Ghost Meringues
I just love these Boo Meringues from Coastal Wandering. These are gluten and dairy free and you just need eggs, cream of tartar, sugar, vanilla, and some candy eyes. I can’t wait to give these a try myself this year. I think they are so fun and festive and super simple to make. You just need a good stand mixer and a little patience while the egg whites whip up.
Popcorn:
Another simple idea that doesnt have to include sugar and will give you and your friends something to enjoy. Pop your own and toss with coconut oil and salt, or drizzle some melted non-dairy chocolate over the top to snack on while you watch spooky movies.
Store Bought Candy:
There are so many more options now for low sugar and allergy free candies. You can have candy without gluten or dairy or refined sugars, here are some of my favorites and the brands loved by my friends with children:
Justin’s Chocolate Almond Butter Cups – gluten free, no hydrogentated oils – IS processed on machinery with other tree nuts, peanuts, and soy
SmartSweets Gummy Candies – no artificial sweeteners, added sugar or sugar alcohols, does contain sugar, but much less than other gummies and colored with fruit and veggie juices
UNREAL chocolate gems – gluten free, some are dairy free, all are free of artificial flavors, dyes, and preservatives, and made only with Fair Trade Certified™ ingredients
Hail Merry Miracle Tarts – These are decadent, but raw and plant-based sweet treats you can buy pre-made. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and serve them on a platter in lieu of candy. You can find out where to buy them near you on the Hail Merry website.
Make Your Own Berry Gelatin Squares:
These gummies are sweet and satisfying and contains a healthy dose of spinach!). Instead of cutting them into squares, use a cookie-cutter to make haunted Halloween shapes. Find the Homemade Berry Gelatin Squares Recipe Here.
Chocolate “Dirt Pudding” Cups
Image from PeanutButterandFitness.com
Make Nom Nom Paleo’s Dairy-Free Chocolate Pudding and create your own “Dirt Pudding” Cups! I think we all remember the kitty litterbox pudding desserts of our Halloween childhoods, with the melted tootsie rolls? If you don’t have a clue of what I am talking about, I am sure you can find it online. These single serving pudding cups are just so inspiring and perfect for the new Qui Yogurt jars I have been collecting.
Chocolate Cupcakes
Purchase some already-made cupcakes and decorate. Save yourself a ton of time and have fun with the decorating instead. If you cant find an allergy-safe premade cupcake, try a box mix like Simple Mills Chocolate Muffin and Cake Mix, or Pamela’s Chocolate Cake.
These are the chocolate cupcakes I made into mummies a few years ago. I used my gluten free chocolate cake recipe and played around with a regular buttercream frosting. You can find all kinds of inspiration for something like this on Pinterest.
