A Gluten Free Guide to Halloween Treats
Kids with coeliac or an intolerance to gluten don’t have to miss out this Halloween
Hey Gluten Free fam…
Spooky season has arrived for another year and we have some delicious tips and insights for you. If your kids or family members are eager for trick or treat adventures around the neighbourhood, but worried about being left out due to coeliac disease or a gluten intolerance, don’t fear.
While added preparation is needed, the objective for a gluten free halloween is simple: less tricks, more treats! Let’s dive in and see what you can do to make the most of the October festivities.
Prepare for a Gluten Free Halloween
The very first tactic that keeps you safe during fright night is to ensure you keep gluten free treats aside in the pantry or fridge. As we explore later, this is the type of festive currency that comes in very handy for parents and guardians who need to cover all their bases, so kids won’t miss out on all the fun.
What are some safe gluten free treats you can stock up on at stores? Thankfully A Gluten Free Family has been to Woolworths, Coles and ALDI to offer a glance at what you can find at the major grocery chains this Halloween.
An approach that a number of parents love is to create a “gluten free swap box” and have it ready to go for October 31. The theory? Once you have a number of gluten free treats labelled in the cupboard or a jar, simply exchange them for the gluten-containing candy brought home from trick or treating. This keeps the two brands in separate piles without the hassle of mixing them up.
For those trick or treaters knocking on the door in full costume, this is your opportunity to hand out all of the gluten-containing snacks. Unless they specify otherwise and are gluten free themselves, let others enjoy the lollies packed with gluten.
Keep Kids Engaged with Fun Gluten Free Halloween Activities
If your child happens to be part of a group themselves, whether it’s their siblings or friends, ensure they’re also stocked up on gluten free treats. Part of the frustration for kids at an early age is wanting to fit in and enjoy what others are eating, so if the whole group is biting into a packet of Skittles, Double D drops (both gluten free), they won’t feel left out.
Sneaky adults who are a step ahead can go the extra mile by stocking up neighbours with gluten free lollies. This might be too much of a stretch when it comes to trick or treating, especially if you’re not familiar or friendly with the neighbours. However, if you do know them and want the kids to be covered, consider dropping in so they’re stocked on coeliac-safe lollies.
A final tip that parents can use is to gamify gluten free Halloween treats. For example, for every gluten-containing treat they swap in, they receive two or even three gluten free lollies in exchange. While there’s pressure and temptation to consume what other kids are having during spooky season, it’s hard to turn down extra candy if the option is made available.
Kati Keksi’s Gluten Free Halloween Lollies
Kati Keksi’s Gluten Free Halloween guide is a MUST read resource; image: katikeksi.com
The wonderful Kati Keksi has already delivered a comprehensive run down of the best gluten free Halloween treats and lollies on the market this season. As the event becomes more popular with kids across Australia, it’s helpful to know what’s really available at supermarket chains and how you can fill the pantry with Halloween-themed lollies. Kati provides a thorough analysis of individual brands from various outlets, specifying everything from allergens to may contain statements, labels and more.
Navigating Food-Based Events with Kids
Halloween can be a challenge for parents when thinking of the risk of cross-contamination, but problems also arise for Christmas, Easter, birthday parties and anywhere during an event. Thankfully there is support at hand.
We were fortunate to have Juliette Thomson on Episode 106 of A Gluten Free Podcast who covered a number of topics. The discussion with Ben included the mental preparation of the holiday season with coeliac disease, the value of planning ahead of time, what solutions are at hand and how to avoid burnout. It’s beneficial to communicate and advocate for the sake of the kids, but more importantly, it’s necessary that kids are taught to advocate for themselves on their own behalf.
Check out Helen Tzouganatos’ Halloween Spiderweb Cookie Recipe!
To wrap this Halloween guide up, do yourself a favour and check out the amazing Helen Tzouganatos with her deliciously stunning gluten free Halloween Spiderweb Cookie recipe. The marshmallow effect is spectacular. Your kids will love it (and parents too!).
Helen recently sat down with Ben on Episode 200 A Gluten Free Podcast to discuss the release of her new cookbook, Gluten Free Express. You can purchase the book here. *This is an Amazon Affiliate link and we will earn a small commission from your purchase*
Happy Trick or Treating gluten free fam!
