Bravo to the Kids With Food Allergies Foundation Allergen Friendly Easter Candy List! Phew, that was a lot of work and I appreciate it. Of course, we can all be allergic to anything, so make sure you do your research, make calls and ask questions to ensure your candy choices are safe and healthy for you, your family or friends. My confession is that I love Halloween since I adore the baking that I dive into for that holiday, but Easter Candy RULES! Being raised Greek Orthodox and often giving up candy for Lent, Easter Candy just holds a special place in my heart and tummy.
Updated for 2017! Allergy Friendly Easter Candy Guide from the Kids with Food Allergies Foundation – a Division of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
For family, friends and colleagues when shopping for children or adults with food allergies
- Just Ask. Anyone can be allergic to anything. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) focuses on the top eight major allergens (peanut, treenut, dairy, egg, soy, wheat, fish and shellfish), here in the US. Top allergens vary in other countries. Ask your friend what they are allergic to and if there are any brands that work for them.
- Label Reading. Read the labels, plus give a quick call to the manufacturer. Current labeling laws do not require may contain or made in the same facility statements. These are voluntary. For some people, an exposure to even a trace amount of cross contact can cause send someone rushing to the hospital. Manufacturers also focus only on the top eight major allergens.
- Non-Edible. Non-food Easter gifts are welcome too! Who doesn’t love a gift card, a big stuffed fluffy bunny or flowers?
- Not All Candy is Equal. Often, candies that are appropriate for your friend/loved ones are NOT SAFE when they are packaged in special holidays tins or packaging. For example, Sixlets Candy, which is generally a good nut free choice, is no longer considered a safe nut free option when they are packaged in jars.
Back in the early days when my son’s food allergen list was long, I used to make his Easter Candy, now I bake like a seasoned Greek old lady and buy some candy. I’m not as good at lollipops as I think, so the KFA list is quite welcomed to say the least.
Happy Food Allergy Easter Candy Shopping or Baking!
One of the hardest things I find about managing both life threatening food allergies and asthma is talking to others. I hate to be the one that might be perceived as demanding, pushing or for asking too much. What I now know, fourteen years later, is that honest, clear information presented with kindness works!..