Those darn cute elves like to visit my household with peanut free, tree nut free, gluten free, sesame seed free and dairy free treats. I think I know where they might be shopping too! At my local Raley’s stores and Spangler I spied these three treats: TruJoy Organic peppermint Canesflavored candy canes, TruJoy Organic peppermint Canes and Spangler (my daughter’s choice).
What is inspiring to me is that these items all had very clear information on their boxes about allergens, segregation of allergens and what the products are free of! Now, ten years ago this never existed–even just three years ago I barely found items proclaiming allergen free items. This is very encouraging as we move forward in the land of food allergies!
I used to have to order online Spangler items as only one store in my town used to carry their products, now they are easily available. I’m pleased that these items, even though are dye filled, are becoming mainstream as family and friends can easily pick up a treat or two for my kids without a major effort to shop online, etc. Also, in my last minute flurry of baking activities to bake those fabulous Peppermint Cookies, I easily run the grocery store this month and grab a few boxes of Candy Canes!
Please note: as always, read all labels and call the manufacturer to confirm the products mentioned meet your dietary requirements to be safe and healthy for you and your family. Ingredients change all the time! My family’s rule is to read each label twice.
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!..
The spangler canes may have soy (they use soy oil in the cooking process per their website) but the TruJoy ones were safe for us – pricey of course at our local Whole Foods but fun to have the cane shape to complement the round peppermint candies we found at Trader Joe’s!
Have a fabulous holiday Caroline!
Homa, do you have Raley’s or Nob Hill Foods in Vegas?
The Trujoy were on sale for $2.79 this week! We’re stocking up. I can even grab some extra for you and mail you some for post Christmas baking/eating. Just email me!
Thanks, I’ll check that out!