by Corey

According to the Center for Disease Control, 1 in 13 children now suffer from food allergies. Gluten is one of the most common allergens and even those not “allergic” to it are often “gluten intolerant” so more and more families (like mine) have gone gluten-free.

So what treats to choose to ensure a safe and fun Halloween that keeps all the YUM?

Yo’ Drops from Revolution Foods

Stretch Island Fruit Co. strips

Larabar (minis)

Honest Kids organic drink pouches

Nature’s Path organic crispy rice treats

Endangered Species Bug Bites

Surf Sweets organic candy

“Angell Crisp” by Angell Bar

Eli’s Earth Bars organic candy bars

Glee Gum (minis)

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Of course, giving non-food “treasures” is another way to make Halloween gluten-free. Just choose items that are made from safe, natural materials and look for treasures that will last long past Halloween, such as polished rocks, recycled mood pencils, and mini decks of cards or games.

Green Halloween® is a nationwide non-profit initiative started by mother-daughter team Corey Colwell-Lipson and Lynn Colwell. In 2010, Green Halloween became a program of EcoMom® Alliance and has events in cities across the U.S.

Give little ghouls a fun night without food worries

Halloween candy is downright scary for the nearly 25 million Americans avoiding gluten.

Gluten-free expert and author Carol Fenster details practical ways to maintain Halloween’s spooky-fun spirit without fear of hidden gluten.

Ideas include: Learn to read labels (looking for wheat, rye, barley, spelt, and oats); contact manufacturers to verify candy content; ask your natural market to create a dedicated gluten-free Halloween section; organize a home party that shifts the focus away from food and onto games, prizes, and costumes; and serve a gluten-free supper (try Applegate Farms’ new gluten-free chicken nuggets and Amy’s line of gluten- and dairy-free pizzas).

Gluten-free natural candies for Halloween include Candy Tree, Crispy Cat, Ian’s, GoNaturally, Let’s Do…Organic, Newman’s Own Organics, PureFun, St.Claire’s, Stretch Island, Tropical Source, and YummyEarth. Sidebar on GF mixes and products from Bob’s Red Mill, Pamela’s Products, Glutino, and EnjoyLife.

For the full story, click here.

Reposted with permission from Delicious Living Insights. Do you have tips and tricks for celebrating a gluten free Halloween? Add your ideas below.