Trick or Treat: Our Gluten-Free Guide to Halloween

Halloween is one of the most exciting nights of the year for kids, but if your family is gluten-free, it can also bring some challenges. From candy wrappers that don’t list ingredients clearly to cross-contamination concerns, it’s easy to feel a little spooked about trick-or-treating. But with a little planning (and some creativity), Halloween can still be full of fun, safe treats for everyone. Here are our top tips for trick-or-treating while gluten-free:

1. Do Your Candy Homework

Before Halloween night, take some time to review which candies are gluten-free. Many popular treats are safe, but recipes can change, and seasonal candies sometimes have different ingredients. A quick online search (or checking the manufacturer’s website) can save you from guesswork later.

2. Teach Kids to Wait Before Eating

It’s tempting for kids to snack while they walk from house to house, but encourage them to wait until they’re home and you’ve had a chance to check the labels together. This makes the night both safer and a fun way to sort through their haul as a family. If your kiddos are too excited to wait, bring along some treats you know you can trust, like our Chocolate Chip Cookies. This will satisfy their sweet tooth in a safe way.

3. Swap Out Unsafe Treats

Keep a stash of your child’s favorite gluten-free goodies at home. After trick-or-treating, you can trade any unsafe candies for ones you know they’ll love. Some families even create a “Switch Witch” tradition, where the candy gets swapped for a fun toy or non-food prize.

4. Join the Teal Pumpkin Project

The Teal Pumpkin Project encourages families to offer non-food items like stickers, small toys, or glow sticks for kids with food allergies or dietary restrictions. Look out for teal pumpkins at houses in your neighborhood—or join in and hand out non-food treats yourself.

5. Communicate with Friends & Neighbors

If your kids are trick-or-treating with friends, let the parents know about their gluten-free needs. Some neighbors may even be happy to set aside gluten-free treats if they know ahead of time.

6. Focus on the Fun Beyond Candy

Halloween is about more than just candy! Costumes, decorations, spooky music, and community events can make the night just as special. Lean into all the other fun traditions to make sure your child feels included and excited.

7. Stock Up on Safe Treats

Whether it’s gluten-free cookies, pumpkin muffins, or homemade popcorn balls, having special treats ready at home ensures that your child won’t feel left out. Our cinnamon crisps can also make Halloween night (and beyond) extra sweet.

Halloween doesn’t have to be scary for gluten-free families. With a little preparation and some creative swaps, you can make trick-or-treating safe, stress-free, and filled with plenty of treats to enjoy. Check out some of our fun and spooky recipes (like these Spooky Spider Smores) on our website. Happy Halloween!