The importance of noncandy treats for trick-or-treating

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Soon kids will be out walking the streets in costumes and enjoying the reward of trick-or-treating! For many kids, the anticipation of trick-or-treating is lessened due to food allergies or intolerances. It is important to offer noncandy or nonfood items during Halloween for those kids who may not be able to eat certain candies.

Although it’s hard to imagine Halloween without candy, especially since companies can make specific shapes or colors for the holiday, candy has only been linked to Halloween since the 1950s. Candy was found to be more affordable and more convenient than the traditional toys, cake, cookies or fruit that was previously given out. Candy eventually became the only acceptable option in the 1970s when parents feared that unsealed and nonstore-bought items could be tampered with.

Now, although it is unlikely that items like homemade cookies or cakes would be poisoned, there are other reasons to be weary of these items. For example, if your child has food allergies, these food items could still contain allergens, or they could have had cross-contact in the kitchen. Another reason is food safety. Sadly, we don’t know if anyone has licked or dropped the spoon, or maybe their hands weren’t properly washed.

If you want to only offer one option, noncandy or nonfood items can be enjoyed by all. Thankfully with online shopping, it’s easy to get Halloween-themed packs of goodies!

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