Having a peanut allergy doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy all of the sweetness that a trip to the candy aisle has to offer. It does mean, however, that you have to be more conscious of the candy you grab out of your candy jar or what treats your family receives while trick-or-treating.
The nine major food allergens, also known as the “Big Nine” are milk, eggs, nuts, fish, crustaceans, shellfish, wheat, soy, and sesame, says Keri Gans, M.S., R.D., registered dietitian and author of The Small Change Diet. A peanut allergy is one of the most common food allergies in children and the third most common food allergy in adults, says Melissa Prest, D.C.N., R.D.N., national media spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and member of the Prevention Medical Review Board.
Meet the Experts: Keri Gans, M.S., R.D., registered dietitian and author of The Small Change Diet; Lindsey Janeiro, R.D.N., C.L.T., a registered dietitian specializing in food allergies; Melissa Prest, D.C.N., R.D.N., national media spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and member of the Prevention Medical Review Board.
About one out of 50 kids will have a peanut allergy and 80% of those with the allergy will have a lifelong allergy to peanuts, says Prest—and peanut allergies actually appear to be on the rise in recent years. Experts think that prior recommendations for pregnant and nursing women and kids under three to avoid peanuts may have played a part, adds Lindsey Janeiro, R.D.N., C.L.T., a registered dietitian specializing in food allergies.
Signs of an allergic reaction
Parents of allergy sufferers must be diligent about checking the ingredients on popular candies and be aware of the symptoms of an allergic reaction. Typical signs of a peanut allergy range from minor to severe. Possible symptoms, per Prest and Gans, include:
- Skin reactions like hives, redness, or swelling
- Itching or tingling in or around the mouth and throat
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramping, nausea, or vomiting
- Tightening of the throat
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Rapid pulse
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or loss of consciousness
Unfortunately for many people with a peanut allergy, the reaction is life-threatening as they may go into anaphylaxis shock and stop breathing, says Gans. Those who show signs of a serious reaction, seek medical attention immediately.
It’s important to keep in mind that, while a food may have been peanut-free right at one point, brands often change their product formulas and processing methods, Janeiro says. We’ve rounded up the tastiest peanut-free candy to pick up this fall, but keep in mind that you should always double-check food labels, even those of your favorites, before adding anything to your shopping cart.
1.Smarties
Also free from FDA’s 9 major food allergens: Yes
Smarties are always a smart choice for kids with allergies. All Smarties products are free from peanuts, tree nuts (like almonds, walnuts and pecans), shellfish, fish, milk, eggs, soybean and wheat. Plus, if the UPC number on the packaging begins with “011206,” it means that it’s manufactured in a completely peanut-free facility.
2. Dots
Also free from FDA’s 9 major food allergens: Yes
No matter which flavor your kid prefers, all Dots are free from the top nine allergens. Plus, the manufacturing facility is completely free from peanuts and tree nuts, making these gumdrops extra safe for those with severe allergies.
3. Junior Mints
Also free from FDA’s 9 major food allergens: No, contains milk and eggs, as well as soy lecithin (check with an allergist, though—many with soybean allergies can eat soy lecithin)
Kids with peanut allergies can enjoy these minty chocolate buttons that are sans nuts. Junior mints are manufactured in a completely peanut-free facility, although they aren’t free of soy, and there might be traces of milk and egg.
4. Swedish Fish
SWEDISH FISH Soft & Chewy Candy, 12 - 3.6 oz Bags
SWEDISH FISH Soft & Chewy Candy, 12 - 3.6 oz Bags
Also free from FDA’s 9 major food allergens: Yes
Kids go crazy for these red swimmers, and it is totally safe to let little ones with allergies enjoy them, too. They’re free from the top nine allergens and they’re manufactured at a nut-free facility.
5. Skittles
Also free from FDA’s 9 major food allergens: Yes
Skittles are made by Mars, which, according to its site and allergen statement, “has a comprehensive allergen management program that includes extensive training, ingredient evaluation, product testing and thorough equipment cleaning procedures.” They’re completely free of the top nine allergens, so go ahead and taste the rainbow.
6. Haribo Goldbears
HARIBO Gold Bears, 22.8 Oz, Tub Of 54 Packs
Also free from FDA’s 9 major food allergens: No, contains wheat and milk
That’s right: your favorite gummy bears are certified peanut- and tree nut–free. Haribo manufactures all its products in a no-nut zone, so kids with allergies can enjoy them without a second thought.
7. Rolos
HERSHEY'S ROLO Creamy Caramels Candy Party Pack, 35.6 oz
Also free from FDA’s 9 major food allergens: No, contains milk and soy
While Snickers wouldn’t be allowed in a nut-free classroom, these chocolate-covered caramels are. Rolos are made without peanuts, tree nuts, egg, wheat and gluten. However, lactose-intolerant kids shouldn’t eat them as they include milk and soy.
8. Starburst
Also free from FDA’s 9 major food allergens: Yes
Starbursts are also made by Mars, which means the proper precautions are taken to ensure no peanuts, tree nuts or allergens of any kind make their way into these individually wrapped fruit chews. So, your little ones can barter for who gets the pink or red candies without a worry.
9. Sour Patch Kids
Sour Patch Kids Original Soft & Chewy Candy, 12 - 3.5 oz Boxes
Sour Patch Kids Original Soft & Chewy Candy, 12 - 3.5 oz Boxes
Also free from FDA’s 9 major food allergens: Yes
First they’re sour, then they’re sweet, but they’ll always be nut-free. Sour Patch kids are free from the top nine allergens, so these sour gummies are safe to hand out to all the trick-or-treaters at your door.
10. Nerds
Also free from FDA’s 9 major food allergens: No, contains sesame
Nerds are free of the top eight allergens (including peanuts and tree nuts) and guaranteed to give a good sugar rush, so go ahead and bring it to the classroom.
11. Dum Dums
Also free from FDA’s 9 major food allergens: Yes
These suckers are free from the top nine allergens, and their manufacturing facilities are free from peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, and sesame.
12. Tootsie Rolls
Tootsie Roll Mega Mix Halloween Size, 4 Pound Bag
Tootsie Roll Mega Mix Halloween Size, 4 Pound Bag
Also free from FDA’s 9 major food allergens: No, contains milk and soy
Tootsie Roll Industries run facilities that are free from peanuts, tree nuts and more. But if your little one is lactose intolerant, these little candies might not be the best choice (given the milk content).
13. Laffy Taffy
Also free from FDA’s 9 major food allergens: Yes, but contains soy lecithin
Laffy Taffy is totally nut-free. However, for those with severe allergies, take note: Ferrara Candy Company, which makes Laffy Taffy, isn't a peanut- or nut-free facility.
14. Kit Kat Bars
Kit Kat Snack Size, Candy Bag (66 Pieces)
Kit Kat Snack Size, Candy Bag (66 Pieces)
Also free from FDA’s 9 major food allergens: No, contains milk and wheat
Yes, these chocolate-coated wafers are peanut- and nut-free. But like some other options on this list, its facilities are not nut-free, so not ideal for those with severe allergies.
15. Jelly Belly Jelly Beans
Also free from FDA’s 9 major food allergens: No, some flavors contain coconut (tree nuts)
Peanut-free folks can enjoy the fun variety of jelly beans. But even though Jelly Belly is a peanut-free facility, its facilities aren’t tree nut-free (and some flavors contain coconut).
17. Fun Dip
Fun Dip Bulk Case of 48 Packets of 2 Flavors
Fun Dip Bulk Case of 48 Packets of 2 Flavors
Also free from FDA’s 9 major food allergens: Yes
This beloved sugar high-in-a-bag is free from all nine major food allergens. So while it may not be the easiest candy to clean up after, it can be safe for all your kiddos to enjoy.
18. Jolly Ranchers
Also free from FDA’s 9 major food allergens: Yes, but contains soy lecithin
The ultimate hard candy is another great option for peanut-free folks. Just keep in mind that this one might be a choking hazard for young kids, so it’s more suitable for older trick-or-treaters.
19. Mike and Ike
Also free from FDA’s 9 major food allergens: Yes
These chewy and delicious treats are the perfect allergy-friendly Halloween candy, as they’re free from all the top nine food allergens.
20. Airheads
Airheads Candy Bars, 60 Full Size Bars
Airheads Candy Bars, 60 Full Size Bars
Also free from FDA’s 9 major food allergens: Yes
These allergy-friendly treats are just as chewy, fruity and fun as they were in the ’90s. And sans the nine major food allergens, they’re safe to bring to any classroom party.
Natalie Rizzo, MS, RD is a New York City-based dietitian, food and nutrition writer, national speaker and owner of Nutrition a la Natalie, a sports nutrition practice. She developed a love for cooking, nutrition and fitness as an adult, which prompted a career change from advertising to nutrition. She spends most of her spare time running along the NYC waterfront and creating (and photographing) healthy and tasty recipes.
Madeleine, Prevention’s assistant editor, has a history with health writing from her experience as an editorial assistant at WebMD, and from her personal research at university. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in biopsychology, cognition, and neuroscience—and she helps strategize for success across Prevention’s social media platforms.
