Halloween Candy Allergens: Know What's Inside Your Trick-or-Treat Bag
Halloween is one of the most exciting days of the year for candy lovers, but the fear factor can be increased for those cursed with food allergies or other dietary restrictions. Millions of people in the US alone have food allergies, and many more can't eat certain foods for religious, health-conscious, moral, or other reasons. Nothing is scarier than going into anaphylactic shock over a candy bar, or realizing, as a vegan, you've accidentally eaten an animal. For those leaving out candy, it might be a good idea to keep a variety of candies available so kids who can't have dairy can still have a treat, or kids who won't eat gelatin because it's a meat product will still have a good time. Here's a list of the major allergens present in the ingredient list of twenty major candies found in kids' plastic pumpkins and store shelves alike.
Please exercise caution and check labels before consuming any food. Ingredients in products may change or vary across sizes, types, or brands. Cross-contamination risks can also exist due to shared machinery in some manufacturing processes. While we strive for accuracy in our research, errors are possible. If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, avoid unlabeled candies and be cautious when consuming unfamiliar food products. Please note that we cannot be held responsible for adverse reactions resulting from candy consumption.
3 Musketeers: Contains milk, egg, and soy products, with an additional warning that it may contain peanuts.
Almond Joy: Contains, as the name suggests, almonds, as well as coconut, milk, soy, and is manufactured in a facility that also processes peanuts.
Blow Pops: None of the major allergens are present, but the ingredient list warns it may contain milk and/or soy.
Butterfingers: Contains milk, peanuts, and soy.
Haribo Gummy Bears: Contains gelatin and may contain wheat and/or milk.
Hershey's Chocolate: Contains milk and soy; certain products may contain peanuts as well.
Hot Tamales: None of the major allergens are present, but it does contain Confectioner's Glaze, which is derived from insects.
Kit Kat: Contains milk, wheat, soy, and is processed in a facility that also processes peanuts.
M&Ms: Contains milk, soy, and may contain peanuts, hazelnuts, or almonds. Peanut M&Ms, naturally, always contain peanuts.
Milk Duds: Contains milk, soy, and resinous glaze, which is derived from insects.
Milky Way: Contains milk, egg, and soy and may contain peanuts.
Reese's Cups: Contains peanuts, milk, and soy.
Reese's Pieces: Contains peanuts, soy, milk, and Confectioner's Glaze, which is derived from insects.
Skittles: None of the major allergens are found in Skittles' ingredient list on their website, nor is gelatin or any other animal-based product, at least from our research.
Snickers: Contains peanuts, milk, egg, and soy and may contain tree nuts.
Sour Patch Kids: None of the major allergens are found in Sour Patch Kids' ingredient list, nor is gelatin or any other animal-based product, at least from our research.
Starburst: While none of the major allergens are found in Starburst's ingredient list, it does contain gelatin.
Tootsie Pops: Contains milk and soy.
Tootsie Rolls: Contains milk and soy.
Twix: Contains milk, soy, and wheat and may contain peanuts.
As you prepare for a spooktacular Halloween, it's essential to ensure that your treats are not tricks for those with food allergies or dietary restrictions. This comprehensive list of major allergens in popular candies will help you make informed choices and ensure that everyone can enjoy the festivities safely. Remember to double-check labels and exercise caution to avoid any unexpected surprises during this candy-filled holiday. Happy Halloween!
