Halloween is one of the most fun times of the school year. But if your child has a nut allergy, it can be scary to navigate all the fun-size candy thrown their way. That’s why many schools have banned the common allergen from the classroom altogether—yep, even including on Halloween. But what’s a kid to do when they want to participate in the overindulgence of sweets? That's why we put together a nut-free Halloween candy guide, which offers several options free from peanuts and tree nuts. Because this Halloween, we’re all about treats—no tricks.
The Ultimate Nut-Free Halloween Candy Guide for 2023, to Keep Kids Safe During Spooky Season
Published Aug 31, 2023
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What Candies Are Made at Nut-Free Facilities?
Dots, which are produced by Tootsie Roll Industries, are produced in a factory that does not handle peanuts or tree nuts—which is the same case for Swedish Fish. Smarties, on the other hand, are made at a peanut-free facility that does handle tree nuts. So it’s worth checking the label—or our list below—before you buy. Other candies made at peanut- and nut-free facilities include:
What Are the 9 Major Food Allergens?
While allergy-free families might not think too much about food labels, families with allergies rely heavily on them. And a prominent U.S. law from 1938, known as the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, has made them easier to read for those with severe allergies. Per the FDA, it mandates that all packaged food sold in the U.S. list all nine "major food allergens," which contribute to most severe allergic reactions to foods, on the label. See the nine major food allergens, below:
- Milk
- Eggs
- Fish (i.e., bass, flounder, or cod)
- Crustacean shellfish (i.e., crab, lobster, shrimp)
- Tree nuts (i.e., almonds, pecans, walnuts)
- Wheat
- Peanuts
- Soybeans
- Sesame
For the candies and sweets below, we’re focusing on treats that are free from tree nuts and peanuts, but we’ve also noted the ones that are free from all nine major allergens for your trick or treating convenience.
1. Smarties
- Also free from FDA's 9 major food allergens: Yes
These tiny little tart candies are as safe as safe can be when it comes to allergens. 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, these gumdrops are all free from the top allergens, including peanuts, tree nuts, wheat and gluten. They’re pretty much foolproof, as the manufacturing facility is completely free from peanut and tree nuts.
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)
Chocolate without nuts? Yep, these minty buttons fit the bill. They’re free from peanuts and tree nuts of all kinds (the factory doesn’t allow them to enter the building), although they aren’t free of soy, and there might be traces of milk and egg.
4. Swedish Fish
- Also free from FDA's 9 major food allergens: Yes
Kids go crazy for these red swimmers, and it is totally safe to let them indulge in them. They’re free from the top eight allergens, plus sesame.
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 eight allergens, so go ahead and taste the rainbow.
- Also free from FDA's 9 major food allergens: No, contains wheat and milk
All we have to say is thank goodness the best gummy bears of all time are certified peanut- and tree nut–free. Haribo manufactures all its products in a no-nut zone, so kids can enjoy them without a second thought.
7. Rolos
- Also free from FDA's 9 major food allergens: No, contains milk and soy
This one’s for the chocolate obsessed. While Snickers wouldn’t be allowed in a nut-free classroom, these chocolate-covered caramels are. They’re made without peanuts, tree nuts, egg, wheat and gluten. However, lactose-intolerant kids shouldn’t eat them as they include milk and soy.
- Also free from FDA's 9 major food allergens: Yes
First they’re sour, then they’re sweet (hmm…sounds just like some real kids we know), but they’ll never contain any nuts. Sour Patch kids are free from the top eight allergens plus sesame.
10. Nerds
- Also free from FDA's 9 major food allergens: No, contains sesame
Don’t let the name fool you—this tiny, tart-sweet candy is almost *too* cool for school. But don’t worry: It’s 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
We’ll trade you two cherry and a mystery for one cotton candy. As it turns out, these pops are free from the top eight allergens plus sesame, and their manufacturing facilities are free from peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat and sesame.
12. Tootsie Rolls
- Also free from FDA's 9 major food allergens: No, contains milk and soy
Even though Tootsie Rolls are somewhat controversial in the candy community, we're happy to say their parent company, Tootsie Roll Industries, runs facilities that are free from peanuts, tree nuts and more.
13. Laffy Taffy
- Also free from FDA's 9 major food allergens: Yes, but contains soy lecithin
This is definitely an underdog in the realm of Halloween candy—and we're stoked to see they're totally nut-free. But to 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
- 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, as it's produced by Nestlé.
- Also free from FDA's 9 major food allergens: No, some flavors contain coconut (tree nuts)
Yes, peanut-free folks can enjoy this sweet staple. And even though Jelly Belly is a peanut-free facility, its facilities aren't tree nut-free (and some flavors contain coconut).
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