Easter conjures images of milk chocolate candies filled with peanut butter, large chocolate bunnies in baskets brimming with more candy, decorating eggs and special foods at the holiday meals. For families who deal with food allergies, there are safe options for many Easter traditions. With some careful planning, everyone can enjoy a safe and happy Easter.
Allergen-Free Easter Candy
Much of the Easter candy found in regular grocery stores contains the top allergens: milk, eggs, peanuts and tree-nuts. It is also necessary to pay attention to the "may contain" section of the candy label as many list top allergen ingredients that may have contaminated the product. Today there are many Easter treat options available for those with food allergies, but many need to be ordered in advance.
For chocolate bunnies and other goodies, try Amandasown.com, Divvies.com, Vermontnutfree.com and AllergyGrocer.com. All of these companies offer Easter chocolates that are dairy, egg, peanut and tree nut free. Check out these other nut-free chocolate options. Seeking non-chocolate candies? Jelly beans and marshmallow peeps are often contaminated with major food allergens. Read labels carefully and call the manufacturer if there are any questionable ingredients listed. Order these non-chocolate candies from sites such as Gimbalscandy.com and Peanutfreeplanet.com.
Make Your Own Easter Candy
Families dealing with food allergies often make their own treats from scratch. Easter is an easy holiday for make-your-own goodies. Candy molds can be purchased at craft stores. Some molds are for lollipop candies. Sticks for the pops are available at craft shops as well. Simply purchase safe chocolate chips (both Enjoy Life and the Allergy Grocer offer dairy and nut-free choices) and melt the chips in the microwave or on the stove top. Pour or spoon melted chocolate in the candy molds and refrigerate for at least two hours until firm.
Candies can then be decorated with safe sprinkles and wrapped in festive papers or plastic wrap before being placed in an Easter basket.
Candy-Free Easter
Of course there are many other non-candy option for filling Easter baskets. Pencils, erasers, books, gift cards, small toys all make great "treats." For older children, choose a theme such as beach Fun or Movie Night and fill a basket or other theme-based container with suitable items.
It is important for parents of young children with food allergies to caution children against eating candy unless it has been approved by mom or dad. Dairy and nut free chocolates look, and taste, like most other candies and children, at a young age, should be aware that their candy is different . Holidays can be difficult for food allergic children who may feel left out of the festivities. Preparing special holiday treats and traditions helps ease some of those emotions.
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