If it were prudent, I’d give out pencils or temporary tattoos for Halloween, in the interest of good nutrition. I tried this one year, but my then-teenaged son strongly advised against it.
Years later we’re still using the pencils. Since that time I’ve resigned myself to handing out the most popular treats possible, because I don’t like risking a “trick”!With today’s greater awareness of gluten intolerance and other allergies, you might want to opt for treats that more children are likely to be able to eat.
The lists below aren’t comprehensive, but they give you a few options. Also listed are a few popular candies that you might not realize contain gluten.
Be sure to read labels carefully, because ingredients or processing may have changed.
Gluten-free candy, by popularity
(From Bloomberg Businessweek, “America’s 25 Favorite Candies.”)
M&Ms
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
Hershey’s milk chocolate bars
Snickers bars
Dove smooth chocolate
3 Musketeers
Butterfinger bars
Hershey’s Kisses
Popular low-allergen candy
(Source: Wellsphere, “Allergen-Free Halloween Candy Quick List 2010.”)
Dum Dums
Hot Tamales
Jelly Belly jelly beans
Jolly Ranchers hard candy and sticks
LifeSavers candy and pops
Mike & Ike
Skittles
Starburst
Smarties
Popular candy WITH gluten
Kit Kat bars
Milky Way regular (dark is gluten-free)
Twix bars
Twizzlers red licorice (who knew!)
