One in 13 children has a food allergy, but in my daughter's preschool class, four out of 13 are affected, and she's one of them. Even as a food-allergy mom, I still find it hard to provide refreshments all classmates can enjoy. I also remember how overwhelming it is for a parent who has yet to hunt for allergy-friendly treats.
This is especially true with the guidelines many schools set for parties. When food isn't banned altogether, many classrooms require peanut- and nut-free snacks or allow only prepackaged items. When you factor in confusing product labels, shopping for safe goodies can be frustrating. The good news is allergy-friendly treats are possible, whether buying or making them.
RELATED: The New Rules for Food Allergies
These prepackaged foods and substitutes for common baking ingredients will help ensure all the kids in your child's class can enjoy some holiday cheer.
Prepackaged Allergy-Friendly Treats
Maplehurst Bakeries Mini Cupcakes
Free of: Peanuts
While you may not recognize the brand name, you can find these delightful little cupcakes year round and always decorated for the upcoming holiday. Where, you ask? They're often in the mix in the bakery department of your local grocery store. The trick is to look for the "Made in a peanut-free facility" logo on the product's wrap-around label. You'd be surprised at all the places you'll find them, and the kids will love you for it.
Enjoy Life Foods Soft Baked Cookies
Free of: Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Dairy, Wheat/Gluten, Eggs, Soy, and more
You may be skeptical of a cookie without these ingredients. But I've witnessed kids gobble them down, even alongside "typical" treats. The fact is, they're just as yummy as they are safe. They're also easy to find in many major stores, so take your pick from various flavors including Chocolate Chip, Double Chocolate Brownie, Gingerbread Spice, or Snickerdoodle.
Visit Enjoy Life Foods' website to find their products in a store near you or to buy them online.
Lofthouse Cookies Frosted Sugar Cookies
Free of: Peanuts and Tree Nuts
Nothing signals the holiday season quite like a sugar cookie. Add frosting and sprinkles and you have a hit, especially when peanut- and tree nut-allergic kids can enjoy them, too. Look for these Lofthouse cookies in Target and Wal-Mart stores. You should be able to spot them by their "Made in a Peanut and Tree Nut Free Facility" emblem.
YumEarth Organic Lollipops
Free of: Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Dairy, Wheat/Gluten, Eggs, Soy, and more
These yummy lollipops are not only allergy-friendly, they're as good for you as candy gets. They're organic, made with real fruit juice, and contain a heaping helping of Vitamin C. But your kids will never know. Visit a number of retailers to pick up an assortment. You may also find their Candy Cane Pops, a festive combination of fruit and mint.
Visit YumEarth's website for a list of retailers or to buy their products online.
Many other allergy-friendly options are available. For example, you can find those free of peanuts, tree nuts, and eggs in Snack Safely's SafeSnack Guide. If you need to exclude different allergens, check out Natural Candy Store.
Allergy-Friendly Baking Substitutes
FOR PEANUT BUTTER: SunButter Sunflower Butter
Free of: Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Dairy, Wheat/Gluten, Eggs, Soy, and more
There are a couple of challenges to finding peanut butter substitutes. One is finding a jar that doesn't contain tree nuts, when tree nuts are a problem, too. The other is finding one that tastes as good as the beloved original. SunButter is the solution. It's available at stores nationwide in several varieties for the texture you desire. The company's website also provides recipes to make allergy-friendly baking easier.
Visit SunButter's website to find their products in a store near you or to buy them online.
FOR CHOCOLATE: Enjoy Life Foods Baking Chocolate
Free of: Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Dairy, Wheat/Gluten, Eggs, Soy, and more
Chocolate chip cookies, fudge, chocolate-covered pretzels… your favorite holiday treats can seem impossible when dealing with food allergies. The search for chocolate that doesn't contain milk or soy or hasn't come in contact with nuts is discouraging. Yet, with these baking morsels from Enjoy Life Foods, you can make safe desserts, and no one will know the difference.
FOR MILK: So Delicious Dairy Free Beverages
Free of: Dairy and more
So Delicious offers a variety of allergy-friendly beverages so you're bound to find one that works for your specific situation. If the company's Cashewmilk and Almondmilk beverages are an issue due to a tree nut allergy, maybe Coconutmilk is your answer. Its creamy texture is perfect for baking, and the company even offers a culinary option. You can also feel good knowing thorough measures help ensure each product stays safe.
Visit So Delicious's website to learn more about their cleaning and test processes or to find their products in stores near you.
FOR BUTTER: Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Sticks
Free of: Dairy, Eggs, and more
This vegan butter substitute makes it easy for kids with dairy and egg allergies to enjoy holiday treats of all kinds. In fact, my family just used it in Rice Krispies treats, and they were perfect! A quick call to the company let me know the product was made in a peanut- and tree nut-free facility.
Visit Earth Balance's website to learn more about this product or to find it in a store near you.
RELATED: 13 Dairy-Free Desserts
A Final Word on Allergy-Friendly Foods
Manufacturing processes can change at any time, even with trusted brands. That's why it's important to always check ingredient labels and to contact the company when in doubt. It usually takes a minute or two by phone to verify the product's safety and to ensure the health of all our kids this holiday season—and every day.
