Finding safe treats for kids with food allergies can be tough. About 1 in 13 children in the U.S. have food sensitivities, with 90% of allergies linked to just nine ingredients: milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, and sesame. But don’t worry - this guide highlights six allergy-safe snack options that are free from these common allergens and perfect for kids with dietary restrictions.
Quick Overview of Allergy-Safe Treats:
- YumEarth Organic Treats: Free of top 9 allergens, organic, vegan-friendly. Popular options: Organic Duo Pops ($12.99), Sour Littles ($7.29).
- Surf Sweets Gummies: Fun shapes, gluten-free, Non-GMO. Gummy Bears start at $3.99.
- Amanda's Own Confections: Handmade, free from top 14 allergens. Chocolate Bars ($4.25), seasonal treats available.
- Safe Dark Chocolate Treats: Brands like NESTLÉ® and SHILOH FARMS offer allergen-free dark chocolate.
- MommaBear Organics Lollipops: Made with organic honey, gluten-free, $24.99 bundles.
- Plant-Based Candy Options: Vegan, allergen-free options like Candy Tree Organic Lollipops ($10.99) and Sjaak's Vegan Bunny Bites ($7.79).
Pro Tip: Always check labels for allergen certifications and production details to ensure safety. Homemade treats are another great way to control ingredients.
This guide dives into each option, including features, pricing, and where to buy, so you can safely treat your little ones.
SNACK IDEAS FOR KIDS THAT ARE PEANUT, TREE NUT ...
1. YumEarth Organic Treats
YumEarth has been a go-to choice for parents since 2007, offering treats free from the top nine allergens: peanuts, tree nuts, milk, fish, shellfish, egg, soy, wheat, and sesame. Known for its strict safety standards and use of organic ingredients, YumEarth has earned a solid reputation among families.
What sets YumEarth apart is its meticulous safety practices. Their FDA-compliant facilities follow thorough cleaning protocols and perform allergen-specific ELISA testing, including gluten and wheat checks after production runs, to ensure product safety. They also prioritize using organic, vegan-friendly ingredients like fruit and vegetable juice concentrates for color and bone-char-free sugar, avoiding artificial additives.
Here are some of their popular treats:
| Product Type | Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Organic Duo Pops | $12.99 | USDA Certified Organic, Kosher Parve |
| Organic Sour Littles | $7.29 | Naturally colored, Vegan |
| Choco Yums™ Chocolate | From $8.99 | USDA Certified Organic |
| Organic Fruit Snacks | From $7.59 | USDA Certified Organic |
For families dealing with corn sensitivities, YumEarth offers several corn-free options, including peppermint hard candies, Giggles®, Sour Giggles®, and Chewys™. These meet the corn-free standards defined by Johns Hopkins.
Many YumEarth products come with multiple certifications, such as USDA Certified Organic, GFCO (for items like Organic Lollipops and Licorice), and Kosher Parve.
You can find YumEarth treats at major retailers like Whole Foods Market or order directly from their website. The Fan Favorites Variety Box ($50.49) is a great option for sampling a range of their safe and delicious treats.
2. Surf Sweets Gummies
Surf Sweets creates gummies that are safe for kids with food sensitivities, adhering to strict allergen-free standards. These treats exclude the top eight allergens and are crafted to appeal to children with fun shapes and flavors. The brand also holds trusted certifications like Certified Gluten-Free and Non‑GMO Project Verified, ensuring both quality and safety.
Here’s a closer look at some of their popular products and prices:
| Product Name | Size | Price | Certifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Gummy Bears | 2.75 oz | $3.99 | Gluten-Free, Non‑GMO |
| Natural Gummy Bears | 6 oz | $5.19 | Gluten-Free, Non‑GMO |
| Organic DelishFish® | 2.75 oz | $3.99 | Organic, Gluten-Free |
| Organic Fruity Bears | 2.75 oz | $3.99 | Organic, Gluten-Free |
| Cinnamon Organic Bears | 6 oz | $5.19 | Organic, Gluten-Free |
| Natural Gummy Worms | 2.75 oz | $3.99 | Gluten-Free, Non‑GMO |
Beyond allergen safety, Surf Sweets is committed to making a positive impact. The company donates at least 1% of its sales to initiatives like ocean cleanup, land preservation, and promoting access to healthy food.
You can find Surf Sweets products on their official website, Amazon (rated 4.1/5 stars), and the Natural Candy Store. Prices start at just $3.99 for a 2.75 oz bag, with larger 6 oz options available for $5.19.
3. Amanda's Own Confections
Since 2005, Amanda's Own Confections has been creating treats specifically designed for those with severe food allergies. The company was inspired by a personal connection to food sensitivities and remains dedicated to offering safe, delicious options.
Their treats are handmade in a facility that avoids major allergens such as gluten, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, soy, eggs, corn, sesame, mustard, shellfish, and crustaceans. This rigorous approach reflects their priority on safety:
"The purity of Amanda's Own dairy-free, nut-free, peanut-free, gluten-free, wheat-free, soy-free, egg-free, corn-free, sesame-free, mustard-free, shellfish-free, crustacean-free, sulfites-free and lupin-free is of the greatest importance to us, as the safety of our child and yours depends on it."
– Amanda's Own Confections
Here’s a look at some of their offerings:
| Product Category | Price Range | Allergen Status |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate Bars | $4.25 | Top 14 allergen-free |
| Mini Chocolate Chips | $15.00 | Top 14 allergen-free |
| Candy Bar Box | $48.00 | Top 14 allergen-free |
| Easter Window Box | $10.75 | Top 14 allergen-free |
| Foiled Frogs | $5.75 | Top 14 allergen-free |
Most of their products are vegan-friendly, with a few exceptions made on separate equipment.
Amanda's Own also gives back to the community. Through a partnership with Wyatt's Teal Team, they donate all net proceeds from the Wyatt's Teal Team chocolate bar to raise awareness and educate people about food allergies and anaphylaxis.
You can find their products online or in select specialty stores across the U.S.. They also offer seasonal collections for holidays like Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, ensuring safe treats for children with food sensitivities year-round.
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4. Safe Dark Chocolate Treats
Dark chocolate treats are now crafted in allergen-free facilities, using simple ingredients to maintain safety without losing the rich flavor kids enjoy.
NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® offers Organic Allergen Free Dark Chocolate Morsels. These morsels are made with organic chocolate, cane sugar, and cocoa butter. They’re free from major allergens like peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, milk, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, and sesame.
PLAYin CHOC creates organic, vegan chocolate in specialized facilities to prevent cross-contamination. Their products carry key certifications that ensure both safety and quality:
| Certification Type | Definition | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Organic | No synthetic pesticides or additives | Limits exposure to chemical residues |
| Certified Gluten-Free | No wheat or gluten ingredients | Suitable for children with celiac or sensitivities |
| Fair Trade | Ethically sourced ingredients | Promotes ethical and sustainable practices |
| Allergen-Free | Free from specific allergens | Extra reassurance for sensitive kids |
SHILOH FARMS offers Allergen Free Dark Chocolate Chips, priced at $11.99 for a 10 oz. pouch. These chips are certified organic, fair trade, and non-GMO, and they’re free from the nine most common allergens.
"Not only are SHILOH FARMS Allergen Free Dark Chocolate Chips Certified Organic, Fair Trade, and Non-GMO, they're also packed with antioxidants and free from the nine most common allergens (including milk, eggs, wheat, soy, and peanuts)!"
- Shiloh Farms
Always review ingredient labels to avoid potential cross-contamination.
5. MommaBear Organics Lollipops
MommaBear Organics offers allergy-friendly lollipops made with organic raw wildflower honey. These treats prioritize safety and quality, standing out with their carefully selected ingredients.
Produced in a USA-based facility with strict quality standards, these lollipops are non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, and contain no high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners. They’re also certified Kosher.
"Our lollipops and suckers are made with organic raw wildflower honey - a natural sweetener with antibacterial properties that supports wellness. Free from GMOs, gluten, dairy, high fructose corn syrup, and artificial sweeteners, our products are gentle on the body and perfect for kids and adults alike." - MommaBear Organics
You can choose from bundles designed to address specific needs, such as Motion Sickness & Nausea, Sore Throat & Cough Relief, or Allergy Relief. Each bundle costs $24.99, with free standard shipping available on orders over $60. All products come recommended by PTPA.
MommaBear Organics also focuses on sustainability by using recyclable and biodegradable packaging. Their ingredients are sourced from suppliers who practice ethical and sustainable farming.
For the latest allergen and ingredient details, parents should check the product packaging or visit the official MommaBear Organics website.
6. Plant-Based Candy Options
Plant-based candies provide a safe and sweet option for those avoiding common allergens. These treats are crafted with ingredients that prioritize both safety and flavor.
For added peace of mind, certifications like those from the American Vegetarian Association (AVA) make it easier to trust what you're buying. AVA's Vegan certification ensures there are no animal-derived ingredients involved, offering reassurance for parents and caregivers.
The Natural Candy Store simplifies the search for allergen-friendly treats by allowing filtering options like "Strict ALLERGEN Free" or "No ALLERGEN Ingredients." This makes it easy to find products that align with specific dietary needs.
Here are some popular plant-based candy options:
| Treat Name | Price | Allergen Status |
|---|---|---|
| Candy Tree Organic Lollipops - Cherry/Raspberry | $10.99 | Top 9 Allergen-Free |
| Sjaak's Organic Vegan Bunny Bites - Dark Chocolate Cherry | $7.79 | Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free |
| YumEarth Organic Fruit Flavored Giggles Chewy Candy Bites (Pack of 2) | $16.50 | Allergy Friendly |
| Candy Tree Organic Lollipops - Sampler | $4.99 | Top 9 Allergen-Free |
"ALLERGY FRIENDLY products are free from the Top 9 Major Food Allergens: Milk, Eggs, Fish, Crustacean shellfish, Tree nuts, Peanuts, Wheat, Soybeans, and Sesame."
– Natural Candy Store
When choosing treats, it's important to understand the difference between "Strict ALLERGEN-Free" and "No ALLERGEN Ingredients." "Strict ALLERGEN-Free" means the product has minimal risk of cross-contact with allergens, while "No ALLERGEN Ingredients" indicates the product itself contains no allergens but may be made in facilities that handle them.
Many plant-based candies now feature clear certification labels, making it easier for parents to make informed choices. Always double-check labels, as ingredients and manufacturing processes can change over time.
Conclusion
The treats reviewed here show that it's possible to find options kids love while adhering to strict allergy safety standards. For children with food sensitivities, selecting safe treats requires careful attention, especially since food allergies are so common among kids in the U.S.
Because ingredient sourcing and production practices can change, always check labels and confirm allergen certifications. Knowing how to interpret label terms is crucial for making informed decisions:
| Label Term | What It Means | Level of Safety |
|---|---|---|
| Strict Allergen-Free | Minimal risk of cross-contact | Highest |
| No Allergen Ingredients | May be made in shared facilities | Moderate |
| May Contain | Potential cross-contamination risk | Exercise caution |
To ensure the safest choices, keep these tips in mind:
- Look for products made in dedicated allergen-free facilities.
- Confirm allergen certifications are current.
- Reach out to manufacturers for clarification about production processes.
"Statements advising that products may/might contain or are made in shared facilities with a food allergen are purely voluntary... However, a product should not be considered 'safe' just because it does not list these 'maybe's.'" - FAACT
For added peace of mind, homemade treats can be a great option. This way, you have full control over the ingredients.
FAQs
How can I make sure allergy-safe treats are safe for kids with food sensitivities?
To ensure allergy-safe treats are truly safe for kids with food sensitivities, always read ingredient labels carefully to check for hidden allergens or cross-contamination warnings. Look for trusted certifications like Gluten-Free Certified, Vegan Certified, or Nut-Free Certified to confirm the product meets strict standards.
It's also a good idea to purchase treats from brands that specialize in allergen-free foods and to double-check for any updates to manufacturing practices that might affect safety. When in doubt, consult with your child’s healthcare provider or allergist for guidance on specific ingredients to avoid.
How can I make sure a treat is safe for my child with severe food allergies?
To ensure a treat is safe for your child with severe allergies, always check the ingredient list carefully each time you purchase it, as recipes and manufacturing processes can change. Look for clear allergen warnings, such as "Contains" or "May contain" statements, which can help identify potential risks.
If you're unsure, contact the manufacturer directly to confirm the ingredients and understand their allergen handling practices. For added safety, consider treats made in dedicated allergen-free facilities, as these often follow strict protocols to prevent cross-contamination. Keeping these steps in mind can help you confidently choose safe and enjoyable snacks for your child.
What are some easy homemade treats that are safe for kids with multiple food sensitivities?
There are plenty of simple and delicious homemade treats that can be made safe for kids with multiple food sensitivities. By carefully selecting or substituting ingredients, you can create options that are free from common allergens like nuts, dairy, gluten, and soy.
Here are a few ideas:
- Sweet treats: Black bean brownies, pumpkin pie quinoa, or dairy-free chocolate truffles.
- Snacks: Homemade potato chips, fruit kabobs, or allergen-free granola bars.
- Frozen delights: Mango popsicles or dairy-free vanilla ice cream.
These treats are not only allergy-friendly but also fun to make and enjoy with your kids!
