Teal is the new orange

For those with food allergies, trick or treating can be a very irritating experience, but a growing trend consisting of special colored pumpkins may make this festive season more enjoyable for those of us with eating limitations.

If a teal painted pumpkin is seen whilst trick-or-treating, this means that house provides allergy free alternative candy.

This transformative movement was started as an international campaign in 2014 by Food Allergy Research & Education, calling it The Teal Pumpkin Project.

The company wishes to raise awareness for children with severe allergies, especially during the trick-or-treating season because most households don’t even realize they’re buying candies that kids are allergic to.

Common allergies include peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, egg, soy, and milk, which are ingredients in several popular candies such as Snickers, KitKat bars, and even Sour Patch Kids.

A major reason behind many children being allergic to popular candies is cross contamination (when a food product is made on the same equipment as another food product that is not allergy friendly).

FARE suggests buying non-food items, such as small toys and glow sticks,  to accommodate those who might not be able to enjoy treats and make the search for allergy free candy less frustrating.

The organization hopes teal pumpkins will become more common on doorsteps and allow the next generation’s kids with allergies to delight in Halloween even more.