If You See a Teal Pumpkin on Halloween, This Is What It Means
Updated: May 10, 2022
Here's everything you need to know about these blue-hued pumpkins!
As Halloween gets closer, you’re sure to see plenty of orange pumpkins on stoops and porches. But what if you see a teal pumpkin? These non-traditional pumpkins are much more than decor, and they serve an important purpose.
The Teal Pumpkin Project
The Teal Pumpkin Project is an effort by the Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) organization to raise awareness of food allergies and promote inclusion of all trick-or-treaters during the Halloween season. This project originated as a local activity by the Food Allergy Community of East Tennessee and has since become a worldwide event. According to FARE, teal is the color for food allergy awareness and has been used to raise awareness about food-related medical conditions for 20 years. Those who participate in the project place a teal painted pumpkin outside their door and provide non-food treats to trick-or-treaters on Halloween.
Food Allergies Are Increasing
The incidence of food allergies is on the rise. According to FARE, one in 13 children has a food allergy. Even tiny amounts of allergens can cause serious, if not life-threatening, reactions in those affected by food allergies. Traditional Halloween candy and chocolate treats are rife with common food allergens, including ingredients derived from wheat, eggs, soy, nuts and milk. Participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project allows children who are affected by food allergies to still participate in Halloween trick-or-treating activities and not feel left out from the festivities.
Do your little ones have allergies? Try whipping up one of these kid-friendly allergen-free treats.
How To Participate
Placing a teal pumpkin on your doorstep or at the front of your home is the first step. You can add your location to the Teal Pumpkin Project map to let trick-or-treaters know your stop is food-allergen safe. Recommended non-food treats include small containers of bubbles, spider rings, glow sticks, pencils, stickers or finger puppets. And if you do participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project, that doesn’t mean you can’t also provide traditional treats as well. If you do provide both non-food and candy treats, FARE recommends asking trick-or-treaters if they have a food allergy or just give each child the option to choose which kind of treat he or she would like.
Don’t forget to whip up these witchy treats for Halloween parties and trick-and-treaters! Plus, this simple trick will help you be inclusive of anyone with a food allergy year-round.
Allergy-Free Treats for Kiddos
Bee My Honey Fruit Dip
Wheat-Free, Egg-Free, Nut-FreeOrange, cinnamon and nutmeg round out this creamy spiced dip. I serve it with apples, pineapple and strawberries when they're in season. —Carol Gillespie, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania Editor's Tip: Before starting any of these recipes, double-check your ingredient packaging to be sure the processing facility is allergen-free.
Lemon-Apricot Fruit Pops
Dairy-Free, Wheat-Free, Egg-Free, Nut-FreeWith just 31 calories and less than 1 tsp. sugar per serving, this is one light and refreshing summer dessert everyone can find room for! —Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho
Thyme-Sea Salt Crackers
Egg-Free, Nut-Free, Dairy-FreeThese homemade crackers are decidedly light and crispy. An addictive snack on their own, they also pair well with a sharp white cheddar. —Jessica Wirth, Charlotte, North Carolina
Fruit and Cheese Kabobs
Wheat-Free, Egg-Free, Nut-FreeOur Test Kitchen staff, many of whom are busy parents themselves, came up with this fresh and fruity summer snack idea. It's easy to make ahead and carry to the ballpark, beach or playground, and the cinnamon-spiced yogurt dip adds a fun touch kids love. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Homemade Potato Chips
Dairy-Free, Wheat-Free, Egg-Free, Nut-FreeForget buying a bag of potato chips at the grocery store when you can make these at home. This quick and easy recipe will delight everyone in the family. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Soft Honey Cookies
Dairy-Free, Nut-FreeThis old-fashioned cookie has a subtle honey-cinnamon flavor and a tender texture. It's been a favorite in my family for years and now it can be one at your house, too. —Rochelle Friedman, Brooklyn, New York
Black Bean Brownies
Wheat-Free, Nut-FreeYou'd never guess these rich, velvety chocolate treats contain a can of black beans. —Kathy Hewitt, Cranston, Rhode Island
Ranch Popcorn
Wheat-Free, Egg-Free, Nut-FreeWhat's movie night at home without some popcorn to munch? Try a big tub of this buttery, showstopping blend. It's easy, cheesy and finger-lickin' good. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Apple Snack Wedges
Dairy-Free, Wheat-Free, Egg-FreeKids of all ages will love these easy apple wedges at snack time. With protein from peanut butter and a hint of sweetness and crunch, the quick-to-fix bites make a fun and healthy treat. —Jacquie Berg, St. Cloud, Wisconsin
Easy Elephant Ears
Egg-Free, Nut-FreeYou'll love the classic cinnamon-sugar flavor of these crispy bite-size treats. Even more, you'll love that they call for just three ingredients and are so simple to assemble. —Bob Rose, Waukesha, Wisconsin
Patriotic Pops
Wheat-Free, Egg-Free, Nut-FreeMy kids love homemade ice pops, and I love knowing that the ones we make are good for them. We whip up a big batch with multiple flavors so they have many choices, but these patriotic red, white and blue ones are always a favorite! —Shannon Carino, Frisco, Texas
Fruit & Cereal Snack Mix
Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Nut-FreeTart dried cranberries and cherries are a nice contrast to the sweet cereal in this kid-friendly snack. It's a great take-along treat. —John Lancaster, Union Grove, Wisconsin
Chocolate Amaretti
Dairy-Free, Wheat-FreeWith a hint of almond, these chewy treats are similar to those sold in Italian bakeries. My husband and children are always excited when I include these in my holiday baking lineup. —Kathy Long, Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin
Watermelon Sorbet
Summertime and watermelon go hand in hand. My melon sorbet is fresh, fruity and without the gluten and eggs you get in many other frozen desserts. —Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia
Gluten-Free Chocolate Snack Mix
Wheat-Free, Egg-FreeBeing gluten-intolerant, I experiment with a lot of recipes. This sweet snack is fun for kids and adults alike! —Angela Buchanan, Longmont, Colorado
Lemon Shortbreads
Egg-Free, Nut-FreeEvery year my mom and I collect cookie recipes we want to try and then get together in early December for an afternoon of baking. These no-fail lemon cookies have become an annual tradition. They're a wonderful homemade holiday gift. —Kristen Stecklein, Glendale, Wisconsin
Chocolate-Topped Marshmallow Sticks
Wheat-Free, Egg-Free, Nut-FreeI like to use all sorts of different marshmallow shapes and flavors to mix things up. These chocolate-dunked pops are always a hit at local bake sales. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Dairy-Free, Egg-FreeAs a competitive figure skater, I need high-energy snacks to keep me going. These cookies are loaded with nuts, chips and fabulous flavor. Coaches at my skating rink are always snitching two or three when I bring them in! —Cassandra Brzycki, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Gluten-Free Snowballs
Wheat-Free, Egg-FreeNo one will miss the flour in these crumbly, nutty balls of goodness. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture will make them the hit of your cookie exchange. —Joan Sarge, Asheville, North Carolina
Triple Fruit Freeze
Dairy-Free, Wheat-Free, Egg-Free, Nut-FreeThese pops won't turn your tongue blue or neon green like many store-bought pops because they're made with fresh grapes, blueberries and kiwifruit. —Colleen Ludovice, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Nuts and Seeds Trail Mix
Wheat-Free, Egg-FreeA filling blend of nuts, seeds, chocolate chips and dried fruit keeps you healthy by the handful. —Kristin Rimkus, Snohomish, Washington
Apricot Leather
Dairy-Free, Wheat-Free, Egg-FreeSince it's not sticky, this is a tasty, nutritious snack that's perfect to take along on whatever trail you travel. In pioneer days, fruit leather was made by thinly rolling fruit and drying it in the sun. —Patsy Faye Steenbock, Riverton, Wyoming
Apple Pie Bites
Egg-Free, Nut-FreeThese little bites are fun for kids to make. Simply wrap strips of pastry around apple wedges and shake on some cinnamon-sugar. Then just bake and watch them disappear! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Warren's Oatmeal Jam Squares
Egg-Free, Nut-FreeAt 102, I still love to bake. I make these bars in my toaster oven for my fellow residents at our assisted living home. —Warren Patrick, Townshend, Vermont
Gluten-Free Apple Cider Doughnuts
Wheat-Free, Egg-Free, Nut-FreeI wanted to make a gluten-free doughnut that tasted so good, the fact that it's gluten-free is beside the point! —Kathryn Conrad, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Quick & Easy Gumdrops
Dairy-Free, Wheat-Free, Egg-Free, Nut-FreeThese homemade candies are softer than store-bought. They've got that classic, fun appeal that people really love. —Leah Rekau, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Chocolate-Dipped Apple Rings
Wheat-Free, Egg-Free, Nut-FreeThese apple treats are a staple in my Christmas goody packages. Sometimes I add an 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne to the cinnamon mixture for a little extra kick. —Laurie Bock, Lynden, Washington
Raspberry Ice Cream in a Bag
Wheat-Free, Egg-Free, Nut-FreeMaking homemade ice cream is fun for the whole family, and the fresh raspberry flavor of this treat makes it a perfect summer activity. Kids can shake the bags until the liquid changes to ice cream and then enjoy the reward! —Erin Hoffman, Canby, Minnesota
Frozen Chocolate Monkey Treats
Wheat-Free, Egg-FreeEveryone needs a fun, friendly way for kids to play with food. These 'bites' are nutty and yummy when you coat bananas in chocolate and dip them into peanuts, sprinkles or coconut. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Meringue Roses
Wheat-Free, Nut-FreeEat these kid-friendly treats as is, or crush them into a bowl of strawberries and whipped cream. Readers of my blog, utry.it, went nuts when I posted that idea! —Amy Tong, Anaheim, California
Light & Creamy Chocolate Pudding
Dairy-Free, Wheat-Free, Egg-Free, Nut-FreeThis pudding is exactly what its name promises—light and creamy. Since it uses soy milk, it's a great choice if you're dairy-free. —Deborah Williams, Peoria, Arizona
No-Bake Fudgy Coconut Cookies
Wheat-Free, Egg-FreeMy daughter works at a summer camp, so I send treats. Instead of a cookie jar we use a coffee can and call it the Wrangler Feeding Trough. Everyone asks for this cookie. —Sue Klemm, Rhinelander, Wisconsin
Colorful Candied Apples
Dairy-Free, Wheat-Free, Egg-Free, Nut-FreeThe glossy candy coating on these old-fashioned apples is hard, so it's best to lick them like a lollipops or cut 'em into wedges to serve. Be sure your apples are clean and dry before dipping. —Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario
5-Ingredient Fudge
Wheat-Free, Egg-Free, Nut-FreeYou're moments away from a pan of creamy fudge. Just microwave, stir and spread. —Sue Tucker, Edgemoor, South Carolina
So-Easy Snack Mix
Egg-Free, Nut-FreeI eat this tasty treat just as much as (if not more than) the kids! Have fun with it by adding other goodies into the mix, like nuts, cereal, pretzels and more. —Jeff King, Duluth, Minnesota
Chocolate-Glazed Cupcakes
Egg-Free, Nut-FreeBecause I have a dairy allergy, I'm always on the search for treats I can eat. I prepare these cupcakes with dairy-free chocolate chips and vanilla coconut milk instead of cream. —Kirstin Turner, Richlands, North Carolina
Chocolaty Chips
Wheat-Free, Egg-Free, Nut-FreeMy two little guys can't get enough of this sweet-and-salty snack, which uses just three ingredients and is ready to eat in 15 minutes. The boys like to drizzle on the melted chocolate, too. Sometimes we replace the potato chips with apple slices. —Jami Geittmann, Greendale, Wisconsin
Frozen Watermelon Lemon Cream Tarts
Wheat-Free, Egg-FreeThese fruit tarts are so refreshing on a hot summer day! They are extremely healthy and convenient, and just a few ingredients means they're easy to make, too. —Bethany DiCarlo, Harleysville, Pennsylvania
Originally Published: December 31, 1969
