12 Holiday Tips for Food Allergies
Holidays that revolve around food can be challenging for people with food allergies. Here are common allergens that are found in traditional holiday foods and tips to prevent food allergy worries.
Holiday Cookies
Packaged cookies may contain wheat, nuts, dairy and eggs. Homemade ingredients can be adjusted to be allergen-free.
Self-Basting Turkey
Did you know that self-basting ingredients often contain soy, wheat or dairy? Check the label.
Green Bean Casserole
The traditional favorite contains dairy and wheat, but can be made without these allergens.
Sauces and Salad Dressings
Many store-bought sauces and dressings contain fish, shellfish, eggs or dairy ingredients.
Vegan or Dairy-Free Spreads, Dips and Dressings
Pay special attention to vegan or dairy-free items because they often use tree nuts, legumes or soy as substitutes.
Sweet Potato Casserole
There are many different recipes for this dish, which may contain dairy, tree nuts or egg. It can be just as delicious without those allergenic ingredients!
Pies
Remember to watch pies and other desserts for dairy, wheat, peanut, tree nut and egg ingredients.
Talk with the Host
Let the host know that you have a food allergy and offer to bring an allergen-safe dish.
Show Guests Recipes and Packaging
Keep and offer to show guests with food allergies your recipes and food packaging to make sure items are safe for them to eat.
Avoid Food Cross-Contamination
When preparing and serving food for guests with food allergies, keep foods with allergens separate.
Wash Hands
Wash hands after preparing foods with food allergen ingredients so you don’t accidently mix them into a “safe” dish.
No Epi, No Eating
Keep your epinephrine auto-injector with you at all times.