With Easter coming up soon, it’s time to start planning egg hunts, Easter baskets, and dinner for your family! If you have a child or loved ones who have allergies, you may already know how difficult planning the holidays can be.
Finding allergy-friendly treats can be difficult, but luckily it’s not impossible! At Allergy & Clinical Immunology, we’ve put together a guide on how to have an allergy-free Easter holiday.
Managing Allergies at Easter Dinner
Delicious ham, fluffy mashed potatoes, rolls, salad, and more are common staples in a classic Easter dinner. Unfortunately, many of the most common Easter dinner foods can contain allergens. Here is a list of the most common dinner items and how you can make them safe for those with allergies:
Salad – veggie-based salads can become unsafe to consume for those with allergies with the addition of cheese crumbles, tree nuts, or croutons. If you are making a salad, set aside some plain salad for guests with allergies.
Condiments and salad dressings – When setting out condiments, consider that many of these can contain one or more allergens, such as fish, egg, and wheat.
Bread/Rolls – Many baked goods contain wheat and soy, sesame, egg, and tree nuts.
Vegetables – Veggies are a safe option for most if they are unflavored. When they are covered in oils, sauces, and certain seasonings, they can become unsafe for those with allergies. Be sure to be mindful of the oils, sauces, and seasonings you use, or set aside a plain version.
Ham – Many stores sell packaged glazes. Be sure to check the ingredients for allergens or make your own homemade glaze to be safe. It’s also important to keep in mind that ham and other meats can be packaged in brine or a marinade, so be sure to check those ingredients as well.
Potatoes – Popular potato dishes like scalloped, au gratin, and mashed potatoes contain ingredients such as butter, milk, cream, or cheese. They can have other allergens too. If you plan to prepare these dishes, include plain baked potatoes on the menu for those with allergies.
Desserts – Sweets like cookies, cakes, pies, and ice cream can contain common allergens such as nuts. Be sure to make your own safe dessert or use a trusted bakery.
Allergy-free Easter Basket Ideas
Nothing says Easter more than a basket full of goodies! To ensure children with allergies are accommodated, here are some ideas for allergy-friendly Easter baskets:
Allergy-Free Easter Basket items:
- Sidewalk chalk
- Crayons and coloring books
- Jump rope
- stickers
- Dolls/action figures
Paints - Bubbles
- Small games
- Legos
- Storybooks
- Stuffed animals
- Kickball, soccer ball, or ball and bat set
Easter Egg Hunt Tips
If your child is attending an Easter egg hunt, where there will likely be eggs filled with candy they cannot eat, consider purchasing your own eggs and filling them with allergy-safe sweets and toys.
You can trade your child the allergy-safe eggs for the ones filled with candy. This gives them a chance to hunt for eggs and still win prizes.
Want to Learn More About Easter Allergies? Contact us Today!
If you have questions about what allergens to avoid this Easter or if you need to schedule an appointment, contact our experienced team today!