Here's everything you need to know about these blue-hued pumpkins!
If You See a Teal Pumpkin on Halloween, This Is What It Means
Updated on Nov. 10, 2023
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!
Allergy-Free Treats for Kiddos
Bee My Honey Fruit DipWheat-Free, Egg-Free, Nut-Free
Orange, 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.
Orange, 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 PopsDairy-Free, Wheat-Free, Egg-Free, Nut-Free
With 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
With 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 CrackersEgg-Free, Nut-Free, Dairy-Free
These 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
These 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 SkewersFruit skewers made with fresh fruit, cheese and a cinnamon yogurt dip will become a regular snack for every potluck, barbecue and game-day party.
Homemade Potato ChipsOnce you've fried your own homemade potato chips, there's no going back to store-bought bags. Golden brown and crunchy, they're a tastier, crispier, more customizable way to snack.
Soft Honey CookiesThese pillowy honey cookies pair perfectly with an afternoon cup of coffee or tea.
Black Bean BrowniesBlack bean brownies are naturally high in protein and fiber, but this recipe ensures chocolaty goodness too. If you're avoiding dairy and gluten, give these a try, but be warned: It's nearly impossible to eat just one.
Ranch PopcornWhat’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 WedgesKids of all ages will love these easy apple snacks. 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 EarsYou’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 PopsMy 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 blueberry ones are always a favorite! —Shannon Carino, Frisco, Texas
Fruit & Cereal Snack MixI mix dried cranberries, cherries, raisins and apple chips with cinnamon cereal for a kid-friendly snack. It’s wonderful all year, but we enjoy it at holiday parties in particular. —John Lancaster, Union Grove, Wisconsin
Chocolate AmarettiThese classic almond paste cookies are like ones you'd find in an Italian bakery. My husband and children are always excited when I include these goodies in my holiday baking lineup. —Kathy Long, Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin
Gluten-Free Chocolate Snack MixBeing gluten-intolerant, I experiment with a lot of recipes. This sweet snack is fun for kids and adults alike! —Angela Buchanan, Longmont, Colorado
Lemon Shortbread CookiesThese lemon shortbread cookies are the perfect blend of buttery richness and zesty citrus. They're a delightful treat for any occasion, featuring a tender, crumbly texture, topped with a sweet lemon drizzle.
Chocolate-Topped Marshmallow SticksI 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
Gluten-Free SnowballsI took a classic holiday cookie and made it gluten-free. It’s now my husband’s favorite Christmas cookie. They’re so buttery, nutty and sweet—and everyone loves how they crumble in your mouth.
—Joan Sarge, Asheville, North Carolina
Triple Fruit FreezeThese 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 MixA filling blend of nuts, seeds, chocolate chips and dried fruit keeps you healthy by the handful. —Kristin Rimkus, Snohomish, Washington
Apricot LeatherSince 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 BitesThese apple pie 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
Gluten-Free Apple Cider DoughnutsI wanted to make a gluten-free apple cider doughnut that tasted so good, the fact that it’s gluten-free is beside the point! —Kathryn Conrad, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Quick & Easy GumdropsThese homemade candies are softer than store-bought. They've got that classic, fun appeal that people really love. —Leah Rekau, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Raspberry Ice CreamThis egg-free raspberry ice cream is as easy as can be. There’s no need to stand over a hot stove and temper milk back and forth into eggs. Instead, we opt for a quick whip in the blender, then it’s off to churning.
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Meringue RosesEat these pretty 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
Chocolate PuddingBring your favorite childhood lunchbox treat to life with this rich and decadent homemade chocolate pudding recipe.
Coconut CookiesThis coconut cookie recipe delivers a mellow, lightly sweet-tasting cookie that's the perfect complement to a bowl of ice cream. And while we doubt you'll have any left over, they freeze well, meaning you'll always have a sweet treat on hand when the craving strikes.
Colorful Candied ApplesThe glossy coating in this candy apple recipe 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
Chocolate-Glazed CupcakesBecause 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
Frozen Watermelon Lemon Cream TartsThese 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
