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

    Holiday Cookies

    Packaged cookies may contain wheat, nuts, dairy and eggs. Homemade ingredients can be adjusted to be allergen-free.

  • Self-Basting Turkey

    Self-Basting Turkey

    Did you know that self-basting ingredients often contain soy, wheat or dairy? Check the label.

  • Green Bean Casserole

    Green Bean Casserole

    The traditional favorite contains dairy and wheat, but can be made without these allergens.

  • Sauces and Salad Dressings

    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

    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

    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

    Pies

    Remember to watch pies and other desserts for dairy, wheat, peanut, tree nut and egg ingredients.

  • Talk with the Host

    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

    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

    Avoid Food Cross-Contamination

    When preparing and serving food for guests with food allergies, keep foods with allergens separate.

  • Wash Hands

    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

    No Epi, No Eating

    Keep your epinephrine auto-injector with you at all times.