Staying Safe with Allergies This Bonfire Night

Crisp air, crackling fires, sparkling skies, Bonfire Night is one of the highlights of autumn. Families and friends gather together, wrapped in scarves and gloves, enjoying the magic of fireworks and warming food stalls. But for people living with allergies, this time of year can also bring hidden risks that aren’t always obvious.

Hidden Dangers at Bonfire Night Events

1. Toffee Apples and Nut Oils
That shiny red toffee apple may look harmless, but many recipes use nut oils in the caramel coating. Even if nuts aren’t listed as ingredients, cross contamination during preparation is common.

2. Cross Contamination at Food Stalls
Street food vendors often serve multiple products in the same space. Gloves aren’t always changed between handling different foods, and shared utensils can transfer traces of allergens onto “safe” options.

3. Hot Drinks with Hidden Ingredients
When the temperature drops, it’s tempting to grab a hot chocolate or latte. But seasonal drinks can be risky, syrups and toppings may contain nut extracts or traces. Without clear labelling, it’s hard to know exactly what’s in your cup.

4. Nuts in the Crowd
It’s not just food stalls to be mindful of. Crowded events mean lots of people snacking in close proximity, sometimes on peanuts or nutty treats. For those with severe allergies, even being near someone eating nuts can be a concern.

5. Limited Access to Help
Bonfire Night often takes place in busy, open spaces where medical assistance isn’t immediately available. That makes preparation, like carrying two adrenaline auto-injectors and an Equal Eats card,  even more important.

How to Stay Safe

• Bring your own snacks so you know exactly what’s safe.

• Carry two adrenaline auto-injectors if prescribed.

• Brief friends or family on what to do in an emergency.

• Be cautious with food and drink from vendors, when in doubt, skip it.

• Stay aware of your surroundings in crowds where others may be eating allergens.

A Safe Treat to Share

At Creative Nature, we believe nobody should miss out on life’s celebrations. Our snacks are Top 14 Allergen Safe, gluten free, and vegan, meaning they’re safe to share without worry. Whether it’s our bars, sweet treats, or baking mixes, they’re the perfect choice to pop in your bag before heading to a bonfire event. That way, you can focus on the fun, not the fear.

Having a Bonfire party? Check out our latest recipe below:

For this Bonfire Cupcake recipe, made using our Victoria Sponge Cake mix, click here.

Phoebe

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