What Do Teal Pumpkins Mean? Here’s Why You’ll See Them on Halloween

Why do teal pumpkins pop up around Halloween? They’re a symbol for children with food allergies.

During Halloween season, you’ll see pumpkins painted teal appearing on store shelves and later, as trick-or-treating buckets or on the doorsteps of people who hand out candy.

It’s because of the “Teal Pumpkin Project” by the organization Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) which raises awareness for people with food allergies. A teal pumpkin placed outside tells trick-or-treaters that a home offers bubbles, stickers or toys, instead of candy. Kids with food allergies can participate by carrying teal-colored treat buckets.