The best promo products are the ones that are kept – or, in the case of food and drink, enjoyed and shared. But food allergies, estimated to affect 1 in 13 children and up to 1 in 10 adults, can make a food gift less than welcome.
Everyone loves getting a treat, but it’s frustrating to be left out – and a bad impression is the last thing any promo pro wants to make. The good news is, if you’re working with a client whose promo audience includes children (like a school or daycare) or a specific group that needs allergy-friendly food items, promo suppliers have you covered.
“We actually do get requests for organic and allergy-sensitive food quite frequently,” says Nick Lateur, brand director for HPG, the No. 6 supplier in the 2024 PPAI 100, which offers a variety of such treats under its Batch & Bodega umbrella. “Gluten-free is the No. 1 dietary/allergy request. Organic is high on the list, too.”
The company’s curated kits contain brandable hard goods in addition to food products that meet specific criteria like gluten-free, kosher or organic. You can also build your own kit with the treats of your choice – or even buy them in bulk.
“We have had countless requests for bulk organic dried fruit and gluten-free snacks to fit the needs of the recipients,” adds Lateur.
Margaret Dengler, director of marketing for Midnite Snax, says her company added gluten-free options to its catalog in 2020, as they were in high demand during the depths of the pandemic.
Demand remains strong, she says, so the company added a gluten-free sugar cookie to its product line last year, as well as a nut-free trail mix, another common request.
“In fact, we will be announcing our partnership with a well-known retail brand that specializes in gluten-free bakery items in the next few weeks,” adds Dengler.
David Miller, president of NC Custom, the No. 71 supplier in the 2024 PPAI 100, says he hasn’t seen as much demand for organic or gluten-free items, but he says his company does field requests for nut-free and kosher treats, and its facility is kosher certified, “so any of our custom-molded chocolate offerings, mints, etc. can be selected as kosher options.”
Here are just a few of the options for allergy-friendly treats in promo:
The Outside the Lines Kit features an assortment of snacks like organic dried pineapple and an all-natural granola bar that meet various allergy-friendly, organic and non-GMO criteria, so there’s bound to be at least one treat suitable for any recipient. “This was requested as an employee celebration for a workforce that had varying dietary restrictions and needs, and as a healthy alternative to candy and other highly processed foods,” says Lateur. The kit comes in a customizable box with a personalized 3-in-1 phone/tablet/pen holder.
HPG / PPAI 110772, Platinum
The In A Cinch Desk Drop Kit was selected for a corporate employee recognition campaign in which organic food was a key request. “The client wanted to give their employees a ‘better,’ more nutritional snack,” says Lateur. Goodies including organic non-GMO popcorn, tropical punch-flavored lip balm, a customizable pen made from recycled plastic and a personalized note card come packaged inside a brandable drawstring jute bag.
HPG / PPAI 110772, Platinum
The Gluten Free Vegan Snack Kit comes in a custom-printed gift box filled with brand-name goodies that are safe for a variety of recipients, including Skinny Pop Popcorn, Good Health Avocado Oil Kettle Chips, Sensible Portions Garden Veggie Straws, Skittles and more. Drop shipping available.
Midnite Snax / PPAI 113793, Standard-Plus
Delight recipients with a velvety-soft Milk Carton Gift Box filled with eight gourmet cookies, available in a variety of mouth-watering flavors that includes gluten-free sugar or chocolate chip. Cookies are bagged and have a two-week shelf life. Add your client’s logo to a stock design (shown) or create your own custom box.
Midnite Snax / PPAI 113793, Standard-Plus
When a bank wanted a giveaway that incorporated a nut-free trail mix, custom-printed snack bags of Nassau Candy Caribbean Delicacy Mix fit the bill. The colorful and naturally sweet mix of dried fruits includes raisins, banana chips, pineapple tidbits, papaya chunks and chopped dates.
NC Custom / PPAI 111662, Silver
Add a Vermont Nut Free Chocolates Small Milk Chocolate Bar to a promo kit for a chocolate treat that’s safe for recipients with nut allergies, one of the most common food allergies and most frequently linked to anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction. Made in the USA in a peanut- and tree nut-free facility.
NC Custom / PPAI 111662, Silver
Custom-labeled snack packs of Gourmet Popcorn, whether plain and lightly salted or in flavors like kettle corn, caramel corn, white cheddar and caramel cheese, make great giveaways for trade shows and events. Popcorn is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, although it’s important to ask about added flavors and ingredients when allergens are a concern.
Maple Ridge Farms / PPAI 114165, Gold
For something a little heartier, this gluten-free Wisconsin Favorites gift set includes tangy beef summer sausage and your choice of mild Wisconsin cheddar or shelf-stable mild pepper cheese, plus a sustainable bamboo chopping board that’s fire-branded with your imprint and a mini cleaver for serving.
Maple Ridge Farms / PPAI 114165, Gold
