When people think of summer, their minds instantly flee to trips to the beach and other vacations. We think of allergies. Although spring is named the allergy season, summer poses a threat as children ditch the indoors and spend their time in the sun leaving them vulnerable to insect stings and grass pollen. While outdoor allergies are manageable, food allergies are often more difficult to navigate. That’s why NY Allergy & Sinus Centers created a list of allergy-friendly summer treats for the family to enjoy.
Allergy-friendly S’mores
The best part about camping is making s’mores. Nothing is better than sitting in front of a campfire and roasting marshmallows to a gooey perfection. S’mores are easy to make with only three ingredients. To make them allergy-friendly, replace the milk chocolate with a dairy-free syrup, such as Hershey’s. Kraft marshmallows are free from the top eight allergens and there are many gluten-free options for graham crackers, such as Pamela’s Products. Don’t let a dairy or gluten allergy stop you from enjoying this delicious treat.
Froyo Berry Swirl Popsicles
Popsicles are a much-needed treat this summer. With temperatures reaching 90 degrees in New York City, cold snacks and beverages can be a life saver. This Froyo Berry Swirl Popsicle recipe combines fresh berries and dairy-free yogurt. You can throw in your favorite seasonal fruits and enjoy this popsicle anytime. This is a healthier option to fruit juice popsicles full of sugar.
Dairy-free Instant Peach Ice Cream
Eating ice cream is a great way to cool off in the summer. This dairy-free peach ice cream is the perfect treat for those scorching hot days in the city. This allergy-friendly recipe uses frozen peaches, but summer is the season for fresh peaches. Find some juicy ones at your local farmer’s market to really bring out the flavor of the ice cream.
Triple Berry Kiwi Smoothie
For those that are always on the go, smoothies are a refreshing choice. This triple berry kiwi smoothie recipe is dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan. It’s full of immune boosting antioxidants to help you combat those outdoor allergies. Have this smoothie for breakfast or a midday snack, and you will feel cooler in no time.
Brownie Sundae Cups
Chocolate is a delicious treat to enjoy this summer. These brownie sundae cups are free from the top eight allergies and are also vegan! It’s perfect to scoop your ice cream into and you can add any toppings you like. This recipe serves nine, so feel free to share with the whole family (or keep it all for yourself).
Meet the Physician Collaborator
Dr. Robert Lin is a physician specializing in internal medicine with a subspecialty in allergy and immunology. He is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine as well as the American Board of Allergy and Immunology. He has affiliations with both Weill-Cornell and New York Medical College. You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Lin by calling (212) 686-4448.