Whether packing a snack in your kid’s lunch or preparing one for a birthday party, having some allergen-free options in your back pocket is always a great idea, especially if your kid(s) or their friends/classmates have a food allergy.
Here are a few allergy-friendly snack ideas that you and your kids can try out as you head back to school:
Pretzels and Guacamole
This one may sound strange, but hear me out! My kids absolutely love this salty snack. We love to pair a good pretzel stick with single-serve guacamole and throw that in their lunch for daycare and pre-school. Many popular pretzel brands are peanut-free. Guacamole is dairy-free and a great healthy fat to add to your kid’s plate.
Popcorn
Recently all my kids want to eat is popcorn. I blame a trip to the movie theater early this summer for this obsession, but I have to say, I don’t hate it. Popcorn is an excellent nut-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free snack with a satisfying crunch that makes for a great afternoon treat. If your kid is more inclined to eat a sweeter snack, then you can try kettle corn. There are so many easy homemade popcorn recipes that you can have fun making with your kids.
Jerky
There are lots of different jerky brands out there to try and a few which have single-serve options ready to go for a party or a school lunch. It is easy to find brands that offer snacks free from the top nine food allergens (wheat, milk, soya, peanuts, tree nuts, egg, sesame, fish, and shellfish) including Chomps. Chomps makes Chomplings which are mini grass-fed beef jerky snack size sticks.
Waffles and Pancakes
Waffles are definitely not just for breakfast. There are some great egg-, dairy-, and nut-free waffles out there to try out if your kid is so inclined. Vans waffles (and pancakes) are a favorite of ours. Trader Joe’s makes dairy-free and gluten-free frozen pancakes that are also great for snacking. You can add nut butter if your child or their friends/classmates do not have an allergy. Or you can add a dip (jelly or maple syrup—sticky but delicious) to accompany this great snack.
Lots of Fruits and Veggies
I tend to mix up my kids’ fruits and veggies when offering a snack in an effort to make certain veggies more appealing. When paired alongside your kid’s favorite fruit, a carrot or celery stick, broccoli crown, or green bean is more likely to get eaten than if it wasn’t.
Many allergen-free snacks can be found affordably at your local grocery store. Alternatively, some subscription services (such as Thrive Market) offer access to many allergen-free foods.
Happy snacking this school year!
