Gluten-free snacks for kids

For children with coeliac disease or a non-coeliac gluten sensitivity, a gluten-free diet is vital to help them avoid the pain and discomfort that eating gluten causes. Both conditions produce uncomfortable symptoms, including bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, tummy aches, skin rashes, vomiting and fatigue, and can cause serious long-term damage if ignored. Thus having a varied line-up of gluten-free snacks at your fingertips for when hunger strikes is essential for keeping your your little ones healthy, happy and thriving.

If you’re in need of ideas for the best gluten-free snacks for kids, look no further. We’ve got a great list of easy, home-made gluten-free bites that you can make in no time, from sweet treats such as smoothies and muffins to savoury delights such as veggie sticks and dips. And the best thing about making your own snacks is that you always know what’s in them. That way you can be sure what you’re giving your loved ones is free of gluten and unnecessary salt, sugar, fat and additives. Ready? Let’s get cooking!

Sometimes only something sweet will hit the spot. But that doesn’t mean you need to be handing out sugary candy. These gluten-free sweet treats will give them the sugar rush they crave with the nutrition they need.

Berry smoothie

Tempt their tastebuds with an ultra-healthy take on a milkshake. This fresh, vegan and naturally gluten-free berry smoothie couldn’t be quicker to make – or more delicious. Just whiz up fruit, plant-based milk and yoghurt, and a touch of sugar in a blender and watch them slurp it up.

Apples with nut butter

Healthy gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan snacks for kids do not come more straightforward than this. Simply slice up an apple and serve with a blob of nut butter on the side or spread over each slice.

 Gluten-free lemon cake pops

We all deserve a little treat sometimes. These gluten-free lemon cake pops might not be the most nutritious snack in this list but they’re still healthier than many gluten-free packaged snacks for kids. They’re great for parties and huge fun to make – kids will love choosing their favourite toppings. We like coloured sprinkles, but chocolate chips, mini marshmallows – or all three together – also work well.

Finding healthy gluten-free savoury snacks for picky eaters can be a challenge. Veggies are often tolerated rather than enjoyed, and not all kids like the same ones, so a bit of trial and error is sometimes required. These crowd-pleasing ideas will hopefully help you on your way.

Carrot sticks

It’s hard to imagine a simpler snack than a humble carrot cut into bite-sized batons. They’re gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan, and kids love their bright colour and munch-friendly shape. Combine them with a tasty dip for something more substantial.

 Veggies with hummus

The versatile chickpea dip has taken over the world in recent years and it’s no surprise – it goes with so many things. Kids will love this beetroot hummus for its bright-pink colour and next-level flavour, while you’ll love how easy it is to throw together. Pair it with healthy veggies such as carrot sticks or Schär Saltì crackers.

Popcorn

You don’t need to be at the movies to enjoy popcorn. It makes a brilliant light snack for any time, anywhere, and is easy to prepare at home. Corn kernels are naturally gluten-free and low in calories – provided you go easy on the toppings. Just watch out for commercially packaged and flavoured popcorns, which can sometimes be contaminated with gluten. Always be sure to read the label.

Nuts

Nuts of all types are high in both protein – great for curbing hunger pangs – and omega-3 fatty acids – great for helping developing brains. Eat walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, cashews, pecans, peanuts and Brazil nuts straight from the bag or mix several of them together with some dried fruit for a powerhouse snack.

Don’t forget Schär has an amazing range of prepackaged sweet and savoury snacks that kids will love. Some are more healthy,  some more indulgent, but the important thing is you always know they are 100% gluten-free. For a classic salty snack treat, try our pocket-sized Salinis – shiny bite-sized pretzels coated in sea salt that are great for sharing. Sweet-toothed tots will love our Choco Balls – light and airy balls of gluten-free biscuit dipped in delicious milk chocolate.