The Best Gluten-Free Snacks for Kids
Gluten-free diets can be difficult to navigate. It's not always easy to find kid-friendly snacks that are both healthy and tasty while still avoiding gluten. But don't worry — BOOP Bakery has you covered! With these gluten-free snack options, your little ones can enjoy delicious treats without sacrificing their health. Let's take a look at the best gluten-free snacks for kids.
What Are the Basics of a Gluten-Free Diet?
First, let's talk about gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Some people have an allergy or sensitivity to it, which can cause issues like digestive discomfort and stomach pain. That's why a gluten-free diet is beneficial for many.
Lots of foods contain gluten, everything from cookies and crackers to cereal and pasta. If gluten doesn't agree with you, it's of the utmost importance to become an expert in reading labels when buying packaged goods.
Here are some of the sneaky ingredients that contain gluten to watch for:
- Bulgur: a form of wheat
- Malt: made from barley
- Farina: made from wheat
- Triticale: wheat and rye hybrid
- Couscous: made from wheat
10 Kid-Approved Gluten-Free Snacks
Ready to discover some of the best gluten-free snacks that even the pickiest of eaters will enjoy?
Once you have all of the ingredients in your gluten-free kitchen, it's time to get the kids involved in the snacking. Let them pick out their favorite ingredients and help with the measuring, stirring, and baking. It's a great way to teach them about food while also having some fun in the kitchen.
Tiny tots can get in on the fun, too! Invite your little one to wash fruit and veggies. Older kids can peel citrus, crack eggs, or mix ingredients for a gluten-free treat — just be sure to supervise!
Here are 10 delicious and nutritious treats that your kids are sure to love:
1. BOOP Cookies
When it comes to snacks, there's nothing quite like a cookie. Unfortunately for those with gluten sensitivities, however, most cookies are off the menu — unless, of course, it's a BOOP.
Made with love and baked to perfection, BOOP cookies are unbelievably tasty — and the best part? They're gluten-free. In our wholesome cookies, you won't find any gluten, fillers, or fake stuff. Instead, you'll sink your teeth into a nibble of heaven made with only the best of the best ingredients (think whole grain rolled oats, dates from California, and organic chia seeds). What's not to love?
2. No-Bake Energy Bites
These no-bake energy balls are a must-have for busy families. Simply mix together some hemp hearts, nut butter, honey, and a few other ingredients of your choice — like coconut flakes or chia seeds. Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls and then store in the freezer.
Whenever your kids need a quick energy boost, they'll have these little energy balls to reach for!
3. Dried Fruit and Veggie Sheets
Fruit and veggie sheets can be made with root vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and parsnips, or fruit chips made with apples or bananas. These crunchy snacks are full of vitamins and minerals, plus they're a great source of fiber.
Just slice up some fruits and veggies into thin, flat shapes, and bake them in the oven until they dry out. Once dry and crispy, you can spread them with nut or seed better, hummus, tahini, or cream cheese — these are a tasty alternative to crackers or bread!
4. Protein Popsicles
A protein-packed popsicle is the perfect snack for kids who want something sweet but still good for them.
All you need to make these tasty treats is some frozen fruit, protein powder (watch for gluten) and a liquid of your choice, like coconut or almond milk. Blend everything together until it's smooth and creamy, then pour the mixture into popsicle molds.
Freeze for a few hours until solid, and voila! The perfect snack for those hot summer days.
5. Roasted Veggie Bites
These frozen veggie bites are a fun and healthy way to get your kids to eat their veggies. Start by cutting up your favorite vegetables into bite-sized pieces, then toss them in some oil and spices of your choice. Spread the pieces out on a baking sheet, then bake in the oven until crispy. These tasty bites are perfect for an after-school snack, or anytime your kids get a craving for something crunchy.
6. Yogurt Parfaits
Yogurt parfaits are an easy way to get some protein into your little one's diet without relying on wheat products like bread or pasta. Start with plain yogurt (dairy free if needed), layer it with fresh fruits like berries and mangoes, add some crunchy nuts or seeds, and top it off with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
Trust us on this one; it's sure to be a hit with everyone in the family — especially if you toss a crumbled up BOOP cookie on the top.
For a twist on this classic yogurt parfait, try some yogurt bites. Start by combining some Greek yogurt, or dairy-free alternative, with honey and your favorite frozen fruit like raspberries or blueberries. Spread your mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, and freeze for two to three hours. Slice it up and serve your bites as a snack, or sprinkle them over ice cream or gluten-free cereal for a tasty treat.
7. Cinnamon Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are a tasty way to get your kids to eat their veggies. Cut up some organic sweet potatoes into thin wedges, then toss them with some avocado oil, a pinch of sea salt, and a generous sprinkle of cinnamon. Alternatively, you can skip the oil and use an air fryer instead, if you have one.
Spread the wedges out on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes at 400°F. Serve these fries with your favorite dip, and watch them disappear!
8. Rice Cakes
Rice cakes make a great gluten-free snack option for kids. Jazz them up with nut butter, avocado, banana slices or a bit of honey. You can also get creative and add a few sprinkles of shredded coconut, chopped nuts, dried fruit, or BOOP cookie crumbles. The possibilities are endless!
9. Homemade Honey Graham Crackers
These homemade honey graham crackers are a delicious snack that's as easy to make as it is healthy. Simply mix together some gluten-free flour, baking soda, honey, butter and a pinch of salt. Roll out the dough on a floured surface, then cut into shapes. Bake for 10-12 minutes and let cool on a wire rack.
The result? A batch of crunchy, sweet crackers that are perfect for snacking.
10. Homemade Veggie Straws
Veggie straws are a crunchy, kid-approved snack with all the nutritional benefits of regular ol' vegetables. Make your own at home by blending together some veggies like carrots, spinach and bell peppers. Spread the mixture into thin layers on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for about 15 minutes until crispy, then let cool and break into straws. Serve with a gluten-free dip of your choice or store in an airtight container for later.
Gluten-Free Fun for Your Little One
Finding healthy snacks that your kids will actually enjoy can be a challenge, especially if your child has a gluten sensitivity. Fortunately, there are plenty of delicious and nutritious gluten-free snacks for kids.
From protein popsicles and BOOP cookies to rice cakes and frozen yogurt bites, there is something for every little eater. So, the next time you're looking for a kid-friendly snack, try one of these tasty gluten-free treats!
BOOP Bakery™ believes cookies are better off enjoyed than locked away in a cookie jar. BOOP created a line of craveable, soft-baked cookies that allow health-conscious consumers and cookie connoisseurs alike to indulge without the guilt that comes with most processed sweets and treats. BOOP set out to bake delicious, wholesome, craveable cookies everyone can freely enjoy any time of day, whenever, wherever, whyever, proving no moment is too small for a BOOP!
Sources:
What is Gluten? | Celiac Disease Foundation