These
recipes offer some wonderful things for gluten-containing processed snacks in
grocery stores
Kids
often like to chew different foods, and eating healthy snacks throughout the
day can increase their energy and nutrient intake. However, leaving your child
gluten-free can be challenging, especially when it comes to snacking. By the
time you finally find the right afternoon solution, your child is most likely
already in the midst of a breakdown. Luckily, these 21 simple and gluten-free
snacks are helping you out.
Gluten-free diet basics
Gluten
is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and triticale. If your child has
celiac disease or gluten intolerance, you already know that they should avoid
all products made from gluten-containing grains. For them, eating gluten can
lead to serious side effects such as:
- Anemia
- Malnutrition
- Rash or eczema
- Joint pain
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Neurological
problems
One of
the biggest misconceptions about a gluten-free diet is that it's naturally
healthy. But many prepackaged gluten-free products are high in calories, fat,
sodium, and added sugars. But don't despair! Arm yourself with the right
ingredients and some knowledge, and you'll keep your child gluten-free and
healthy.
1. Sweet potato shortbread
Sweet
potatoes are an important source of fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, and folic
acid. Kids will love to chew on these crispy spiced potato chips fried in olive
or coconut oil.
2. Cheez-It cookies
If your
child loves mini cheese crackers (which kid isn't?). ), try this homemade
version. It's made with gluten-free flour, sharp cheddar cheese, butter, sea
salt, and water – that's it. Your kids will love the taste and you'll love it
as a staple food that only takes a few pantries.
3. Homemade honey little teddy bear
What
kid doesn't like to dip those little teddy bear whole wheat cookies in a glass
of cold milk? You can make healthier varieties at home using gluten-free flour,
honey, brown sugar, and vanilla. Best of all, your child can pick the same
shape.
4. Do not bake gluten-free granola sticks
Store-bought
granola bars may seem like a healthy snack, but they're often all fortified
with sugar and preservatives. These gluten-free bars provide flavor and
nutrition from honey, gluten-free oatmeal, unsweetened coconut flakes, and
coconut oil. Make a batch on the weekend and pack them up for a grab-and-go
breakfast on weekdays.
5. Gluten-free corn dog muffins
While
they are not entirely healthy, corn hot dogs remain a favorite among children.
Luckily, these mini muffin canned corn hot dogs are smaller in size and made
from a gluten-free tortilla muffin blend. Choose uncarved hot dogs to avoid
artificial nitrates and preservatives.
6. Non-allergic soft pretzel shortbread bite
Chewy,
warm soft pretzels are the perfect snack, but most are made with flour
containing gluten. These pretzels can be made with gluten-free flour and dipped
in your child's favorite gluten-free dip for an even more delicious taste.
7. Gluten-free cucumber sandwich
In
these bite-sized sandwiches, healthy cucumber balls replace bread, making them
as fun to make as they are to eat. This recipe requires avocado, tomato,
turkey, and cheese, but feel free to replace it with your child's favorite lean
meat, vegetables, or hummus.
8. Best gluten-free Chex mixture
Despite
being a snack staple for kids, store-bought Chex blends aren't always
gluten-free. Ditch the packaging brand and make a healthier version at home by
controlling what you put in and leave behind! This recipe uses gluten-free
pretzels and bagel slices, as well as rice, corn cereal, and peanuts.
9. Peanut butter and jelly oatmeal breakfast bar
When it
comes to enjoying PB&J, no child should be left behind by food allergies.
If you skip the bread and replace it with gluten-free oatmeal, your child can
also enjoy a timeless snack combination. If your child is allergic to peanuts,
choose natural peanut butter for healthier results or almond butter.
10. Applesauce banana spice bread
Replacing
oil with applesauce in a quick bread recipe produces a wetter, healthier bread.
Add brown rice flour, honey, and arrowroot flour to make a snack you can
proudly give to your child.
11. Healthy fruit rolls
What
makes some prepackaged fruit peel brands so colorful? High fructose corn syrup,
artificial dyes, and unnatural seasonings, of course! Not only is the recipe
gluten-free, but it's also made with fresh fruit purees, water, and natural
sugar substitutes, so you can avoid artificial dyes and flavorings from
store-bought versions.
12. Grilled cinnamon apple slices
Apples
are rich in vitamins, fiber, antioxidants, and minerals. Baking flakes produce
a natural sweetness, and crunchiness, and can be said to be an addictive snack.
These take a few hours, so be sure to plan enough time for this recipe.
13. DIY Children's Frozen Protein Bars
Nuts
are rich in protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids. Made from raw cashews,
almonds, almond butter, and maple syrup, these bars are hearty and delicious.
Next time when your kids start driving you crazy, keep giving them one of these
prefabricated lollipops!
14. Gluten-free buffalo sauce flavored popcorn
Popcorn
should be good for you, but vending machines or snack aisle brands are often
coated with artificial powder cheese and rich in trans fats. Avoid using these
ingredients and orange fingers and place them on the stove or in an air
blaster. Just use a little gluten-free chili sauce, a cup of gluten-free celery
salt, and a small piece of butter to add some extra flavor to your homemade
popcorn.
15. Goldfish biscuits
Known
as the "snack of a smile", goldfish cookies are childhood favorites.
Unfortunately, most contain wheat flour, which means that gluten-free kids are
often unlucky. This goldfish biscuit recipe is saved with almond flour: not
only is it gluten-free, but the all-natural ingredients also make it
preservative-free.
16. Gluten-free vegetarian animal whole wheat biscuits
Parents
love the portability of animal cookies and kids love their taste and
appearance. However, most store-bought versions are high in sugar and are
forbidden for gluten-free children. Let the kids help you make your own zoo
using gluten-free flour, molasses, vanilla, and cinnamon.
17. Simple, crispy slices of grilled kale
Kale is
a good source of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins. It may not look like a
kid-friendly snack, but kale is delicious when served with olive oil, sprinkled
with sea salt, and baked until crispy. Don't be surprised when your kids start
begging for more!
18. Stir the strawberry banana muffins
What do
you get when you throw strawberry chunks, banana purees, and oats into a
blender? Nutritious muffin batter! You'll love how easy it's to make and your
kids will love how it tastes.
When
buying oatmeal, check the labels to make sure they are gluten-free. Although
oats are gluten-free, they are easily contaminated.
19. Shellless gluten-free pizza
It's no
surprise that pizza is An American favorite. But gluten-free kids have a hard
time finding a pie that won't make them sick. Using Canadian bacon peel, this
muffin-sized recipe isn't traditional, but it still offers kids all the
pizza-inspired treats they crave.
For
individual portion sizes, you can also try cutting your store-bought
gluten-free crust into small circles and placing it in a muffin jar. Then, simply
add your toppings and bake.
20. Apple cookies
Gluten-free
children must avoid traditional cookies made with white flour or wheat flour.
These apple "cookies" are not like a typical dessert and are more
like an apple "pizza" topped with nut butter and chocolate chips.
Still, they're a treat that's bound to please.
21. Grilled gluten-free mozzarella cheese sticks
These
mozzarella cheese sticks are coated with gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs
before baking. Baking instead of frying can reduce calories and fat, and using
a mozzarella cheese stick rich in calcium and protein can be used to make a
nutritious snack.
Snacking
These
recipes offer some wonderful, child-friendly alternatives to gluten-containing
processed snacks in grocery stores. Even if you don't feel like you have the
time or energy to make something from scratch, dipping in a bit of fruit or
vegetables is a quick, healthy, gluten-free option, so stock up!