Easy Kid Snack Ideas

As a homeschool family, snack requests are basically part of our daily schedule -- I probably get asked 53,958 times what's for snack. That's why I've rounded up this list of the Best Gluten Free Dairy Free Snacks to keep on hand for stress-free snacking, whether it's planned or completely last minute. Our oldest went to preschool and part of early elementary before we brought everyone home to homeschool, so I've experienced both sides of the snack routine.

So, I've listed over 50 of these best gluten free dairy free snacks to offer kids during homeschool days, between lessons, on lighter school days, or any other time you need a boost of easy snack ideas.

Best Way to Offer Snacks

I've found offering children a snack plate always gives everyone the best outcome. Surprisingly children make healthier food choices, stay fuller longer, and everyone is less stressed.

And when you fill it with a variety of kid-friendly options, it will easily keep their snack needs met.

4 Snack Plate Tips for Success

• include fresh fruit and vegetables on each plate -- even if your kids don't like them. This is a sure way to increase gradually their like for healthy foods.
• always offer a snack high in protein
• also consider crunchy and chewy snack options -- many children have sensory processing challenges that result in seeking behaviors. Crunchy and chewy snacks help provide these children with the appropriate oral feedback needed to feel regulated and calm (I have two of these kiddos and I always carry a stash of crunchy and chewy snacks).
• importantly provide a small dipping sauce compatible with snack choices

Ways to Make Snack Plates Fun

• mini animal fork and toothpicks --I've had the same animal set for almost 4 years! These can be washed and reused over and over. They're great for portioning out homeschool snack trays too, or save them for special snack plates on lighter school days or weekends.
• Use a snackle box. I don't know what it is, but, kids love a good snackle box full of goodies.
• reusable silicone baking muffin cups are another fantastic way to dress up kid snack plates. Decorate each snack plate with different colors and shapes to complement your child's snack choices. Again these are a great investment that can be reused for years.

Heavy on the Fruit Plate

For easy kid snack ideas consider this "heavy on the fruit" plate:

• apple slices
• strawberries
• cantaloupe cubes
• blackberries
• unsweetened banana chips
• beef jerky -- always read jerky labels as many brands will list gluten as an ingredient
• energy bites/raw balls -- here is my favorite energy bite recipe
• dipping sauce -- So Delicious Vanilla Yogurt with sprinkles. This brand has several flavors of coconut-based yogurt options (strawberry, blueberry, etc.)

Peanut Butter Plate

This plate of easy kid snack ideas is always a hit because... hello, let's just say peanut butter.

• fresh purple grapes
• carrot shreds -- side note: I couldn't believe the first time I fed these to my kids. They devoured them and asked for more.
• dates
• celery slices -- ants on a log wins kids over too
• Z Fruit Bars -- they're available in several different flavors
• animal crackers
• pretzels -- we like this brand best
• Enjoy Life Loco Bars -- purchase these in bulk on Amazon and serve with each bar cut into fourths
• dipping sauce -- peanut butter, almond butter, sun butter, or cashew butter

Crunchy & Fun Plate

Can you believe all the easy and fun gluten and dairy free kid snack choices on this plate?

• grapes -- and lots of them. If your children are young, please cut grapes in half long-ways
• blueberries
• peas
• hard boiled eggs
• crackers -- the Lance baked gluten free cracker brand is always a hit.
• licorice -- surprisingly most licorice contains gluten. Yum Earth has a Strawberry Licorice that's gluten free, vegan, and soooo yummy.
• Shameless Snacks-- my kids could eat these on ANY of the snack plates and with these macros and ingredients, I don't feel too awful about them either.
• dipping sauce -- So Delicious Coco Whip

Veggie & Fruit Plate

Another plate of easy kid snack ideas includes:

• carrot sticks
• bell pepper slices
• sweet peas
• sliced cucumbers
• cherry tomatoes
• raisins
• almond crackers -- Simple Mills Fine Ground Sea Salt Almond Flour Crackers are kid-approved
• mini chocolate brownies -- pictured is the Flax 4 Life brand. They taste amazing. If you'd prefer a rich mini chocolate muffin that tastes like a brownie, check out this double chocolate muffin recipe.
• dipping sauce -- Just Ranch; this yummy and kid-approved veggie dip tastes so good. Your kids will love this. See more about this dipping sauce here.

And check out all these ideas too:

• fresh kiwi slices
• cubed watermelon
• refreshing pineapple chunks
• cashews or another nut bowl option such as almonds (a huge favorite in our house), peanuts
• dried apricots
• pepperoni slices -- check for gluten free labeling
• graham crackers -- Schar Gluten Free Honeygrams
• sliced mini sweet peppers
• dipping sauce -- So Delicious Coco Whip

Bonus Snack Ideas

• bacon slices
• fresh cherries
• tangerines or orange slices
• broccoli
• cauliflower
• mini peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
• Lara Bars
• Kind Bars -- not all flavors are gluten and dairy free
• Rice Chex cereal
• sunflower seeds
• pumpkin seeds
• craisins
• you'll find bonus gluten and dairy free prepackaged snack ideas on my post here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prep these snack plates ahead of time?

Yes -- that's the whole point, especially on busy homeschool days. Wash and chop fruits and veggies at the start of the week and store them in the fridge in airtight containers so you can build a plate in under a minute between lessons. Pre-portion dips into small containers too, so they're grab-and-go ready.

What if my child has other food allergies too?

Most of these ideas can flex around other allergies. Swap nut butters for sunflower seed butter if you're nut-free, choose a different dipping sauce brand if soy or egg is a concern, and always double check labels since ingredients and manufacturing processes can change.

What else can I add to a snack plate?

Mix and match freely between the plates above -- there's no rule that says a fruit plate can't also have a handful of nuts or a veggie plate can't have a few crackers.

Leftover cooked chicken, cheese-free crackers, or a hard-boiled egg are easy additions too.

How should I store leftover snack plate ingredients?

Store chopped fruits and veggies in airtight containers in the fridge for 3-5 days. Items like crackers, bars, and dried fruit keep well in a pantry bin. Dips are best kept refrigerated and used within about a week.

more kid approved meal + snack ideas from my website

• easy enchiladas -- my kids love, love, love this flavorful meal
• homemade banana bread -- bake this delicious loaf of banana bread as is or add in your favorites like walnuts or dairy free chocolate chips
• walnut brownie sundae skillet -- the perfect warm and gooey dessert

lastly

Snack time doesn't have to be dreaded. With planning ahead you can enjoy a stress-free time with the kids home. These easy kid snack ideas really are a win-win for everyone. Grab the snack plate now and start planning.

If you've found another fun and stressless way to offer snacks in your home, please share in the comments.

Do me a favor and let's connect on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. And as always anytime you use one of my recipes, please tag me on Instagram with #eatingglutenanddairyfree. I love seeing your food posts!

Eat well and feel well,

Victoria

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