Back to School Lunch Ideas (Gluten Free and Dairy Free)

Packing school lunches that are actually safe (and actually eaten) can feel like a full-time job when you're navigating gluten and dairy free eating.

These Back to School Lunch Ideas take the guesswork out of it — snacks, sandwiches, muffins, and lunchbox treats that are completely gluten free and dairy free, and kid-approved to boot.

Whether you're prepping for the first day or you're three weeks into the routine and running out of ideas, this list has you covered for breakfast, lunch, and snack time. Just click any recipe below to get the full instructions.

While we as a family, homeschool, we can certainly relate to the need for packing lunches and taking them places as we LOVE to go on field trips! Here are some of our favorite lunch or snacks on the go:

Veggie Cups

These Veggie Cups are a fun, no-fuss way to get veggies into lunch — perfectly portioned and easy to pack. Get the recipe here.

The Best Energy Bites

No-bake Energy Bites are the ultimate make-ahead lunchbox snack — ready in 10 minutes and gone in about 4. Get the recipe here.

Raspberry Scones

These Raspberry Scones are soft, lightly sweet, and perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast before the bus arrives. Get the recipe here.

Cranberry Orange Scones

Bright, citrusy Cranberry Orange Scones make mornings feel a little more special, even on a school-day schedule. Get the recipe here.

Morning Glory Muffins

Packed wth carrots, apple, and warm spices, Morning Glory Muffins are a sneaky-healthy addition to any lunchbox. Get the recipe here.

Banana Oat Muffins

Naturally sweetened Banana Oat Muffins are hearty enough to keep kids full until lunchtime. Get the recipe here.

Blueberry Muffins

Classic Blueberry Muffins, made completely gluten and dairy free — a lunchbox staple that never gets old. Get the recipe here.

Lemon Blueberry Muffins

Lemon Blueberry Muffins bring a little brightness to the lunchbox rotation without any extra effort. Get the recipe here.

Gluten and Dairy Free Double Chocolate Muffins

These Double Chocolate Muffins taste like dessert but are just sweet enough for an everyday lunchbox treat. Get the recipe here.

Air Fryer Pasta Chips

Crispy, crunchy Air Fryer Pasta Chips are a fun swap for store-bought chips, and they reheat well for next-day lunches. Get the recipe here.

Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Chocolate Zucchini Bread sneaks in a serving of veggies and tastes like a treat — a lunchbox win on both counts. Get the recipe here.

Cranberry Apple Walnut Chickpea Salad Pinwheels

These pinwheels are a fresh, protein-packed alternative to a basic sandwich, and they hold up well in a lunchbox. Get the recipe here.

Easy Quesadillas

Easy Quesadillas are filled with meat and dairy free cheese, plus any other fixings you enjoy. Get the recipe here.

Best TSA Approved Airplane Snacks

Heading out for a field trip or family trip? This snack guide works just as well for travel days as it does for airplanes. Get the ideas here.

Tips for Gluten Free Dairy Free School Lunches

• Double-check labels on packaged snacks and condiments — gluten and dairy can hide in surprising places.
• Batch-bake muffins or scones on Sunday and freeze half so mornings stay easy. Always use safe glass storage containers to keep them fresh in until ready to pack away.
• Keep a running list of safe packaged snacks your kids actually like, so shopping trips are quick and packing lunches is even easier when you know what they enjoy and what you have on hand.

Looking for more ideas? Browse all of our gluten free dairy free recipes for even more inspiration.

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