Summer is here, and with it comes to the challenge of keeping our kids—and ourselves—well-fed with snacks that are not only tasty but also gluten-free. Whether you’re new to the gluten-free lifestyle or just looking for fresh ideas, I’ve got you. Let’s dive into some gluten-free snacks that will make your summer both delicious and hassle-free.
Snack Planning Tips for Busy Moms
As a mom, I know how chaotic life can get. You know I’m all about having a plan around here. Planning and preparing gluten-free snacks might sound like an added stress, but it will save you a lot of anxiety in the long run.
Before grocery shopping each week, look at your schedule for the week ahead. What days will you be on the go (needing a quick snack), and when will you be home (having more time to prepare)? This will help you avoid buying too many extras and not having enough when on the go.
Be realistic about your snacking. Gluten-free snacks are not cheap and often have a shorter shelf life. To save yourself some money, make sure you are buying gluten-free snacks you will actually eat.
Another tip is to prep ahead. I usually set aside some time on Sunday to chop veggies, portion out nuts, and ensure we’re stocked up for the week. Trust me, it saves so much time during the week.
Quick and Easy Gluten-Free Snack Ideas
Alright, let’s get to the real reason you’re here—snack ideas! Here are some of my go-to gluten-free snacks that are super easy to make:
Fresh Fruit and Veggie Combos
Fruit and veggies are the ultimate gluten-free snacks. They are naturally gluten-free, so you won’t have to read the labels—there is only one ingredient. Pair apple slices with almond butter, or enjoy carrot sticks with hummus. I am all about topping strawberries with gluten-free granola as well.
Nuts and Seeds Mixes
A handful of nuts and seeds can be incredibly satisfying. Every once in a while, we like to stock up on a variety of nuts and make our own trail mix. Almonds, cashews, macadamia nuts, dark chocolate chips and some dried fruit. It’s delicious and easy to take on the go because #momlife.
Rice Cakes with Assorted Toppings
One of the most undervalued gluten-free snacks is rice cakes. Not only are they cheaper than gluten-free bread, but they also add a little extra crunch that makes a simple treat taste different. Try egg salad, avocado, and a sprinkle of salt or peanut butter with banana slices and chocolate chips. A simple peanut butter & jelly on a rice cake can go a long way, especially with kids! The possibilities are endless.
Yogurt Parfaits with Gluten-Free Granola
If you follow me on Instagram, you know I love a good fruit and granola combination. Add dairy-free yogurt, and it’s even more filling. Layer some Greek yogurt with gluten-free granola and fresh berries for a quick, nutritious snack. As someone who can’t eat your typical dairy-filled ice cream, this makes for a great secondary option.
Cheese and Gluten-Free Crackers
Sometimes, simple is best. A few cheese slices with gluten-free crackers make a perfect (and easy) snack. This is a great one for busy sports days when you have the cooler in tow. Gluten-free crackers are often cheaper to buy online, so I recommend checking Thrive Market or Amazon to stock up.
Smoothies and Smoothie Bowls
Smoothies are ALWAYS a gluten-free snack win in our house. You can make a green smoothie with pretty much any fruit and a few added vegetables. I recommend freezing the fruit ahead of time so you don’t have to add ice that waters it down.
Kid-Friendly Gluten-Free Summer Snacks
Getting kids to eat healthy can be a challenge, but these kid-friendly gluten-free snacks are sure to be a hit with your kids.
Ants on a Log
This classic snack is a winner with most kids (and adults) who like celery. Spread some peanut butter on celery sticks and top with raisins. It’s fun to make and even more fun to eat.
DIY Gluten-Free Trail Mix
Let your kids get creative with their own trail mix combinations while you have yours. Offer options like dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, and mini chocolate chips. They may not be fans of nuts, but getting a bunch together can be a fun way to get them involved.
Gluten-Free Mini Muffins
When my son was first diagnosed with fructose malabsorption, and we had to eliminate gluten, we were told muffins would be a great alternative snack for him. I did what most of us do in that situation: I googled “gluten-free muffins” and found Simple Mills Banana Muffins. They have been on our Amazon subscribe and save ever since. We make them at least once a month and they quickly became his favorite.
Frozen Fruit Popsicles
As I mentioned above, fruits and vegetables will be your new best gluten-free friend. Blend your favorite fruits with a bit of water or yogurt, pour into popsicle molds, and freeze. These homemade popsicles are perfect for cooling down on a hot day.
Gluten-Free Snack Bars
There are plenty of great store-bought options, but making your own snack bars can be fun, too. Here are a few different recipes to try:
- Gluten-Free Protein Bars
- Gluten-Free Date Bars
- Chocolate Coconut Energy Balls
- No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cocoa Bars
On-the-Go Gluten-Free Snacks
Summer means outings to the park, beach, sports, or other adventures. Here are some portable snacks that are easy to pack and enjoy on the go:
Pre-Packaged Gluten-Free Snack Packs
Many brands offer convenient gluten-free snack packs. Look for options with nuts, dried fruit, and gluten-free crackers. These are perfect for tossing into your bag on the way out the door. Some of our favorite brands are:
- Simple Mills
- KIND
- Made-Good
- Bobos
- Annies
- Katz
Fruit Leathers
These chewy snacks are a favorite in our house and a good replacement for candy when you’re craving something sweet. They’re basically dried fruit in a convenient strip and are super easy to toss in a backpack or diaper bag.
Gluten-Free Jerky
Jerky is a great protein-packed snack that’s easy to take anywhere. Just be sure to check the label for gluten-containing ingredients as a lot of the standard brands that you find at gas stations are not always gluten-free.
Gluten-Free Protein Bars
There are so many great gluten-free protein bars available now. I always keep a few in the snack cabinet for long soccer days and nights at the baseball field when we’re having dinner later.
From quick and easy options to homemade treats, there’s something here for every taste and schedule. With some planning and thinking, you can be stocked up on gluten-free snacks for summer and ready to go.
Do you need help grocery shopping for gluten-free snacks? Make sure to grab my ebook, Going Gluten-Free: Making Your Grocery List for everything you need to know when grocery shopping for your gluten-free diet.
ABOUT ME
Hey There, I’m Kristin, a gluten-free nutrition coach helping gluten-free families adjust to their new lifestyle.
