Easy Gluten-Free Snack Ideas for Kids

Many children are afflicted with gluten allergies or intolerances. A gluten allergy is also called Celiac Disease, a condition which child react negatively to anything containing gluten, a protein found in wheat. Symptoms can vary in severity from child to child, but some include: malabsorption of vitamins, loose stools or constipation, eczema, skin rashes, stomach aches, distended belly, circles under the eyes, fatigue, or behavior problems to name a few.

It is especially difficult for these kids, who often feel left out during school lunch or snack time, as they are often restricted from eating what the other kids are having because of their gluten allergies.Also, parents are faced with the unique challenge of providing meals and snacks that their children will enjoy. These snack ideas can help.

1. Natural peanut butter or nut butter with celery, or cream cheese
If nut or daily allergies are present, try Tofutti brand non-dairy cream cheese instead.

2. Rice crackers with hummus.

3. Hard-boiled egg with sea salt.

4. Homemade kettle corn
Simply pop corn on the stove or in an air popper. Add sea salt and a generous squeeze of honey, then mix. Kids love the sweet and salty taste.

5. Roasted Chickpeas
Place chickpeas on a well-oiled cookie sheet sprinkled with sea salt, garlic, onion powder and a dash of sugar. Bake for 25 minutes in a 400 degree oven.

6. Popsicles.
You can make these yourself with pure fruit and a bit of honey or fruit juice in a mold or the old fashioned way with ice cube trays and toothpicks.

7. Rice cakes (with toppings of choice.)
Topped with nut butter and raisins tastes like a candy bar. Topped with a tomato and cheese makes a pizza-like snack.

8. Granola
You can easily make homemade granola using gluten-free oats. Bake gluten-free oats in the oven after tossing with dried fruit, Earth Balance margarine, and honey. Bake until golden brown, then cool for a gluten-free snack your kids will love.

9. Meat and cheese roll-ups
If you eat meat, simply roll up some sliced turkey breast with a slice of cheese. If dairy allergies are present, spread some Tofutti brand dairy free cream 'cheese' on a slice of ham or turkey breast and roll. Secure with a toothpick.

10. Chex Mix
Chex makes a cereal that is certified gluten-free. You could make a version of Chex mix, or simply let younger children snack on the dry cereal.

Other snacks include: fresh fruit and vegetables, smoothies, Larabars, Wylde's gluten-free pretzels, and string cheese.

Finding gluten-free snacks for your child can seem daunting at first, but with a little creativity, savvy label-reading, and planning, it can be done! You can find snacks that not only work for your allergic child, but also for the whole family.