Gluten-free, Kid-Approved Snacks

One of the hardest things about taking gluten out of your child’s diet is all of the “kid” foods they have to give up.  Suddenly, staples such as chicken nuggets, pizza, and macaroni and cheese are all off-limits.  Depending on the age of your child, they really don’t understand (and likely don’t care) why.

Fortunately, there are some good gluten-free alternatives out there.  The following is a list of some of the better products we have tried in our family.  Most are dairy-free in addition to being gluten-free.

• Bell & Evans Gluten-free Chicken Nuggets : These are very yummy – you’re kids will never notice the difference.  They are also relatively healthy, with no chemical additives or preservatives.  We buy them at Whole Foods.
• Udi’s Gluten-free Pizza Crusts: Ready-made and pre-baked, these single-serving crusts are thin, crispy, and very tasty.  Just add your favorite toppings. Available at Whole Foods, Vitamin Cottage, King Soopers, and online.
• Annie’s Gluten-free Rice Pasta & Cheddar: All natural and delicious, my oldest daughter LOVES it when I make this for her.  Available at Whole Foods, Vitamin Cottage, King Soopers, and other grocery stores.
• Applegate Farms and Coleman Natural Hotdogs: Both brands carry beef and other types of hotdogs with no fillers and no nitrates or nitrites.  My kids always preferred them without buns when they were younger, and now we get great gluten-free hotdog buns from Outside the Breadbox.  Applegate Farms available at Whole Foods, Vitamin Cottage and King Soopers.  Coleman Natural available at King Soopers.  Outside the Breadbox available at Vitamin Cottage.
• Bob’s Red Mill GF Pancake Mix: This mix makes thick, fluffy pancakes that taste every bit as good as those made with wheat flour.  We often add pumpkin and spices, or mini chocolate chips.  Yum! Available at Whole Foods, Vitamin Cottage and King Soopers.
• Kinnikinnick Cookies & Crackers: Kinnikinnick makes several products with kids in mind.  We’ve gone through many boxes of KinniKritters, which are animal-shaped cookies.  KinniToos Chocolate Sandwich Cremes, which look and taste a lot like Oreos, are a popular treat.  And the S’moreables Graham Style Crackers come in handy for summer campfires and S’mores.  Available at Whole Foods, Vitamin Cottage, other natural grocery stores, and online.
• Pirate Brands Snacks:  Pirate’s Booty (cheese puffs) and Tings (corn sticks) are favorites in our house.  Their products are baked, all natural, with no chemical ingredients.  Available at Whole Foods, Vitamin Cottage, King Soopers, and other grocery stores.
• Glutino Pretzels:  These pretzels are addictive.  My kids love them in their lunches.  Available at Whole Foods, Vitamin Cottage, King Soopers, and other natural grocery stores.
• Let’s Do … Gluten Free Ice Cream Cones:  There’s something about a cone that makes ice cream a gazillion times better for kids.  These are just like the classic wafer cones.  Available at Whole Foods, Vitamin Cottage, online, and other natural grocery stores.
• Pamela’s Chocolate Chip Cookies:  Nothing beats homemade chocolate chip cookies, but Pamela’s makes good store-bought alternatives.  We especially like the Chocolate Chip Mini Cookies. Unfortunately, they disappear quickly in our house!  Available at Whole Foods, Vitamin Cottage, King Soopers, and other grocery stores.

So stock up and let your kids have their fun food – gluten-free and all!

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