Looking for gluten-free snacks for kids that don’t compromise on taste? You’re in the right place. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. While most kids can enjoy it safely, some have coeliac disease or gluten sensitivities that mean even small amounts can cause discomfort. 

Snacks make up a big chunk of what young children eat, about a quarter of their daily energy and nutrients. But research shows a lot of snacking relies on sweet treats, cookies, pastries, and sugary drinks, which pile on added sugar and fat. Choosing healthier, gluten-free options can make a real difference, giving kids tasty snacks that also fuel their energy and growth.

In this article, we’ve rounded up the best gluten-free options your kids will actually want to eat. Keep reading to uncover creative, mess-free ideas for every snacking moment.

Navigating Gluten-Free Snacking Made Easy

Catering to gluten-free diets doesn’t have to feel tricky. With Healthy Parents, Healthy Kids, Dr Nick Fuller simplifies healthy eating for all kinds of families. His practical, evidence-based strategies show you how to create inclusive, nutritious snack options that every child can enjoy.

Simplify gluten-free living without losing flavour or fun. Grab your copy of Healthy Parents, Healthy Kids today and take the stress out of snacktime.

Benefits of Gluten Free Snacks

Choosing gluten-free snacks isn’t just about avoiding gluten; it’s about giving your kids foods that help them feel good, stay energised, and enjoy every bite. The European Commission states that for a food product to be labelled ‘gluten-free,’ it must contain no more than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten.

Here’s why these snacks are worth adding to your family’s routine:

• Safe for kids with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance – Gluten-free snacks make it easy to cater to dietary needs without missing out on taste.
• Reduce risk of stomach discomfort and bloating – Aside from coeliac disease, research shows that a gluten-free diet may also benefit people with gluten sensitivities or certain gut conditions like IBS or ​​irritable bowel syndrome, as it helps support gut health and reduce inflammation.
• Support better focus and energy levels – Wholesome, low-sugar snacks help kids stay alert and energised throughout the day.
• Can include more whole, natural foods – Gluten-free eating often encourages more fruits, veggies, nuts, and wholegrains like oats and quinoa.
• Encourage variety in snack choices – Trying gluten-free recipes adds fun and diversity to your child’s diet.
• Suitable for sharing in allergy-aware schools – Perfect for lunchboxes or class parties where dietary sensitivities are considered.

6 Gluten-Free Snacks to Make for Kids

Ready to swap out the sugar-loaded, store-bought snacks for something healthier? These six gluten-free snack ideas are simple to make, kid-approved, and packed with flavour, perfect for lunchboxes, after-school munchies, or anytime hunger strikes.

Mini Banana Muffins

These mini banana muffins are a perfect gluten-free snack for kids: sweet, soft, and just the right size for little hands. We love using colourful mini patty pans to make them extra fun and appealing, though they’re totally optional if you’re using a non-stick muffin tray. For babies or toddlers, simply remove the patty pan before serving. These muffins are a great way to sneak in some fruit and keep snack time both healthy and tasty.

Type: Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Lactose Free, Kid Friendly, Baby Friendly

Makes 24 mini muffins

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes 

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh berries (raspberries, blueberries, chopped strawberries)
• 2 overripe bananas
• 4 eggs
• Mini patty pans (optional)

Recipe

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. 

2. Line two 12-hole mini muffin trays with patty pans. 

3. Place 2 berries into each patty pan. 

4. Place the bananas into a mixing bowl. Use a fork to mash the bananas until smooth.

5. Add in the eggs and mash into the banana until well combined. It is ok if a few small lumps remain.

6. Pour the egg mixture into each patty pan.

7. Place into the oven and bake for 15 minutes. The muffins will rise up and then sink again once removed from the oven. 

8. Allow the muffins to cool completely before serving. Enjoy!

Mini Baked Oat Cups

These mini baked oat cups are a cosy, gluten-free bedtime snack your kids will love. Lightly sweet and filling, they’re packed with sleep-friendly ingredients like oats and milk. Make a batch ahead of time and store them in the fridge for a few days or freeze for a couple of weeks. Just warm them up before bed for a comforting little treat that helps kids wind down and settle in for a good night’s sleep.

Type: Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Kid Friendly, Baby Friendly, Snacks

Makes 18 mini muffins

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes 

Ingredients

• Olive oil spray, for greasing
• 2 overripe bananas
• 1 egg
• ½ cup milk
• 2 cups rolled oats
• Pinch of cinnamon
• ¾ cup frozen raspberries, thawed

Recipe

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Use the olive oil spray to grease two 12-hole mini muffin trays. 

2. Add the bananas to a mixing bowl and use a fork to mash. Add in the egg and mash to combine with the banana. 

3. Add in the milk and the rolled oats. Stir until all ingredients are combined. 

4. Add in the cinnamon and the raspberries, and thoroughly stir through the oat mixture. 

5. Use a tablespoon to scoop the oat mixture into the muffin trays. Ensure that the oat mixture fills each muffin tray hole to the top. 

6. Place into the oven and bake for 15 minutes until the oat cups have risen and are slightly golden on top. 

7. Let the oat cups sit in the tray for 5 minutes, then remove from the mini muffin tray and allow the oat cups to cool. Enjoy!

Berry Frozen Yoghurt Drops

These berry frozen yoghurt drops are a fun, gluten-free snack that’s perfect for hot days. Easy to make in advance, they can be stored in the freezer and enjoyed whenever your little ones need a cool, fruity treat. We’ve used berries here, but feel free to swap in any seasonal fruit your kids love for a colourful, healthy snack they’ll actually ask for.

Type: Vegetarian, Kid Friendly, Baby Friendly, Snacks

Makes approx. 30 

Prep Time: 5 minutes (+ 2 hours freezing time)

Cooking Time: 0 minutes 

Ingredients

• ½ cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries – frozen also works, just allow to defrost slightly)
• 1 cup Greek yoghurt

Recipe

1. Prepare 2 flat baking trays by lining with baking paper. 

2. Add the berries and the yoghurt to a small blender. Blend well until smooth.

3. Use a teaspoon to dollop spoonful’s of the yoghurt mixture onto the baking trays. Continue until all the yoghurt mixture has been used. 

4. Carefully transfer the trays into your freezer, ensuring that they are sitting flat and level. 

5. Allow to freeze for at least a couple of hours. Once frozen, remove the yoghurt drops from the trays and place into a container, then return to the freezer. 

6. Serve the yoghurt drops frozen and enjoy!

Date Choc Bars 

These chocolate-stuffed dates are a fun, gluten-free twist on a classic treat—sweet, chewy, and satisfyingly wholesome. Packed with fibre, healthy fats, and natural sweetness, they give kids a steady energy boost without the sugar crash. These bite-sized treats store well in an airtight container for up to a week.

Type: Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Lactose Free, Contains Nuts, Snacks, Kid Friendly

Makes 10 dates

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 0 minutes (+2hrs refrigeration) 

Ingredients

• 10 Medjool dates
• 10 almonds, roasted
• 10 teaspoons 100% natural peanut butter
• 120g 80% dark chocolate
• ¼ cup slivered almonds, roasted and chopped

Recipe

1. Use a small knife to slice each date open length wise and remove the pit. You don’t want to cut all the way through the date, just along one side so that you can remove the pit. 

2. Stuff one roasted almond into each date, in place of the pit. 

3. Add one teaspoon of peanut butter into each date, adding it into the middle cavity where you have stuffed the roasted almond. 

4. Gently pinch each side of the date together to stick the edges together slightly.  

5. Place the dates into the fridge whilst you melt the chocolate.  

6. Break the chocolate into small pieces and place into a heatproof bowl. Place into the microwave and heat in 15 second increments. Remove the chocolate from the microwave and stir before heating again. 

7. Once the chocolate is just melted, remove from the microwave and stir until smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate as it will turn lumpy. 

8. Remove the dates from the fridge. Use a fork to dip one date into the melted chocolate. Ensure the date is evenly coated in a thin layer of chocolate, and allow any excess to drip from the fork back into the bowl. 

9. Place the date onto a plate lined with baking paper. Repeat steps 8 and 9 until all the dates are coated in chocolate. Sprinkle the dates with the slivered almonds. 

10. Place the dates into the fridge for at least 2 hours until set. Once removed from the fridge, serve immediately and enjoy!

Strawberry Chocolate Bark

This strawberry chocolate bark is a fun, gluten-free snack that kids will love. Sweet, juicy strawberries pair with creamy chocolate for a cool, refreshing treat. Store in an airtight container in the fridge and serve chilled for a wholesome, grab-and-go snack that’s as tasty as it is colourful.

Type: Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Contains Nuts, Snacks, Kid Friendly

Serves 5

Prep Time: 10 minutes (+2hrs refrigeration)

Cooking Time: 0 minutes 

Ingredients

• 1 punnet strawberries
• 3 tablespoons natural 100% peanut butter
• 100g 80% dark chocolate 

Recipe

1. Line a baking tray with baking paper. 

2. Wash the strawberries and pat dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. 

3. Thinly slice the strawberries and arrange the slices in a single layer on the tray. Try to fit the slices as close together as possible so there are no gaps in between. 

4. Place the peanut butter into a small bowl and microwave for 15 second increments until the peanut butter is thin and runny. Spread the peanut butter in a thin layer on top of the strawberries. 

5. Place into the fridge for at least 1 hour to set. 

6. Break the chocolate into small pieces and place into a small bowl. Microwave in 15 second increments, stirring in between, until melted. 

7. Spread the melted chocolate in a thin layer on top of the peanut butter. It won’t be perfectly even, but ensure that all the strawberries are covered. 

8. Place into the fridge for at least 1 hour until the chocolate is set. 

9. Use a large knife to cut the strawberry bark into roughly 10 square pieces. 

10. Eat immediately and enjoy.

Apple Slice Donuts

These colourful apple slice ‘donuts’ are a fun, gluten-free snack that kids will actually want to eat. Crisp apple rings are topped with peanut butter or yoghurt and sprinkled with granola, sunflower seeds, or a few dark chocolate chips for a cool, crunchy, naturally sweet treat. 

Type: Vegetarian, Vegan, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Contains Nuts, Kid Friendly

Makes 10 ‘donuts’

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 0 minutes 

Ingredients

• 2 large pink lady apples
• 3 tablespoons natural 100% peanut butter
• 3 tablespoons of assorted toppings

Recipe

1. Use an apple corer to remove the core of each apple. 

2. Place the apple on its side so that the empty core is parallel to your chopping board. Trim off both ends of the apple, then slice the apple into 5 even slices.  

3. Place the apple slices cut side facing up onto a flat chopping board or plate. 

4. Spread the top of each slice with peanut butter. 

5. Sprinkle the assorted toppings on top of the peanut butter. 

6. Serve the apple ‘donuts’ immediately and enjoy!

Summing Up

Snacking doesn’t have to be boring or full of hidden gluten and added sugar. With these gluten-free ideas, you can give your kids treats that are tasty, nutritious, and easy to prepare. 

By swapping in wholesome, gluten-free ingredients, you’re not only keeping snack time fun but also helping your little ones get the energy and nutrients they need to grow, play, and thrive. So grab your favourite ingredients, get the kids involved, and make snack time a highlight of the day!

Looking for more quick and nutritious snack ideas? Check out our Simple Snacks For Picky Eaters for easy-to-make options your kids will love.

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Meet Dr Nick Fuller

My Story

As a father, I know first-hand that raising healthy and happy children is tricky. Children are fussy, particularly at the end of the day when they are shattered. We also live in a society where companies seek to profit from what we feed our kids; incorrect and damaging advice is pushed on us and marketed towards our children, and we have no time.

But with these recipes and resources, you and your children can enjoy simple and well-founded food and lifestyle choices for lifelong health.