21 Nut-Free Snacks For Kids
Are you looking for nut-free snacks for kids? These easy, yummy nut-free snacks will be a hit when you need a snack to toss in a lunchbox on the way out the door.
With so many children having allergies, I’ve noticed a lot of childcare places are requesting you provide nut-free snacks for kids.
As you know, we are not a nut-free family. I’m the only one who can’t eat peanuts, but the rest of the nuts are good! I use different nuts in all kinds of snack recipes because they provide a great source of healthy fats and proteins.
However, if your kids go to homeschool groups, play sports or play groups, etc., with kids with allergies, you will need to provide nut-free snacks for your kids.
Tip: These snacks will work great for co-op or bookclubs when you need to share snack duty!
Tips For Finding Nut-Free Snacks For Kids
When looking for packages of nut-free snacks, I’ve noticed, at least in Canada, that you will see a “no peanuts” symbol on some snacks.
Recipes and product information can change without you knowing it. Always check and read labels every time you go shopping. Canadian guidelines require that peanut-containing products are clearly labeled. The ingredient list will say “contains: peanut.” I’ve also seen “may contain nuts.”
Be sure to look for the following warnings on the label if you are sending your child to a nut-free zone:
- “May Contain Peanut or Tree Nuts”
- “Processed on shared equipment with Peanuts or Tree Nuts”
- “Manufactured in a plant with Peanut or Tree Nuts”
- “Contains Peanut or Tree Nut Ingredients”
You may also want to check sauces, baking mixes, and potato chips (some are cooked in peanut oil) for nuts.
Disclosure: I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
If you are shopping online, try to find a list of ingredients before ordering a recommend nut-free snack. I’ve included a screenshot of Annie’s Organic Cheddar Bunnies shown on Amazon. If you can’t find the ingredient list in the online store, I would skip it just to be safe.
21 Nut-Free Snacks For Kids
Now that you know what to look for in packaged nut-free snacks, I have 21 kid-approved, nut-free snack ideas to share with you. Take a look through the list and pick a few that will work for your family.
Please note that many of these also make great gluten-free snacks.
6 Packaged Nut-Free Snacks For Kids
As a homeschooling working mom, I know how busy you are, so I’ve included some quick snacks you can pick up at your local store.
- KIND Healthy Grains Granola Bars
- Goldfish Crackers (Pepperidge Farm notes that they’re made on lines dedicated to being nut-free, except for their graham-flavored goldfish. This is why we read labels.)
- Annie’s Organic Cheddar Bunnies
- Popcorn or Skinny Popcorn (we like white cheddar)
- Enjoy Life Chew Bars
- Don’t Go Nuts Chewy Granola Bars
8 Nut-Free Snack Recipes For Kids
I have found that homemade snacks are easier when you are peanut free. If you have time to bake or your kids like to bake, try one of these nut-free snack recipes:
- Baked Apple Fritter Muffins
- Homemade Fruit Roll-ups (oven made)
- Zucchini, ham and corn bites
- Gluten-Free Donuts
- Sugar Pinwheel Cookies
- Pretzel balls
- Gingerbread & Dark Chocolate Drizzle Energy Balls (Nut, Dairy & Gluten Free)
- 5-Ingredient Nut-Free Trail Mix
How To Encourage Kids To Bake:
Before I continue, I want to take a minute to tell you that one of my favorite life skills to teach is baking and cooking. My kids loved experimenting in the kitchen with different food combinations.
If your kids don’t cook yet, I would encourage you to sign up for this step-by-step e-mail course to help you out!
Or if you’d rather outsource teaching your kids to cook, I highly recommend this online cooking class for kids aged 8+ and the one from Kids Cook Real Food for all ages.
7 Grab and Go Nut-Free Snacks For Kids
These nut-free snacks do not require baking, pair them up and toss them in the lunch can.
Don’t forget to check the packaging label for nuts on items such as crackers and pretzels, sometimes, they contained crushed nuts.
- Fresh cut fruit and yogurt
- String cheese and apple slices
- Yogurt cup and crackers
- Pudding cup and sliced fruit
- Hummus and pretzel sticks
- Dried fruit such as raisins and cherries
- Veggie sticks such as chopped peppers and mini carrots with ranch dressing
Reusable Snack Containers
I love reusable snack containers for keeping snacks fresh and separated.
These are very important if you have kids (or adults!) who don’t like their food touching.
I do not recommend glass snack containers for kids. Glass containers are heavy and breakable! However, I do recommend reusable containers that are dishwasher safe!
Here are 3 different styles that are highly recommended. The second one, I use personally for long days in the car or going to work.
- Goodful Stackable Lunch Box Container
- Rubbermaid Lunch Blox Snack Kit comes with an ice pack. (photo of an older design below)
- Snap & Go Baby Food Freezer Storage Containers & Snack Containers
Nut-Free Snack Ideas For Kids
Finding nut-free snacks for your kids when you are trying to juggle your career and homeschooling can feel overwhelming.
Hopefully, this list of nut-free snack ideas for kids will help you out. Pick a few from the list above, and make sure to read the labels.
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Hi, I’m Jen. I help working moms juggle their career and homeschool their kids by providing support, systems and tools. You are warmly invited to Join the Online Community Here!
