Top 10 Allergy-free Snacks for School, Travel, and More

Even if your child has a severe food allergy, it’s important that they stay nourished and healthy wherever they go. Unfortunately, snacking on the go isn’t nearly as convenient for your child as it may be for others. All that means is it will take a little bit of extra prep work to ensure that your child can snack safely. We’re passionate about helping parents navigate these challenges, which is why we’ve compiled a guide of snack-free food that you can stock up on for packed lunches, trips, and to keep in the cupboard at home!

Allergy-free Snack Food List

The following are the nine major food allergens recognized by the FDA:

• Milk
• Eggs
• Fish
• Crustacean
• Tree nuts
• Peanuts
• Soy
• Sesame
• Gluten

Fruit and Veggies

While it might not be the first thing your kid grabs from the kitchen, fresh fruit and veggies are healthy and also allergen-free. Applesauce and other fruit cups are a more kid-friendly alternative that will allow you to pack some important nutrients into their diet. Add a little extra flavor with allergy-free dips for vegetables such as hummus, dairy-free ranch, or salsa.

Salted Popcorn

Salted popcorn is another allergy-free staple. Kids without dairy allergies can also enjoy buttered popcorn, but either way this snack is a tried-and-true classic that provides the salty/crunchy combo that kids love.

Rice Cakes

Rice cakes come in many different varieties and flavors and most are allergy-free (check the packaging!) There are even gluten-free varieties for those who are gluten-sensitive. Spread some jam or preservatives to add a sweet kick that your kid will love.

Granola Bars

Granola bars are quick, tasty, and packed with nutrients, making them the perfect on-the-go snack for your kids. There are a number of allergy-free granola bar brands out there now too, making them more accessible than ever.

Potato Chips

Potato chips are a favorite of many kids, and several popular brands are completely allergy-free (including the uber-popular Lays Classic chips). Make sure to do your research on the particular allergy your kid has, but in any case you will find a number of potato chip brands they can enjoy.

Dried Fruit

Raisins, fruit leather, and other dried fruit is a great allergy-free snack. These snacks often pack a sweet kick that kids will enjoy, too.

Allergy-free Candy

Looking for a treat to pack in your kid’s lunch? We’ve compiled a complete list of allergy-free candies sorted by allergen type!

Jerky

Beef jerky and turkey jerky are great snacking options for children with allergies. Some brands may contain soy or gluten though, so make sure to read the labels!

Allergy-free Baked Goods

If you’re stumped on where to find fresh, high-quality allergen-free baked goods, check out The Difference Baker’s complete menu of treats! All of our products are certified free from seven of the nine food allergens (Fish, crustacean, tree nuts, peanuts, soy, sesame, and gluten) and several of our products are also dairy- and egg-free. We ship our products all around the country, check them out today!