Last Updated on May 11, 2023 by
Children love treats and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t include a few in your child’s school box even if they’re gluten-intolerant or battle coeliac disease. While a bit more planning is needed to ensure your kid is getting the right food while at school, you can include tasty snacks that are safe for their diet. In this blog post, you’ll learn about easy tips and tricks for gluten-free treat ideas for your child’s school lunchbox.
Kid-friendly gluten-free recipes allow you to get creative or you can source local stores stocking food for specific dietary requirements. Including a gluten-free snack in your kid’s lunchbox not only puts a smile on their face but allows you to relax knowing they’re safe when eating away from home. And they won’t be as tempted to snack on their friends’ lunchbox treats!
Keep reading to find out what treats you can include in a lunchbox for gluten-intolerant children.
Table of Contents
5 Gluten-Free Treats Ideas for Your Child’s School Lunchbox
1. Shop for Gluten-Free Slices
If preparing gluten-free slices in your own kitchen seems daunting, you can source them at specialised stores. Taking into consideration gluten-free dietary requirements, bakers include delicious ingredients such as coconut, organic dark or white chocolate, almonds and cherries to create a taste sensation for any child.
Depending on the supplier, you can buy individual gluten-free slices in their own packaging, making it easier to pop one or two treats into your kid’s lunchbox every day. Reading the packaging label for the list of ingredients will reassure you that the treat is completely gluten-free.
2. Make Your Own Gluten-Free Bread With Kid-Favourite Fillings
What would a school lunchbox be without sandwiches? For kids battling coeliac disease, bread is a BIG no-no. But, if you’re handy in the kitchen, there are various gluten-free bread recipes you can experiment with.
Fillings for gluten-free sandwiches that are nutritious but a hit among kids include:
- Peanut butter and jam
- Mashed homemade fish fingers and tartare sauce
- Bacon
- Melted cheese or fried halloumi
Gluten-free bread can be sourced at specialised bakeries if you’re struggling to make your own at home!
3. Experiment With Tasty Egg Cups
Egg cups or mini-quiches are a high-protein meal that’s gluten-free while still tasty at the same time. Use the following ingredients when making them for your child’s lunchbox:
- Bacon and cheese
- Leftover gluten-free pizza toppings
- Chopped vegetables
Egg cups can be made in batches and frozen. All you have to do is take them out the freezer the night before when preparing your child’s lunch container for the next day.
4. Bake Scrumptious Homemade Fish Fingers
Fish fingers are a favourite for most children and making your own at home with the right ingredients keeps them gluten-free. Made with fresh fish and a crispy coating, your child will want more than one in their lunchbox any day of the week!
Gluten-free homemade fish fingers can be made ahead of time and kept in the freezer in an airtight container until you’re ready to use them. Gluten-free bread crumbs make a delicious coating and fresh cod fillets can be used as the main ingredient. Including your child’s favourite dipping sauce as a final touch will make their day!
5. Include Gluten-Free Sweet Treats
Adding some sweetness to the lunch container is the ultimate treat for most children. And gluten-free candy can be made at home. Think along the lines of decadent chocolate bites, fruit squares and banana or apple chips to satisfy the sweet tooth!
No-baked energy bites made with oatmeal, coconut flakes, raisins and honey will get your child clamouring for more. You can even add peanut butter or chocolate chips to the mix for a double-whammy treat! Fresh strawberries dipped into honey appeal to most children too.
Quick Tips for Packing Gluten-Free School Lunchboxes
Packing school lunch boxes the right way makes it easier for your child to nibble through their favourite gluten-free treats without the mess! Here are some quick tips:
- Containers with compartments: The best way to keep different foods apart in a lunchbox is to get a container with compartments. This type of lunchbox is best when you’re including fruit and vegetable slices, along with sauces or honey.
- Thermos: A thermos is perfect for storing soups for cold winter days or iced fruit smoothies during the summer months.
- Individual packaging: Gluten-free slices or treats can be wrapped in individual packaging before putting into a lunchbox containing sandwiches or egg cups.
- Include savoury and sweet food: A balanced meal will keep your child satisfied without turning to other children’s lunchboxes for items that may not be gluten-free.
- Dishwasher–safe containers: Save time spent at the kitchen sink by only using lunch containers that are dishwasher-safe. You can rest assured your child’s lunch is going into a hygienic container as well when it’s been through a wash cycle in the dishwasher.
Packing your child’s gluten-free lunchbox can be fun when you get creative with both the ingredients and types of containers available for storing food for school days.
Final Thoughts
Adding gluten-free snacks or treats to your child’s lunchbox gives your kid something to look forward to when it comes to school meal breaks. Use these tasty ideas and tips to help you pack a scrumptious gluten-free school lunchbox for your child, from Monday right through to Friday!
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