School is almost back in session and that means one thing–packing snacks and lunches every day. This can be tricky if your child has a food allergy or if your school has a food restriction policy (no nuts, etc.). Fortunately, there are many great, delicious options when it comes to allergy-friendly snack and lunch ideas!
Here are 20 allergy-friendly snack and lunch ideas that will hopefully make your snack and lunch packing a little easier:
Abe’s Muffins
Free from eggs, milk, and nuts, these muffins are school- and allergy-friendly. Available in mini or large sizes.
Apple Sauce
Made-for-lunchbox pouches and cups are easy for little hands to open and enjoy on the go.
Apple with SunButter
SunButter is a widely accepted, school-approved peanut butter alternative. Check with your school to see if it is allowed.
Bare Apple Chips
Made with only apples, they are available in larger or individual bags.
Barnum’s Animal Crackers
The longtime kid favorite animal cracker is allergy-friendly, but it does contain wheat and soy.
Bear Real Fruit Yoyos
Made with a whole cup of fresh fruit, these are easy to keep on hand and toss into your child’s lunch.
Better Bites Bakery Cake Bites
Top 8 allergen free and a great way to celebrate a birthday or special occasion with the whole class!
Chex Mix
The traditional flavor is allergy-friendly, but it does contain wheat and soy. Other flavors also include milk.
Crackers
There are many different types of crackers to choose from, but my dairy allergic son prefers Ritz or Club Crackers.
Enjoy Life Breakfast Ovals
Gluten free as well as top 14 allergen free, these breakfast ovals are delicious and come in a variety of flavors.
Enjoy Life Chewy Bars
A granola bar alternative that is also gluten free and top 14 allergen free.
Fruit Snacks
An easy snack that all kids can enjoy!
Fruit Strips
Available from a wide variety of companies in a number of flavors.
MadeGood Granola Bars
Nut and dairy free, these bars are a good granola bar substitute for those with multiple allergens.
MadeGood Vanilla Crispy Squares
An all-time favorite in our house. An allergy-friendly rice krispy treat!
PopCorners
Available in many different flavors. If you are managing a milk allergy, please note that a few flavors do contain milk.
Pretzels
A widely available snack that is available gluten free.
Sensible Portions Garden Veggie Straws
A healthier potato chip alternative that is widely available in larger bags, but also in individual size bags for easy grab and go. If you are managing a milk allergy, please note that a few flavors do contain milk.
SkinnyPop Popcorn
Surprisingly dairy free, all flavors are great options for a class party or movie day.
That’s It Fruit Bars
Each bar contains 100% fruit and is gluten and top 12 allergen free.
We hope this list is helpful for you as you plan out snack and lunch options for your student(s) this year. With so many options to choose from, your child is sure to find something on this list that they would love to bring to school. Have a great school year!
For more allergy friendly content, check out Julie’s list of allergy-friendly restaurants in and around Detroit!
This post was originally written by Julie Schleh and updated in 2024 by Whitney Cornelli.
