Gluten-free Snacks!

It’s not uncommon to have kids in your ministry with food allergies these days!  And during the holidays, it’s also not uncommon to have visitors to your classroom who may have food allergies.  The number of kids who are on a gluten-free diet is on the rise!  How has your ministry adjusted?

Check out a few of our favorite gluten-free snacks that would be great to have on-hand for kids with food allergies during the holidays.

Annie’s Cocoa and Vanilla Bunny Cookies  can be found at most chain grocery stores, or online.  These cookies are a great alternative to Teddy Grahams and other similar snacks and are just as tasty (if not MORE tasty!)

General Mills Corn Chex & Honey Chex are gluten-free and can be found in most grocery stores and when combined with other gluten-free snacks, makes for a great trail mix!

KINNIKINNICK Foods, Inc. has a great assortment of cookies and sweets that are gluten-free.  Their site has lots of other great products and each product has a guide that will let you know if the product contains any number of possible allergens.  We’re especially fond of the Montanas Chocolate Chip Cookies!

Most candies like M&Ms are also surprisingly gluten-free.  Combine red and green M&Ms with gluten-free cereal like Chex or Barbara’s Puffins for a Christmas trail mix! Puffins come in two yummy gluten-free flavors and are great in a mix or on their own.

And of course, fruit is a great gluten-free option if you’re able to bring in a fresh snack!  (Just beware of other children who may have a fruit allergy!)

What are some of your favorite gluten-free snacks for kids?  How do you handle food allergies in your ministry classroom?