These dairy free snack ideas can be enjoyed by all, not just vegans and those allergic to dairy. Check our list of easy dairy-free snacks to keep in the pantry.
When looking for dairy free snacks for kids, consider those that are naturally dairy-free like fruits or vegetables. It can be handy, though, to have packaged snacks for sports teams, car rides and other activities out of the house. That’s when keeping snacks that are dairy free on hand is really helpful.
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Who are dairy-free snacks for?
You may think that dairy-free snacks are only for those with dairy allergies, but they’re not! Anyone can eat dairy-free snacks. Now, they’re so common that they don’t cost any more than standard snacks.
People avoid dairy for many reasons, not just dairy allergies. Vegans, for example, will find this list of dairy free snack ideas to be very helpful.
How to identify dairy free snacks
When checking the ingredient label of processed snacks, it’s not just the obvious to look for: milk, cheese, and butter. Be aware of other ingredients like casein, lactose and whey powder.
What snacks are dairy free?
Obviously, there are plenty of just-as-they-are snacks that are naturally dairy free. Do your kids like fruits and vegetables for snacks? Some of our favorites are: sliced bell peppers, baby carrots, sliced celery and grape or cherry tomatoes
Usually, my kids will eat more raw vegetables if they have a dip to enjoy with them. But so many easy dip recipes or ready-made dips contain dairy like cream cheese or sour cream. Try any of the easy recipes on Dairy Free Dips for fabulous alternatives.
More dairy-free snacks
My family tends to purchase the store brand of many of the below snacks. If you know that a brand-name product is dairy free, you will still need to check the packaging of the similar store brand. Most times, the ingredients are identical, but not always.
Nuts
If your family can have nuts, those are also naturally dairy-free and provide protein. We buy in bulk and then use reusable containers to divide them into single serving sizes to eat both at home and on the go.
Popcorn
Popcorn is another favorite dairy free snack, as long as you avoid butter and other dairy toppings. Rather than eat it plain, use olive oil or another spray and then toss with your favorite seasonings. Take a look at our 75+ Popcorn Topping Ideas, many of which are dairy free.
Hard boiled eggs
Non-dairy replacement products like cheese and yogurt can be very expensive. We keep hard boiled eggs on hand in the fridge for a quick dairy free snack.
Processed dairy-free snacks
Snack Mix
We make our own mixes rather than purchase trail mix or pre-made snack mix. We do that to avoid peanuts, but you can also do it to avoid dairy. Just be sure that each individual ingredient is dairy-free.
Cereal
Dry cereal is another favorite snack in our house. Occasionally, though, manufacturers change the ingredients on packaged products. So be sure to check the label each time you purchase. Cheerios and Chex cereals are safe and go well in snack mixes.
Crackers
There are many varieties of crackers available nowadays that are dairy free, especially if you choose the original flavor and not those with cheese or other seasonings. Ritz, for example, taste buttery but get that flavor from artifical sources. We like Triscuits because they’re made with only wheat, oil and salt.
Chips and Pretzels
Both tortilla chips and potato chips tend to be dairy free, but check the ingredients first. As with crackers, the original variety typically has no dairy while the flavored versions do. Pretzels are the same.
Rice cakes and veggie straws
Like chips and pretzels, the original flavor (plain) is usually free from dairy. Apple cinnamon rice cakes provide whole grain while being both gluten free and dairy free. Veggie Straws are another crunchy snack that is dairy free.
20 packaged dairy free snacks for kids
All of the dairy free snacks on this list are good for kids (and also for their parents). Most are low sugar. Pre-packaged snacks are so convenient to be carried to school or camp.
Dairy Free Snacks
Keep these dairy free snacks in your pantry for an allergy-safe or vegan snack that can be enjoyed by anyone.
Stretch Island Fruit Leather Snacks Variety Pack
These all-natural fruit strips are made with no added sugar and without any artificial flavors or preservatives.
Enjoy Life Foods Seed and Fruit Mix, Peanut Free Trail Mix, Mountain Mambo
This tree nut and peanut-free trail mix contains a dried fruit and seed mix combined with dairy-free chocolate for a delicious blend of flavors and textures in a vegan snack.
HIPPEAS Organic Chickpea Puffs + Vegan White Cheddar | Vegan, Gluten-Free, Crunchy, Protein Snacks
HIPPEAS Organic Chickpea Puffs are USDA organic, certified gluten-free, vegan and totally delicious! With 5g of plant-protein and 4g of fiber per 1.5 ounce serving, HIPPEAS are the new go-to snack for those who demand great taste and high-quality ingredients.
GoGo squeeZ AlmondBlend Pudding, Banana flavor
GoGoSqueeZ AlmondBlend Pudding is the tasty treat you can feel good about putting in your kids' lunchbox! Made from almonds, this almond blend banana pudding is smooth and creamy plant-based pudding in a convenient, pantry-friendly pouch for kids.
Sensible Portions Garden Veggie Chips, Sea Salt
Sensible Portions Sea Salt Garden Veggie Wavy Chips have the crispy crunch and taste-bud-tantalizing flavor you want in a snack, but without all of the artificial flavors and artificial preservatives that you don't. Our veggie chips are made with potatoes and vegetables grown in a sun-splashed garden, for a veggie snack that has 30% less fat than the leading brand of potato chips.
ALOHA Organic Plant Based Protein Bars, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip
ALOHA’s organic, plant-based products are vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free (lactose-free), stevia-free, high protein, Kosher Certified and USDA certified organic.
CHOMPS MINI Free Range Turkey Jerky Meat Snack Sticks, Original Turkey 24 Pack
Each mini 0.5oz meat stick has 5g of protein, low sodium, low fat, low carb, sugar free & only 30 calories
Ka-Pop! Popped Puffs - Vegan Cheddar, Free from Gluten, Corn and Dairy
This unique 100% sorghum puff with Vegan Cheddar seasoning tastes better than all the fried and artificial options out there. The whole family is going to love this cheesy delicious puff.
This Saves Lives Kids' Snack Bars, 3 Flavor Variety Pack
Every bar contains 1 full serving of fruits and vegetables. And there are only 5g of sugar & 100 calories per bar!
SkinnyPop Cinnamon & Sugar Popcorn Mini Cakes
Only 60 calories per 10 cakes, Non GMO, Gluten Free, No Artificial Ingredients, Dairy Free, Peanut and Tree Nut Free.
Nature’s Bakery Whole Wheat Fig Bars, Blueberry, Real Fruit, Vegan
Nature's Bakery Whole Wheat Fig Bars are fuel for everyday life's great journeys. Made with wholesome and natural ingredients, our delicious soft-baked baked bars are filled with real fruit for an on-the-go snack that satisfies.
GoGo BIG squeeZ Rad Raspberry & Playful Pear - Bigger, Tasty Kids Snacks Made from Raspberries and Pears
Our unsweetened fruit pouches are made from 100% fruit with no high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), no added colors or flavors and no sugar added. These portable fruit pouches are great snacks and make it easy to provide positive nutrition and fuel adventure.
Made Good Pizza Star Puffed Crackers, Gluten Free and USDA Organic
Satisfy your pizza craving while still filling your body with the nutrients from a full serving of vegetables. A safe for school snack, Made Good Crackers are made with food allergies in mind. They’re nut-free, gluten free, dairy free, allergy friendly, certified organic, vegan, and non-GMO. Baked in a dedicated allergen-free bakery.
Orgain Organic Plant Based Protein Bar, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
Orgain Organic Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Bars are the perfect, on-the-go protein snack with 10 grams of organic, plant based protein, 6 grams of organic fiber, and just 3 to 5 grams of sugar per bar. Vegan, Gluten Free, Soy Free, and Non-GMO. No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
Brothers-ALL-Natural Fruit Crisps, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Variety
Brothers-all-natural fruit crisps are 100% freeze-dried fruit making a light, flavorful, crisp fruit snack. Unlike other dried fruits, brothers-all-natural fruit crisps retain all of the nutrients of the fresh fruit with absolutely no preservatives or dyes. Also peanut/tree nut free, gluten free, soy free, dairy free, vegan, and kosher-certified.
365 by Whole Foods Market, Cookie Vanilla Wafers Organic, 9 Ounce
These crispy, perfectly petite organic vanilla wafers are made with simple, but delicious organic ingredients that complement any dessert.
Popped Waterlily Seeds, Vegan Protein Snacks, Zero Sugar
Crunchy and delightful, the popped seeds of waterlily are dry-roasted using a slow roasting method and seasoned with aromatic spices to create a deliciously satisfying treat like no other.
That’s it. Crunchables Fruit Snacks for Kids 100% Organic Apple
Healthy snacking has never been easier! Crunchables are the smart and tasty choice for your kid’s school lunch, afternoon snack, sporting events, or while outdoors with NO refrigeration needed.
Blake’s Seed Based Crispy Treats – Strawberry (24 Count)
What do you get when you combine seeds and strawberries in a classic crispy treat? You get our tasty Strawberry Crispy Treats! Our crispy treats are scrumptious, healthy snacks for kids and adults alike.
Jack Links Beef Jerky Variety Pack Includes Original and Teriyaki Beef Jerky
These single serve beef jerky bags are the perfect choice for on-the-go snacking when you're out as well as for your family's lunch boxes : even your little ones. They're a great way to ensure you're getting enough protein each day.
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