As most nurseries, schools and preschools are now totally “nut-free”, it makes sense that you would plan nut-free snacks for that toddler’s playdate picnic in the park, museum cafe or friend’s house. It’s just safer, right? Many parents are finding more and more creative nut-free snacks, but if you need more inspiration for tasty snacks, you’ve come to the right place!
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1. Crunchy Carrot, Cucumber And Pepper Batons
A go-to for any lunchbox, these are easy to cut up, grab and go. Many toddlers will much these plain, while others may prefer a hummus, mayonnaise or other dips to smother them in.
2. Crispy Cheese Straws
Cheese straws are an easy-to-pack snack. If you have time, try baking your own in the oven. You can double-bake for extra crunch if your toddler likes that extra snap.
3. Fantastic Fruit
The ultimate ‘pack and go’ snack, take a selection of bananas, apples, pears and oranges for everyone to share. Be careful with kiwi, peaches, nectarines and strawberries as some children have allergies to those as well.
4. Delicious Dried Fruit
Try raisins (remember they’re quite sugary, so go easy on the portion size) or fruit yoyos, which usually have no added sugar. Freeze-dried strawberries or raspberries (the sort of dried fruit which is added to granola) are a real hit with some children.
5. Fun Flapjacks
Flapjacks are really easy to make and last for days. You can pack them full of healthy stuff and substitute different ingredients where needed.
For nut-free snacks and refined sugar (a winner, right?), check out this healthy recipe for flapjack-eating toddlers. Use maple syrup rather than honey for babies under one year old – see the NHS on why.
6. Yummy Yogurt Muffins
Yoghurt is a great baking ingredient for those who are nut-free. Here’s a great recipe here for banana yoghurt muffins, or you can keep a look out for recipes on the back of your usual (large pots of) yoghurt. These are usually mixed in one bowl and are fairly foolproof.
7. Chewy Corn Cakes, Rice Cakes And Oat Crackers
The beauty of corn and rice cakes and oat crackers is that you can eat them plain or add a topping like cream cheese spread. If your toddler likes crunchy food, pack your topping separate from the rice cake.
Top tip: leave a set of plastic picnicware in your car and snack bag so you always have plastic cutlery to hand.
8. Mega Mini-Sandwiches
Cut your sandwich into really small bite-size chunks to make them easy to handle, munch and swallow on a picnic. Avoid peanut butter and other nut spreads, but otherwise go as simple or creative as you like on the filling! Most typical sandwich fillings should be good. But just be sure to check the packaging if you’re not sure.
9. Daring Dry Cereal
If you’re anything like us at Happity, you’ll have reached for some dry cereal as a quick snack on the way to nursery or school. Go really plain with something like bran flakes or bran sticks and you may be surprised that your toddler is asking for more!
Remember to avoid Fruit and Fibre, which contains nuts.
10. Perfect Pancakes
You can prepare a batch in advance and pop them in the freezer. Get them out before breakfast to defrost and put them in your snack bag ready to go! You can adapt pancake recipes really easily. Or try preparing an easy 2-ingredient pancake mixture. Try adding blueberries for an extra fruit boost.
Check here for more snack ideas.
What Is The Most Allergy-Friendly Snack?
Plain fruit and raw vegetables like bananas, oranges, carrots or cucumber are usually a safe bet. Or dried fruit like raisins.
Avoid anything with nuts, egg, milk and gluten listed as a main ingredient. Remember that pine nuts in something like pesto can also be an allergen. Also avoid kiwis, peaches, nectarines and strawberries. Check out the NHS website for more common food allergies and information.
What Snacks Are Good For Kids With Nut and Egg Allergies?
Again, fruit and raw veg are a winner here. Muffins made with yoghurt rather than eggs are also great.
What Snacks Are Good For Lactose-Intolerant Children?
Oat crackers, corn cakes or rice cakes are great for a biscuity snack that doesn’t (usually) contain milk, but always check the ingredients on the packaging. If you’re making a cake or muffin, try adding a non-dairy or olive oil spread to recipes instead of a dairy spread or butter.
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