People afflicted with celiac disease, or gluten intolerance, must avoid gluten, a protein substance found in wheat, rye and barley, according to the National Digestive Diseases Clearinghouse. This means most traditional cookies, cupcakes, pizza, crackers and breads are completely off-limits. Although a gluten-free diet may seem overly restrictive at times, a number of options are available for snacks that appeal to kids' tastes. When purchasing snacks, always be sure to carefully read the ingredient list to make sure no offensive ingredients are present.
Dairy
Low-fat cheese, yogurt and cottage cheese are gluten free. Make them fun for kids by creating mini-skewers of cheddar cheese, grapes and diced apple on toothpicks. Stir up a yogurt dip for bananas and strawberries by using plain, low-fat yogurt, honey and cinnamon. Cottage cheese drizzled with a teaspoon of agave nectar and topped with chopped almonds and a cherry makes a healthy "sundae."
Crunchy
Air-popped popcorn is gluten free and can be made tasty for kids. Spray the popcorn with olive oil and add finely grated Parmesan for a cheesy snack. Melt a tablespoon of butter, peanut butter and honey in the microwave and pour over popcorn and mix to coat. Look for corn-based snack puffs in the grocery store--many are flavored with cheese, ranch or barbecue flavors and satisfy kids' needs to have chips or cheese puffs as a snack. Many gluten-free crackers and chips are now available in conventional stores.
Sweets
Your gluten-free child does not have to be deprived of all sweet treats. Ice cream, without a cone and added toppings or mix-ins, is usually gluten free. Fresh fruit sorbets and ice pops are healthier options that offer no gluten. Many low-fat puddings, including vanilla, chocolate and rice, are gluten free--be sure to avoid "Oreo" versions that contain cookie crumbs. Make homemade marshmallow-cereal treats with gluten-free puffed rice cereal, but look carefully as some conventional brands contain barley malt.
Member Comments