Having allergies can be very uncomfortable, especially during snack time. People who are allergic to peanuts, dairy, gluten, and other foods often struggle to find delicious and nutritious snacks that they can safely eat.
Fortunately, there are many snack options that are allergy-friendly and can make snack time fun for everyone.
1. Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are not only healthy but also delicious snacks for people with allergies. They are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which can boost your immune system and keep you energized throughout the day.
You can choose from a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, such as apples, bananas, berries, carrots, celery, and cucumbers. You can also mix and match them with dips, such as hummus, guacamole, and salsa, to add more flavor to your snack.
2. Trail Mix
Trail mix is a great snack for people with allergies since you can make it with nuts and seeds that are safe for you to eat. You can customize your trail mix by mixing and matching different nuts, seeds, and dried fruits.
Some options include almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, raisins, and cranberries. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder to give your trail mix a sweet and flavorful twist.
3. Rice Cakes and Crackers
Rice cakes and crackers are versatile snacks that are gluten-free and wheat-free, making them a great option for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
You can top rice cakes and crackers with different spreads and toppings, such as peanut butter, almond butter, jelly, sliced avocado, or hummus. You can also add some crunch to your snack by sprinkling some seeds or nuts on top.
4. Popcorn
A bowl of popcorn is a classic snack that is easy to make and fun to eat. Popcorn is a whole-grain snack that is naturally gluten-free and can be customized to your liking.
You can add some melted butter, salt, or nutritional yeast to your popcorn for a savory flavor, or you can sprinkle some cinnamon sugar or chocolate chips for a sweet flavor. You can also mix and match different flavors to create your own signature popcorn mix.
5. Smoothies
Smoothies are a healthy and refreshing snack that can be made with a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and non-dairy milk alternatives.
You can customize your smoothie by adding ingredients that are safe for you to eat, such as almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk. Some allergy-friendly smoothie options include a banana and berry smoothie, a mango and coconut smoothie, or a spinach and pineapple smoothie. You can also add some protein powder or chia seeds to make your smoothie more filling.
6. Energy Bars
Energy bars are a quick and convenient snack that can be made with allergy-friendly ingredients, such as oats, nuts, and seeds.
You can make your own energy bars at home by combining rolled oats, chopped nuts, seeds, and sweeteners, such as honey or maple syrup. You can also add some dried fruits, such as dates or raisins, for a chewy texture. You can store these bars in the fridge or freezer for easy snacking on the go.
7. Roasted Chickpeas
Roasted chickpeas are a crunchy and savory snack that is high in protein and fiber. They are also gluten-free and can be seasoned to your liking.
To make roasted chickpeas, simply rinse a can of chickpeas, pat them dry, and roast them in the oven for about 30 minutes. You can season them with olive oil, salt, pepper, or spices, such as paprika or cumin. You can also add some herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, for a fragrant flavor.
8. Fruit Sorbet
Fruit sorbet is a dairy-free alternative to ice cream that is refreshing and delicious. You can make your own fruit sorbet at home by blending frozen berries, bananas, or mangoes with some non-dairy milk and sweeteners, such as honey or agave syrup.
You can also add some citrus juice for a zesty flavor, or some herbs, such as mint or basil, for a fresh aroma. You can enjoy your fruit sorbet as a dessert or as a snack anytime.
9. Chia Pudding
Chia pudding is a healthy and creamy snack that is packed with nutrients, such as protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids. You can make your own chia pudding by mixing chia seeds with some non-dairy milk and sweeteners, such as honey or maple syrup.
You can also add some fruits, such as berries or bananas, for a fruity flavor, or some nuts, such as almonds or pecans, for a crunchy texture. You can store your chia pudding in a jar in the fridge for a quick and easy snack.
10. Veggie Chips
Veggie chips are a crunchy and colorful snack that is made from vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, beets, or kale. They are a healthy alternative to potato chips and are naturally gluten-free and low in calories.
You can make your own veggie chips at home by slicing your favorite vegetables thinly and baking them in the oven for about 20-30 minutes. You can season them with herbs, spices, or sea salt for a savory flavor.