Gluten refers to the proteins found in wheat, rye, and barley. Gluten helps hold foods together and maintain their shape, and acts as a sort of “glue.” Gluten sensitivities can range from intolerance to full-blown Celiac disease. Intolerances can cause the body not to be able to absorb nutrients into the bloodstream, which can such as digestive problems, fatigue, headache, “brain fog,” and more. Gluten causes those with Celiac disease to experience an autoimmune response that actually destroys the small intestine. Both of these groups should avoid gluten completely, which can be easier said than done. Gluten can hide in some inconspicuous foods, so it’s best to check labels for traces of gluten.
How to Choose Gluten-Free Snacks
Luckily, there are hundreds of snack options that don’t include gluten. Though you can find many gluten-free snacks at the food store, some are packed with sugars or high in calories. You don’t have to rely on processed foods for your next snack. In fact, many whole foods are gluten-free and completely snackable, such as fruit, vegetables, popcorn, beef jerky, cheese sticks, yogurt, nuts, and so much more.
Sometimes, however, you’re craving something with a little bit more oomph. That’s where a few great gluten-free snack recipes can come in handy. You can find everything from bread, muffins, and crackers to energy bars and trail mix. Plus, when you prepare your own snacks at home, you can completely rest assured that they’re free of all traces of gluten.
10 Delicious Gluten-Free Snacks You Should Try
If you’re on the hunt for simple-but-tasty gluten-free snacks, look no further. Here are 10 quick and easy gluten-free treats you’ll love.
1. Edible® $5 delights – Strawberry + Pineapple + Banana
If you don’t feel like whipping up your own snack, no worries. Just head to your local Edible Arrangements® store and pick up a smoothie. This recipe is made with fresh, never-frozen strawberries, pineapple, and banana for a delicious concoction that’s completely free of gluten.
2. Strawberry Dipped Fruit™ Cone Snack Bundle
These snack cones are packed with chocolate dipped strawberries. Each strawberry has been dipped in gourmet semisweet chocolate that’s made with real chocolate, cocoa butter, vanilla, and absolutely no gluten.
These energy bars are packed with pecans, gluten-free oats, pine nuts, flax seeds, and so much more. You can even swap up the nuts, fruits, and seeds to create your own concoction that suits your tastes.
These delicious bite-size treats taste so much like dessert, you won’t even believe they’re good for you. They’re packed with carrots, dates, gluten-free oats, walnuts, and more, all topped off with a dollop of shredded coconut.
5. 1-Bowl Gluten Free Crackers
Regular crackers are definitely off limits on a gluten-free diet, but this recipe lets you enjoy them again. They’re made with gluten-free flour, almond meal, flaxseed meal, and rosemary for flavor.
6. Peanut Butter and Jelly Bites
These tasty little bites contain three layers for the ultimate in snacking. The crust is made from cashews, dates, and coconut flour; the peanut layer is made from peanut butter and coconut oil; and the chia jam is made from chia seeds, strawberries, and maple syrup.
Chex mix is a delicious treat that’s just off limits for those with gluten intolerance. That’s why this recipe swaps out wheat Chex and pretzels for gluten-free Rice Chex, Corn Chex, gluten-free O’s cereal, and gluten-free pretzels.
8. Almond Butter Rice Crisp Treats
Made with brown rice syrup, maple cinnamon almond butter, and gluten-free rice crisp cereal, these rice crisps are a step up from Rice Crispie Treats of your youth. They’re every bit as delicious and 100% more healthy.
9. The Best Ever Gluten Free Banana Bread
Gluten-free banana bread can sometimes get way too dense and heavy. This recipe keeps things light and moist, using Bob’s Red Mill gluten-free flour and all the regular banana bread fixings.
Trail mix is a simple grab-and-go snack you can always have on hand while out and about so you have a gluten-free snack at the ready when hunger strikes. This recipe is easy to make, plus it’s made with macadamia nuts, almonds, pistachios, cherries, and chocolate chips. Delish!
Gluten-free snacking doesn’t have to be complicated or difficult. Turn to one of these easy recipes when you’re in need of an in-between meals pick-me-up.
