Categories: Food & Wine

Celiac Recipes for Wheat-Free After School Snacks

Recently, we found out that my stepdaughter has an allergy to all wheat products including wheat gluten. This condition is often referred to as Celiac disease. Some parents may find it difficult to find new things to feed their kids who cannot eat wheat. I have heard so many complaints that gluten-free food is just “so expensive.”

The fact is that yes, those specially processed and packaged “gluten-free” foods ARE overly expensive, but you don’t have to eat those products. In fact, eating a wheat-free diet should not be much different and certainly no more expensive than a normal diet that includes wheat. When you think about it, most food does not contain any wheat at all. Meats, fish, eggs, cheese, vegetables, fruit, rice, and potatoes all contain no wheat. When you get into the false mindset that you have to purchase “specialty” foods because you are on a special diet, you will begin to find yourself failing at nearly every step.

Try some of these great recipes for wheat-free after school kids snacks.

Fruit Parfait

You can make amazingly delicious fruit parfaits for kids that are both quick and healthy and eat like a dessert. You can make them fresh, or make a bunch, seal them, and keep them in the refrigerator up to a week or more for kids to grab as they like. Just scoop yogurt into a small clean jar such as a jam jar. Make a thin layer at the bottom, then add a layer of berries such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. You can also use other types of fruit such as peaches and canned fruits. On top of that, add another layer of yogurt. Add as many layers of berries and yogurt as you like, then seal the jar and leave it in the fridge.

Peanut Butter Smoothie

In a blender, mix a few ice cubes, a little bit of milk, a banana or two, and some peanut butter. Natural peanut butter is best because it does not contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils. They also usually contain less sugar than regular brands. I highly recommend Skippy Natural peanut butter as it will not separate in storage. These smoothies are great and taste just like peanut butter cup candies.

Gluten-Free Granola Bars

You can make your own granola bars at home very quickly in only a few minutes. Best of all, they are made in big batches, so you can cut them up and store them in the refrigerator or freezer and have granola bars for months. Making your own is much cheaper than buying them and you will know exactly what they contain. Instead of using wheat or oats in your granola bars, substitute rice cereal.

Mini Party Platters

Party platters are always fun to munch from. Make miniature platters that your kids can dig into after school. Not every kid likes every fruit and vegetable, so only make those that you know your child will like. On a plate, arrange sliced carrots, celery, broccoli, cauliflower, and cherry tomatoes. In the center, place a small dish filled with dip or dressing. Cover with a bowl and leave in the fridge for kids to find after school.

Fruit Salad

Kids who like finger foods or bowl foods rather than whole fruits will take to fruit salads. In a large bowl, slice grapes, apples, bananas, cherries, berries, peaches, canned pears, and other fruits. To keep them from browning, add a little lemon juice and stir well.

Guacamole Dip

Guacamole contains no wheat products. An easy three-minute recipe includes one avocado, Two tablespoons of sour cream, and one or two tablespoons of salsa. Add garlic salt to taste. Corn chips usually do not contain any wheat products, but check the ingredients list to be sure before buying.

Nacho Dip

This nacho dip can be made cold or kids can put it on their nachos and heat it in the microwave. In a flat bowl or casserole dish, spread a layer of vegetarian refried beans (canned or fresh), covered by a layer of shredded cheese. Add a thin layer of sour cream to the top along with diced tomato and green onions or chives (optional). Kids can dip corn chips in cold or hot.

Jell-o and Fruit Cups

Like the parfait recipe above, you can make this recipe in individual jars or you can make it in a large bowl and let kids scoop as much as they like. Simply mix fresh fruits and berries into your favorite Jell-O flavor and place in the fridge. Kids will be attracted to the Jell-O and it’s a great way to get fruit into a junk-food junkie.

Mini Wraps

My husband once took me to a restaurant that served these mini wraps and they were incredibly delicious. Simply mix some ground beef with taco seasonings and a small amount of melted cheese. Allow to cool, then top with a small dollop of sour cream. Roll into fresh lettuce leaves and eat like a miniature burrito. YUM! These are also great with sliced or shredded chicken and turkey and can be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge since they are eaten cold.