It is not always simple to find safe snacks for persons with allergies. If you have a child with a milk allergy, it may be difficult to come up with tasty alternatives to milk-based snacks.
If you are a parent reading this page, it is likely that one of your children has a food allergy or intolerance. However, some of you may operate daycares, be babysitters, or be close friends of a family member looking for snack suggestions. If this is the case, it may be beneficial to understand the history of allergies and intolerances, as well as the reasons why making the right choices may be so important.
Why Non-Dairy Snacks?
Milk allergies are quite prevalent among children. It is believed that 2.5% of infants and toddlers suffer allergies. The immune system reacts to a milk allergy by generating histamine, which causes a variety of symptoms.
Since an allergic reaction may intensify with repeated exposure to an allergenic substance, it is vital not to feed a child anything to which they are allergic, even if they experience a mild reaction the first time. There are numerous symptoms, such as diarrhea and a rash, but they might potentially progress to anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal illness. The narrowing of the airways might result in breathing obstruction.
Allergies and intolerances are distinct ideas. Mistaking lactose intolerance for a milk allergy can lead to considerable confusion. Lactose intolerance is a digestive condition. Lactose is the major sugar found in milk and other dairy products. Lactose intolerance can cause digestive discomfort, but consuming lactose-containing dairy products does not represent a life-threatening risk like a food allergy does.
In cases of lactose intolerance, dairy-free snacks may be a suitable substitute for avoiding gastrointestinal upset. People with food allergies must avoid dairy even more strictly. You will have no cause for concern. You may buy or produce a large variety of snacks that are suitable for toddlers.
Best 3 Gluten- and Dairy-Free Homemade Snacks for Kids
If you have the time, making your own snacks at home may be an economical and healthy option. Additionally, your toddler may be able to help with some of the preparations. Even if all you do is put an ingredient into a bowl together, you’ll be able to enjoy some quality time together, and cooking is a wonderful way to excite the senses.
Here are some simple recommendations for dairy-free toddler snacks that may be produced at home and do not require a large number of uncommon ingredients.
- Applesauce from Scratch
Organic Honeycrisp Apple by FruitShare
What could be more enjoyable than taking the whole family to an apple orchard when autumn arrives?
You can create homemade applesauce with the bushel of apples you purchased. Certainly, it is not as difficult as you may believe!
Simply collect enough apples to fill a large container. Apples can be peeled, though it is not required. Wash, core, and cut them into large parts. Between 1/2 and 1 cup of water, or enough to cover the bottom by approximately an inch, should be added to the saucepan. Bring water to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower it down to a simmer. Cover the apples and simmer them for around 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once the apples are cooked and tender, mash them to the desired consistency with a wooden spoon or an immersion blender.
Apples are naturally sweet, but if the apples you select are somewhat tart, you may need to add additional sugar. Try it once it has cooled a bit, and if necessary, sweeten it with your preferred sweetener, though I recommend unsweetened! Additionally, cinnamon can be added.
- Caramelized Garbanzos
Goya Foods Organic Chick Peas, Garbanzo Beans
There are variants available for purchase; however, some brands are highly crunchy and may not be ideal for toddlers. When you prepare them at home, you have greater control over the level of crispiness and the amount of salt used.
After opening a can of chickpeas (also known as Garbanzo beans), drain and pat dry the beans using many paper towels. Then, spread them out on a baking sheet, sprinkle them with a couple tablespoons of olive oil and some salt, and place them in the oven. Allow to cool and enjoy after baking at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Muffins without milk
FLAX4LIFE Gluten Free Flax Muffins
Your toddler could even be able to help you prepare muffins, which are an ideal snack for making in advance. You might give them a large spoon to mix the batter with or have them measure and pour the ingredients themselves. You will enjoy baking muffins since you can prepare a large batch over the course of a single weekend and then store them in the freezer so that you always have some on hand. Simply remove one from the freezer and microwave it for around thirty seconds.
Top Three Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Ready-to-Eat Snacks for Children
There will be times when your child will be hungry immediately, and when this happens, it will make your life much easier if you grab something from the pantry. The following is a list of tasty alternatives to snacks that are available in supermarkets, do not include dairy, and are safe for your young child to consume.
- Crispy Squares
Blake’s Seed Based Crispy Treats – Birthday Cake
These snacks, which resemble rice Krispie treats but do not contain dairy, were a staple in the majority of our childhoods. In addition, they do not contain nuts, which makes them a perfect option for those seeking a school-appropriate snack. In addition to the original flavor, strawberry, chocolate chip, and caramel flavors are also available.
Due to the fact that they contain additional sugar, it is advised that you do not include them in your diet on a regular basis and instead reserve them for special occasions.
- Non-Lactose Yogurts
Vegan with Live and Active Probiotics Makes 4 Quarts
There was a time when yogurt was a massive no-no, but there are now numerous yogurt substitutes on the market. Because there is such a wide variety of flavors and textures to pick from, you should definitely sample a lot of them. Some of them are constructed with an almond base, while others are manufactured with coconut and others with oats.
Additionally, it is suggested that you research the amount of added sugar in various items. In general, it’s recommended to consume as little added sugar as possible. However, this may vary considerably.
- Select the Natural Alternatives!
Fresh Fruit Box, Branch to Box – Medium
Your youngster may like eating any fruit or vegetable, from bananas to bell peppers, clementines to cucumbers, and everything in between. Remember to take precautions while consuming foods that could cause choking, such as baby carrots, which should be sliced into long, thin strips, and grapes, which should be split into quarters.
It may be difficult to find tasty snacks that are also devoid of allergens that trigger allergic responses. It is therefore in your best advantage to place your trust in food and beverage companies who are committed to providing allergen-free and delicious products. Ingredients and manufacturing methods are susceptible to change over time. Before consuming any product, you must double-check the labels to ensure that it meets your dietary needs.
We sincerely hope that you find this list useful, and we wish you all the best with your eating!