It’s not always easy to find snacks that are safe for those with allergies. It might be challenging to come up with delectable snack alternatives when you have a child who cannot consume milk due to an allergy.
If you are a parent and you are reading this page, it is likely that you have a kid who suffers from a food allergy or intolerance. However, some of you may run daycares, be babysitters, or be close friends of a family member who is seeking snack ideas. If this is the case, it may be good to understand the history of allergies and intolerances, as well as the reasons why selecting the appropriate selections, maybe so crucial.
Why Dairy-Free Snacks?
Allergies to milk are rather prevalent in youngsters. It is estimated that 2.5% of children under the age of 3 have allergies. As a result of a milk allergy, the immune system reacts by releasing histamine, which causes a variety of symptoms.
Since an allergic reaction might worsen with each subsequent consumption of an allergenic item, it’s crucial not to feed a child anything they are allergic to, even if they only have a moderate reaction the first few times. There are a variety of symptoms, including diarrhea and a rash, but they can potentially proceed to anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening condition. An obstruction to breathing can result from the constriction of the airways.
Intolerances and allergies are two distinct concepts. When lactose intolerance is mistaken for a milk allergy, it can cause a lot of confusion. An intolerance to lactose, the primary sugar found in milk and other dairy products, is a digestive disorder. Lactose intolerance can cause digestive pain, but it does not pose a potentially life-threatening risk as a food allergy does when lactose-containing dairy products are consumed.
In the case of lactose sensitivity, dairy-free snacks might be a good alternative to avoid gastrointestinal distress. For people with food sensitivities, avoiding dairy is even more critical. You’ll have nothing to worry about. You may buy or manufacture a wide variety of snacks that are suitable for toddlers.
Best 3 Gluten- and Dairy-Free Homemade Snacks for Kids
Making your own snacks at home may be an affordable and nutritious option if you have the time to do so. In addition, it’s possible that your toddler may be able to assist you with some of the preparations. Even if all you do is toss an ingredient into a bowl together, you’ll be able to enjoy some quality time together, and cooking is a fun way to stimulate the senses.
The following are some straightforward suggestions for dairy-free toddler snacks that may be prepared at home and do not call for a lot of components that are hard to find.
- Applesauce from Scratch
Before you know it, fall will be here, and what’s more fun than taking the whole family to an apple orchard? You can make applesauce at home with the bushel of apples you bought. Definitely, it’s not as hard as you might think!
Just get enough apples to fill a big pot. Apples can be peeled, but it’s not necessary. Wash, core, and cut them into large chunks. Put between 1/2 and 1 cup of water in the pot, or enough to cover the bottom by about an inch. Bring water to a boil over medium-high heat, then turn it down to a simmer. Cover the apples and cook them for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring every so often so they don’t stick to the bottom. Once the apples are done cooking and soft, use a wooden spoon or an immersion blender to mash them to the consistency you want.
Apples are naturally sweet, but if the apples you choose are a bit sour, you might want to add more sugar. Try it once it’s cooled down a bit, and if you need to, you can add a little sweetener of your choice, though I recommend unsweetened! Spices like cinnamon can also be added.
- Muffins Made Without Milk
Muffins are an excellent make-ahead snack, and your toddler could even be able to assist you in the preparation of them. You may try handing them a large spoon to mix the batter with or having them pour the measured ingredients into the bowl themselves. You are going to have great time baking muffins since you can prepare a large batch in a single weekend, and then you can put them in the freezer so that you will always have some on hand. To thaw, just remove one from the freezer and place it in the microwave for around thirty seconds.
- Roasted Garbanzos
There are versions of these that can be purchased in stores; however, some brands are very crunchy, which may not be suitable for a child of a toddler’s age. When you make them at home, the level of crispiness is more controlled, and you also have more control over the amount of salt that is applied.
After opening a can of chickpeas (also known as Garbanzo beans), drain the beans and pat them dry with several paper towels. After that, spread them out on a baking sheet and sprinkle them with a couple of tablespoons of olive oil and some salt before placing them in the oven. Bake for approximately 20 to 30 minutes at 425 degrees Fahrenheit, then allow to cool and enjoy!
Best 3 Gluten- and Dairy-Free Ready-made Snacks for Kids
There will be occasions when your child will be hungry right now, and when this occurs, it will make your life a lot simpler if you take something from the cupboard. The following is a list of delicious alternatives to snacks that can be found in supermarkets but do not include any form of dairy and are appropriate for your young kid to consume.
- Choose the Natural Options!
Any fruit or vegetable, from bananas to bell peppers, clementines to cucumbers, and everything in between, maybe an easy option for your child to eat. Be sure to remember to take the necessary measures while consuming items that might potentially cause choking, such as baby carrots, which should be cut into long, thin strips, or entire grapes, which should be cut into quarters.
- Crispy Squares
These snacks, which are similar to rice Krispie treats but do not include any dairy, were a mainstay in most of our youth. In addition, they do not contain any nuts, making them an excellent choice for those looking for a snack that is appropriate for school. They are also available in strawberry, chocolate chip, and caramel tastes in addition to the original flavor.
Due to the fact that they do include some additional sugar, it is recommended that you do not make them a regular part of your diet but rather reserve them for special occasions.
- Lactose-Free Yogurts
There was a time when yogurt was a major no-no, but nowadays there are plenty of yogurt alternatives available on the market. You should definitely try out a number of them because there is such a vast range of flavors and textures to choose from. Some of them are built from a foundation of almonds, while others are produced from coconut, and others are made from oats.
It is also recommended that you investigate the amount of added sugar included in various products. It might vary quite a lot, but in general, it is best to consume as little added sugar as possible.
It might be challenging to discover delectable snacks that are also free of the allergens that cause reactions. Because of this, it is in your best interest to put your faith in food and beverage firms that are dedicated to producing items that are free of common allergies and taste scrumptious. Ingredients and production processes are subject to change over time. Before you consume any food, you have to double-check the labels to make certain that it satisfies the requirements of your diet.
We really hope that this list is beneficial to you, and we wish you all a lot of luck with your snacking!