Gluten Free Lunch Ideas for Kids

One of the hard parts of a gluten free diet for children is having nutritious and delicious food in their lunchbox every day. Here are some ideas for keeping your little ones satisfied and to keep those lunchboxes coming home empty!

  

For those that can’t do without their sandwiches, it may be worth investing in a bread maker. With the addition of preservatives in many commercially available gluten free breads, many families opt to make their own at home. A bread maker could be an essential time saving device for families with children that enjoy taking sandwiches to school.

What are the alternatives to sandwiches?

Leftover chicken legs from dinner the night before

Mini quiches

Risotto balls

Hard boiled eggs

Sushi

Gluten free pikelets with grated apple

Leftover meat, vegetable or rice from dinner

Meatballs and vegetable skewers (kids love anything on a stick!)

If they like something, write it down! Keep a little note pad in the kitchen and each time you notice something they like, write it down for future reference. Even if they have the same thing for lunch 2 or 3 times a week, it’s better that they eat something wholesome that they enjoy rather than come home hungry. You can make up any nutritional fallout when they get home in a form that they enjoy.

Let your child’s teacher know that they are not to share other children’s foods at lunchtime. Most teachers will be happy to make it a blanket rule for the whole class.

Going to a party? It pays to be a little organised. Here are some things to keep on hand or prepare in advance in readiness for a party or special play date.

Gluten free cupcakes in the freezer to grab and go.

Packets of plain, gluten free potato chips

Gluten free lollies to substitute at a party

Consider wrapping leftover mince in gluten free pastry and freezing for a take along homemade sausage roll

There is also a great series of eBooks you can download at the iTunes store called “Lunchbox Solutions”. They are filled with tasty, healthy meal options that are all gluten free.

What tips and tricks do you use to keep your kids healthy and happy? We’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below!