Packing a lunch for your child that is gluten free, that they will eat and not trade is like a puzzle everyday. There are a number of gluten free staples I have relied on and have turned into lunchbox concepts that are fun and not a sad compilation of things they “can’t have.” I have come up with ways to build gluten free lunches that are exciting for kids to open and will get messy!
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1) Schär Gluten Free Multi-Grain Bread
This gluten-free sandwich bread stays intact with all the fillings and toppings you love!
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Ingredients
Method
- Lightly toast the bread so it stays sturdy in the lunchbox.
- Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on one slice.
- Layer on the turkey, cheese, and lettuce.
- Top with the second slice and cut into halves or fun shapes.
- Wrap snugly to keep it from drying out before lunch.
Notes
2) Enjoy Life Chewy Bars – Caramel Blondie
The chewy bars are free of allergens, so they can be enjoyed by more people and feel like a reward, not a concession.
Ingredients
Method
- Toss the apple slices with a little lemon juice so they stay fresh.
- Tuck the chewy bar into a lunchbox compartment.
- Add the apple slices alongside.
- Pack and go.
Notes
3) Annie's Homegrown Organic Gluten Free Rice Pasta & Cheddar
Creamy, cheesy gluten-free macaroni and cheese is kept warm and gooey in the thermos until lunchtime!
Ingredients
Method
- Boil the rice pasta according to the box until tender, then drain.
- Stir in the butter, milk, and cheese packet until smooth and creamy.
- Season with a pinch of salt.
- Warm a thermos with hot water, then empty it and add the hot mac.
- Seal tightly to keep it warm until lunch.
Notes
4) Tinkyada Brown Rice Pasta
This brown rice pasta keeps its shape wonderfully, so it's a great choice for cold pasta salads that kids enjoy.
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Ingredients
Method
- Cook the brown rice pasta until tender, then drain and rinse with cold water.
- Toss the cooled pasta with tomatoes and cucumber.
- Pour in the Italian dressing and stir to coat.
- Fold in the shredded mozzarella.
- Chill until ready to pack into the lunchbox.
Notes
5) Amy's Gluten Free Thai Red Curry
This grown-up flavor adventure is perfect for the kid who is tired of the same lunch every day! Not to mention, this lunch is perfect for traveling in a thermos!
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the curry on the stovetop or microwave until steaming.
- Stir in a little cooked rice if your child likes it heartier.
- Warm a thermos with hot water, then empty it.
- Add the hot curry and seal tightly.
- Top with a little cilantro just before packing if desired.
Notes
6) WOW Baking Company Lemon Burst Cookies
Lemon cookies that sparkle like sunshine and are gluten-free too!
Ingredients
Method
- Rinse and dry the blueberries.
- Place the cookies in a small lunchbox compartment so they don't crumble.
- Add the blueberries alongside.
- Tuck in a napkin and pack.
Notes
7) Udi's Gluten Free Bagels
One of the best all-time lunchbox foods is a gluten-free bagel with cream cheese.
Ingredients
Method
- Slice and toast the bagel until lightly golden.
- Let it cool slightly, then spread with cream cheese.
- Press the halves together or pack open-faced.
- Add the sliced strawberries on the side.
- Wrap snugly to keep the bagel from drying out.
Notes
8) Snyder's of Hanover Gluten Free Pretzel Sticks
Crunchy pretzel sticks make the gluten-free snack option that completes your lunchbox.
Ingredients
Method
- Stir the peanut butter and honey together until smooth.
- Spoon the dip into a small leak-proof container.
- Add a handful of pretzel sticks to a separate compartment.
- Pack the dip and pretzels side by side for dunking at lunch.
Notes
9) CheeCha Puffs Original
These puffs are light, airy, and crunchy! They are a fun, gluten free substitute for chips.
Ingredients
Method
- Portion the puffs into a lunchbox compartment.
- Add the cheese cubes to another section.
- Wash and dry the grapes and tuck them alongside.
- Close the lunchbox.
Notes
10) GoGo Squeez Applesauce
These squeezable applesauce pouches are the MVP for lunchboxes as there’s no mess and no spoons needed!
Ingredients
Method
- Drop the applesauce pouch into the lunchbox.
- Add the gluten-free crackers to a compartment.
- Tuck the cheese slices alongside.
- Pack for lunch.
