According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the prevalence of peanut allergy has doubled in Western countries over the past decade. For children with peanut allergies, even a small exposure to peanuts can trigger a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction.
It’s no wonder daycares and schools are implementing stricter peanut-free policies that create peanut-free zones to ensure the safety of all children. While meals like lunch are important, snacks in a daycare or school environment provide important fuel throughout the day, allowing kids to stay focused and engaged.
Having a variety of peanut free snacks to choose from allows you to easily pack nutritious options for your child's lunchbox, letting you simplify your morning routine. Additionally, providing peanut free snacks for school promotes inclusivity and a sense of belonging among all students. However, finding peanut free snacks can be tricky due to the prevalence of peanuts in many packaged foods.
Let’s discover a wide range of peanut free snacks specifically tailored for daycare and school settings, offering both convenience and peace of mind for parents and teachers alike.
Granola bars
Granola bars are a convenient and delicious peanut free snack option. However, it’s important to read the label to ensure that the bar is made in a dedicated nut-free facility. Some safe peanut free granola bars include MadeGood Granola Bars, Nature’s Bakery Bars, and Annie's Dipped bars.
Cheese
Cheese is a nutritious and peanut free snack option for your child, providing protein and calcium for their growth and development. Additionally, cheese is a convenient grab and go option for busy mornings.
Rice cakes
Rice cakes are an excellent peanut free snack idea as they're crunchy, portable, and incredibly versatile. Top rice cakes with avocado, cream cheese, or sliced cheese for a delicious and satisfying snack that’s sure to please.
Fruit cups or fruit pouches
Pre-packaged and convenient, fruit cups and fruit pouches make an easy peanut free snack for busy kids that are on the go. They also provide natural sweetness and a variety of vitamins and minerals to support growing bodies. Furthermore, fruit cups and fruit pouches are mess-free, reducing the likelihood of spills or sticky fingers at school.
Vegetable chips
Vegetable chips made from a variety of different veggies offer a crunchy texture and savory flavor similar to traditional potato chips, but without all of the unhealthy fat and salt. These chips also provide a wide range of vitamins and minerals and are naturally peanut free. Additionally, they come in convenient single-serve packages, making them easy to pack in lunchboxes for a fun yet healthy treat.
Pretzels
Pretzels provide a crunchy texture and are typically made from simple ingredients like flour, water, and salt, without the use of peanuts or peanut-based ingredients. Some brands that offer peanut-free pretzels include Newman’s Own, Snyder's of Hanover, and Rold Gold.
Chomps meat sticks
Made from high-quality, grass-fed beef or free-range turkey, Chomps Meat Sticks make an excellent, protein-packed, peanut free snack. They’re individually wrapped and free from artificial preservatives, additives, and gluten, making them a safe and wholesome choice for active kids.
Roasted chickpeas
Roasted chickpeas deliver a crunchy texture and nutty flavor without containing any peanuts or peanut-based ingredients. These snacks are packed with protein and fiber, making them a nutritious and hearty choice for hungry kids.
Yogurt
Rich in protein, calcium, and gut-friendly probiotics, yogurt makes for an easy and nourishing peanut free snack option that kids love. Some yogurt brands that are processed in a nut-free facility include Stonyfield Farm yogurt, Chobani yogurt, and Fage yogurt.
Popcorn
Packed with fiber, popcorn is healthy, tasty, and a fun peanut free snack for kids. It’s important to avoid packaged popcorn with added peanut ingredients to ensure it’s truly safe for children with peanut allergies. Brands of popcorn that are free from peanut ingredients include Smartfood, SkinnyPop, and Utz.
Sliced fruit
Brimming with essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, fresh fruit is naturally sweet and peanut free making it a popular choice for kids and parents alike. Sliced apples and pears pair well with cheese, making the combination a hearty and balanced snack for busy kids.
Crackers
Crackers are a versatile and convenient snack that comes in a variety of flavors and textures. While brands like Annie's Homegrown, Pepperidge Farm Goldfish, and Mary's Gone Crackers are peanut free, it’s important to check labels carefully to ensure that the crackers you purchase are manufactured in a peanut-free facility and do not contain any peanut-based ingredients.
Fruit leather
Fruit leather, made by pureeing fruit and then drying it into thin sheets, is a delicious, convenient, and peanut free snack that kids on the go love. Fruit leather offers natural sweetness without added sugars or artificial ingredients, making it a healthier alternative to many other processed snacks.
Cookies
For peanut free treats, cookies can make a superb choice. Brands like Enjoy Life and MadeGood offer healthier options made with wholesome ingredients that are also peanut free.
Green pea snacks
Crunchy snacks made from dried peas like Harvest Snaps are peanut free and make a healthier alternative to traditional potato chips. They also provide a nice amount of plant-based protein to support rapidly growing kids.
Key Takeaway
Ensuring that snacks for daycare and school are peanut free is critical for the safety of children with peanut allergies. It's always important to check the label for allergen information and manufacturing practices to confirm that the snack is safe.
Our peanut free snacks list can be your helpful guide for choosing safe and delicious snacks that can be enjoyed by all children in daycare and school. By carefully reading food labels, you can help create a safe and inclusive environment where all children can learn and thrive.
