We hate to say it, but it’s time to say goodbye to summer and send the kids back to school. The one bright side about the threat of cooler weather on the horizon? Back-to-school shopping. There’s something about spending a day picking out new clothes, notebooks and freshly sharpened number-two pencils that makes the idea of fall a little easier to swallow.
But packing a gluten-free lunch for your child can be a challenge, especially if your child is newly diagnosed. Don’t let lunchtime get you down: This collection of lunch boxes, accessories and snacks will get you through the school year in style.
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Annie's Gluten-Free Snack Kit
Cover all your gluten-free bases with this snack kit from Annie’s. Keep lunchboxes fully stocked with trail mix, granola bars, bunny-shaped cookies, and strawberry fruit bites.
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"Gluten is my Sworn Enemy" lunchbox
Being gluten free sounds a lot cooler when you explain that gluten is your evil nemesis. This lunchbox lets everyone on the playground know about your child’s GF superhero status.
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Wild Garden Snack Box To Go
Hummus dip snack packs make a convenient, healthy snack, but most feature gluten-containing pretzels or pita chips. Thankfully, Wild Garden offers varieties for gluten-free snackers, too. Note that while most varieties are labeled gluten free, the pita chip variety does contain gluten, so be vigilant when purchasing.
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Lucy's Snack 'n Go Packs
Make test days a little brighter by sneaking a Lucy’s gluten-free chocolate chip cookie pack in your child’s lunchbox. Go ahead and slip one in your own lunchbox—we won’t tell.
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Eco Vessel Stainless Steel Water Bottles
Astronauts need to stay hydrated, too. Rocket your child’s lunch into the stratosphere with these fun water bottles from Eco Vessel. Multiple designs available.
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Van's Say Cheese! Crackers
From Goldfish to Cheez-Its, cheesy crackers are practically a lunchtime rite of passage. Give your child his own crunchy, cheddary experience with these tasty gluten-free crackers from Van’s. For easier bleary-eyed lunch assembly, choose the individual packaged “Snack Pack” variety.
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Go Organically Fruit Snacks
Your child may be a fan of fruit snacks, but you may not be a fan of high-fructose corn syrup and artificial colorings. Rest a little easier with these organic fruit snacks from Go Organically. Made with organic cane sugar and real fruit juices, these certified gluten-free, non-GMO snacks are enriched with vitamins A, C, and E.
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Zoo Insulated Food Jar
No microwave? No problem. Keep hot foods hot and cool ones cold with this adorable insulated food jar from SkipHop.com. Multiple designs available.
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Snyder's Gluten-Free Pretzel Packs
These mini packs of Snyder’s gluten-free pretzel sticks make snacking easy for the whole family. At just 100 calories each, they’re the perfect size for tucking into lunchboxes, slipping in briefcases or stashing in an office drawer.
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Superbutter To-Go Cups
As peanuts and tree nuts become increasingly banned from school lunch tables, it’s nice to have a nutty spread on hand that won’t cause any cafeteria issues. These individual cups of seed-based SuperButter make a perfect nut-free dip for gluten-free crackers or celery.
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Back-to-School Sandwich Tin
Skip the disposable sandwich baggies and pack your child’s gluten-free sandwich in this fun sandwich tin instead. It’s large enough to hold one sandwich or a small snack.
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Gluten-Free Snack Box
If your local grocery store doesn’t have much by way of a gluten-free snack selection, consider stocking up with this gluten-free snack box from Amazon. If your child is newly diagnosed, it could also be a good way to quickly stock the pantry and find out what your child likes.
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GoGo Squeez Applesauce
GoGo Squeez offers a portable applesauce snack that’s way more fun than those standard foil-topped cups. You’ll never pack another spoon again.
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Justin's Snack Packs
Half salty gluten-free pretzels, half creamy Justin’s nut butter, 100% delicious. And these portable snack packs are greener than most: each package is made out of recycled plastic bottles.
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Start to Finish Dinner Plate
Younger kids deserve lunchtime fun, too. Make a game of mealtime with this innovative board game dinner plate. Hide a treat in the “finish line” compartment to give kids an incentive to eat their broccoli and brussels sprouts.
