We tested 20+ gluten-free cookie brands to find which ones kids actually love. Complete taste test results, nutrition analysis, and value rankings help you choose the best cookies for your family.
After testing 20+ gluten-free cookie brands with brutally honest kid taste-testers (ages 4-12), we've identified the winners that deliver on taste, texture, nutrition, and value. Whether you need lunchbox treats, after-school snacks, or special occasion cookies, this comprehensive guide reveals which gluten-free cookies kids actually devour—and which ones get left in the pantry.
How We Tested
Our rigorous methodology:
- 20+ brands tested across multiple cookie types
- Kid taste panel (12 children ages 4-12, mix of celiac and non-celiac)
- Adult verification (parents confirmed palatability)
- Texture assessment (crunch, chew, moisture, crumbliness)
- Nutrition analysis (sugar, protein, fiber, ingredients)
- Value evaluation (cost per cookie, availability)
- Blind taste tests (packaging hidden to prevent bias)
Rating criteria (1-10 scale):
- Taste (flavor, sweetness balance)
- Texture (not too hard, not too soft, minimal crumbling)
- Nutrition (reasonable sugar, whole grains, minimal additives)
- Value (affordability, cookie size, servings per package)
- Kid approval (would they ask for more?)
"The best gluten-free cookies shouldn't taste 'gluten-free'—they should simply taste like great cookies. Our testing revealed that texture is often more important to kids than flavor. Cookies that crumble excessively or have gritty textures get rejected even when flavors are good." - Jessica Martin, Pediatric Nutrition Consultant
Top 10 Best Gluten-Free Cookies for Kids (2025)
🥇 #1: Tate's Bake Shop Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
Overall Score: 9.4/10
Why kids love them: Crispy-crunchy texture with real chocolate chips. Tastes identical to regular Tate's.
Taste: 9.5/10 - Rich butter flavor, generous chocolate Texture: 9.5/10 - Perfectly crispy, satisfying crunch Nutrition: 8/10 - Simple ingredients, moderate sugar Value: 9/10 - Widely available, fair pricing
Nutrition (per cookie):
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 1g
- Ingredients: Rice flour, butter, chocolate chips, sugar, eggs
Pros: ✅ Tastes like "regular" cookies—nobody can tell they're GF ✅ Stays crispy (doesn't get soggy) ✅ Minimal crumbling ✅ Certified gluten-free ✅ Available at most grocery stores
Cons: ❌ Higher price point ($6-7 per box) ❌ Thin cookies (some kids prefer thicker/chewier) ❌ Contains dairy and eggs
Best for: Lunch boxes, after-school snacks, picky eaters Where to buy: Target, Whole Foods, Amazon, most supermarkets Price: ~$0.55 per cookie
🥈 #2: Simple Mills Crunchy Cookies (Multiple Flavors)
Overall Score: 9.1/10
Why kids love them: Great flavor variety, wholesome ingredients parents approve.
Taste: 9/10 - Natural sweetness, multiple flavors Texture: 9/10 - Satisfying crunch, minimal crumble Nutrition: 10/10 - Almond flour base, low sugar, whole foods Value: 8/10 - Premium price justified by quality
Nutrition (per cookie):
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 2g
- Ingredients: Almond flour, coconut sugar, coconut oil
Pros: ✅ Cleanest ingredient list tested ✅ Lower sugar than most cookies ✅ Grain-free (nut-based) ✅ Multiple flavors (chocolate chip, birthday cake, snickerdoodle) ✅ Paleo-friendly
Cons: ❌ Contains almonds (not nut-free) ❌ Premium pricing ($6-8 per box) ❌ Smaller cookies
Best for: Health-conscious families, allergen-aware (except nuts) Where to buy: Whole Foods, Target, Thrive Market, Amazon Price: ~$0.60 per cookie
🥉 #3: Enjoy Life Crunchy Cookies (Chocolate Chip & Vanilla Honey Graham)
Overall Score: 8.9/10
Why kids love them: Allergy-friendly without sacrificing taste. Chocolate chip variety is a winner.
Taste: 8.5/10 - Good flavor, slightly less rich than top tier Texture: 9/10 - Nice crunch, holds together well Nutrition: 9.5/10 - Top 14 allergen-free, good ingredients Value: 9.5/10 - Excellent value for allergy-friendly
Nutrition (per cookie):
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 1g
- Ingredients: Oat flour, cane sugar, sunflower oil
Pros: ✅ Free from top 14 allergens (dairy, egg, nut, soy free) ✅ Great for schools with allergy policies ✅ Affordable compared to other allergy-friendly brands ✅ Multiple flavors ✅ Certified gluten-free and vegan
Cons: ❌ Oat-based (some celiacs avoid oats) ❌ Texture slightly drier than butter-based cookies ❌ Less "indulgent" flavor
Best for: Allergies, school lunches (nut-free zones), vegan families Where to buy: Most major grocery stores, Amazon, Vitacost Price: ~$0.45 per cookie
#4: Partake Foods Crunchy Cookies
Overall Score: 8.7/10
Why kids love them: Fun flavors like birthday cake and carrot cake. Allergy-safe.
Taste: 8.5/10 - Great variety, kid-friendly flavors Texture: 8/10 - Crunchy but can be slightly dry Nutrition: 9.5/10 - Allergy-friendly, minimal ingredients Value: 8.5/10 - Mid-range pricing
Nutrition (per cookie):
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: <1g
- Ingredients: Oat flour, coconut sugar, palm oil
Pros: ✅ Top 9 allergen-free (includes sesame) ✅ Low sugar options ✅ Fun flavors kids love (birthday cake!) ✅ Black-owned business ✅ Great texture for dunking in milk
Cons: ❌ Smaller cookies (less satisfying for big appetites) ❌ Can crumble if not handled gently ❌ Limited availability in some areas
Best for: Multiple food allergies, younger kids (smaller portion) Where to buy: Whole Foods, Sprouts, Thrive Market, Amazon Price: ~$0.50 per cookie
#5: Kinnikinnick KinniTOOS Chocolate Sandwich Cookies (GF Oreo Alternative)
Overall Score: 8.6/10
Why kids love them: Tastes like Oreos! Cream-filled fun.
Taste: 9/10 - Remarkably close to Oreos Texture: 8.5/10 - Crisp wafer, creamy filling Nutrition: 7/10 - Higher sugar, but expected for sandwich cookies Value: 9/10 - Good value for specialty cookie
Nutrition (per 2 cookies):
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 1g
- Ingredients: Rice flour, tapioca starch, palm oil, sugar, cocoa
Pros: ✅ Best gluten-free Oreo alternative ✅ Twist-and-lick fun for kids ✅ Dairy-free cream filling ✅ Holds up well for dunking ✅ Good size cookies
Cons: ❌ Higher sugar content ❌ Not as wholesome as other options ❌ Contains palm oil ❌ Softer texture than regular Oreos
Best for: Treats, lunch box surprises, kids missing Oreos Where to buy: Natural grocers, Amazon, specialty stores Price: ~$0.35 per cookie
#6: Goodie Girl Cookies (Multiple Varieties)
Overall Score: 8.5/10
Why kids love them: Fun packaging, familiar cookie types (Mint Slims, Chocolate Chip, Thin Mints copycat).
Taste: 8.5/10 - Very good, recognizable flavors Texture: 8.5/10 - Varies by type; generally good Nutrition: 8/10 - Moderate sugar, decent ingredients Value: 8/10 - Mid-range pricing
Nutrition (per serving, varies):
- Calories: 120-150
- Sugar: 8-11g
- Protein: 1-2g
- Ingredients: Rice flour, sugar, butter or coconut oil
Pros: ✅ Varieties mimic Girl Scout cookies (Thin Mints!) ✅ Fun for kids who feel left out ✅ Good variety pack options ✅ Certified gluten-free ✅ Some varieties are vegan
Cons: ❌ Packaging can be misleading on serving sizes ❌ Some varieties better than others ❌ Availability varies
Best for: Special treats, Girl Scout cookie season alternatives Where to buy: Target, natural food stores, Amazon Price: ~$0.50 per cookie
#7: Mary's Gone Crackers Super Seed Cookies
Overall Score: 8.3/10
Why kids love them: Not traditional cookies but crunchy, slightly sweet, satisfying.
Taste: 7.5/10 - Less sweet, nutty flavor Texture: 9/10 - Excellent crunch, substantial Nutrition: 10/10 - Seeds, whole grains, low sugar Value: 8/10 - Good portions, fair price
Nutrition (per cookie):
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Ingredients: Brown rice, quinoa, flax, chia, sunflower seeds
Pros: ✅ Highest protein content ✅ Organic ingredients ✅ Very filling ✅ Great for kids who don't love super-sweet ✅ Certified gluten-free, vegan, non-GMO
Cons: ❌ Not a traditional sweet cookie ❌ Some kids find texture "seedy" ❌ Not for picky eaters
Best for: Health-focused snacking, kids who like less-sweet options Where to buy: Whole Foods, natural grocers, Amazon Price: ~$0.55 per cookie
#8: Pamela's Products Whenever Bars (Cookie Bars)
Overall Score: 8.2/10
Why kids love them: Soft, chewy texture. Oat chocolate chip flavor is a winner.
Taste: 8.5/10 - Delicious, homemade taste Texture: 9/10 - Soft and chewy (rare in GF!) Nutrition: 7.5/10 - Moderate sugar and fat Value: 7.5/10 - Smaller bars, higher price
Nutrition (per bar):
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 9g
- Protein: 2g
- Ingredients: Oats, brown rice flour, butter, chocolate chips
Pros: ✅ Soft texture (most GF cookies are crunchy) ✅ Taste homemade ✅ Individually wrapped (great for lunches) ✅ Multiple flavors ✅ Certified gluten-free
Cons: ❌ Higher price point ❌ Small portion size ❌ Contains dairy ❌ Can be crumbly when unwrapping
Best for: Kids who prefer soft/chewy, lunchboxes Where to buy: Natural grocers, Amazon, Thrive Market Price: ~$1.00 per bar
#9: Glutino Chocolate Vanilla Creme Cookies
Overall Score: 8.0/10
Why kids love them: Sandwich cookies, affordable, widely available.
Taste: 7.5/10 - Good, but artificial aftertaste for some Texture: 8/10 - Crispy cookie, smooth cream Nutrition: 6.5/10 - Higher sugar, more additives Value: 10/10 - Most affordable option
Nutrition (per 3 cookies):
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 13g
- Protein: <1g
- Ingredients: Rice flour, sugar, palm oil, cornstarch
Pros: ✅ Most affordable gluten-free cookies ✅ Available at almost every grocery store ✅ Good for budget-conscious families ✅ Large box, many servings ✅ Dairy-free
Cons: ❌ More artificial ingredients ❌ Higher sugar ❌ Texture can be gritty ❌ Not the best flavor
Best for: Budget families, widely available option Where to buy: Walmart, most major grocery stores, Amazon Price: ~$0.25 per cookie
#10: Made Good Soft Baked Cookies
Overall Score: 7.8/10
Why kids love them: Soft texture, hidden veggies (parents love this!), individually wrapped.
Taste: 7.5/10 - Pleasant, less sweet Texture: 8.5/10 - Soft, cake-like Nutrition: 9/10 - Contains vegetable nutrients, low sugar Value: 7/10 - Premium price, small cookies
Nutrition (per cookie):
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 1g
- Special: Contains nutrients from vegetables
Pros: ✅ Contains nutrients from spinach, broccoli, carrots (invisible!) ✅ Soft texture kids love ✅ Top 8 allergen-free ✅ Individually wrapped ✅ Low sugar
Cons: ❌ Small cookies ❌ Expensive per cookie ❌ Less "cookie-like" texture (more like mini muffins) ❌ Can be too soft/mushy for some
Best for: Picky eaters who need hidden veggies, younger kids Where to buy: Target, Whole Foods, Amazon, Costco (larger packs) Price: ~$0.75 per cookie
Quick Comparison Chart
| Brand | Taste | Texture | Nutrition | Value | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tate's | 9.5 | 9.5 | 8 | 9 | Picky eaters |
| Simple Mills | 9 | 9 | 10 | 8 | Health-conscious |
| Enjoy Life | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 9.5 | Allergies |
| Partake | 8.5 | 8 | 9.5 | 8.5 | Multi-allergies |
| Kinnikinnick | 9 | 8.5 | 7 | 9 | Oreo lovers |
| Goodie Girl | 8.5 | 8.5 | 8 | 8 | Variety |
| Mary's Gone | 7.5 | 9 | 10 | 8 | Healthy snacking |
| Pamela's | 8.5 | 9 | 7.5 | 7.5 | Soft cookies |
| Glutino | 7.5 | 8 | 6.5 | 10 | Budget |
| Made Good | 7.5 | 8.5 | 9 | 7 | Hidden veggies |
Buying Guide: What to Look For
Ingredient red flags:
- First ingredient is sugar (not flour)
- Long lists of unpronounceable additives
- Multiple types of sugar
- Artificial flavors/colors
Ideal ingredient characteristics:
- Whole grain flours (rice, oat, almond) as primary ingredients
- Natural sweeteners (cane sugar, coconut sugar, honey)
- Real butter or coconut oil (avoid hydrogenated oils)
- Minimal ingredient list (10 or fewer)
Texture considerations:
- Crunchy cookies: Better for lunch boxes (don't get soggy)
- Soft cookies: Better for younger kids (easier to chew)
- Crumbly cookies: Avoid for car snacks, lunchboxes
Allergy considerations:
- Nut-free: Enjoy Life, Partake, Glutino, Made Good
- Dairy-free: Enjoy Life, Partake, Kinnikinnick, Glutino
- Egg-free: Most brands are egg-free except Tate's
- Top 8/14 free: Enjoy Life, Partake, Made Good
Where to Buy & Save Money
Best prices:
- Amazon Subscribe & Save: 15% off recurring orders
- Costco/Sam's Club: Bulk packs (Made Good, Simple Mills)
- Thrive Market: Membership-based discounts
- Store sales: Stock up during sales (cookies have long shelf life)
Availability by store:
- Walmart: Glutino, Enjoy Life
- Target: Tate's, Simple Mills, Goodie Girl, Made Good
- Whole Foods: All brands, best selection
- Regular grocery stores: Tate's, Enjoy Life increasingly common
FAQ
Do gluten-free cookies taste different from regular cookies? Top brands (Tate's, Simple Mills) are indistinguishable from "regular" cookies. Budget brands may have slight texture differences.
Are gluten-free cookies healthier? Not inherently. Many have similar sugar/calorie content. Brands like Simple Mills and Mary's Gone use better ingredients but all are treats.
How long do gluten-free cookies stay fresh? Unopened: 6-12 months. Opened: 1-2 weeks in airtight container. Many brands freeze well (3 months).
Can non-celiac kids tell they're gluten-free? In blind taste tests with Tate's and Simple Mills, most kids couldn't identify them as gluten-free.
What's the best cookie for school lunches? Enjoy Life (allergy-friendly, sturdy) or Tate's (tastes great, doesn't crumble).
Are any organic? Simple Mills, Mary's Gone Crackers, and some Simple Mills varieties are certified organic.
What about homemade vs. store-bought? Homemade allows ingredient control and costs less. Store-bought offers convenience. Both have a place!
Conclusion
The best gluten-free cookie for your child depends on priorities: taste (Tate's), nutrition (Simple Mills), allergies (Enjoy Life), budget (Glutino), or hidden veggies (Made Good). Our testing proves that gluten-free cookies have come incredibly far—kids genuinely love these options, not just tolerate them.
Our top recommendations:
✅ Best overall: Tate's Bake Shop Chocolate Chip ✅ Best nutrition: Simple Mills Crunchy Cookies ✅ Best for allergies: Enjoy Life Crunchy Cookies ✅ Best value: Glutino Sandwich Cookies ✅ Best variety: Goodie Girl Cookies ✅ Best soft cookie: Pamela's Whenever Bars
Start with one or two brands from this list, let your kids taste-test, and stock up on their favorites. With these options, gluten-free kids never have to feel deprived at snack time—they can enjoy delicious cookies just like everyone else.
Disclaimer: This article provides product reviews and recommendations based on independent testing. We are not sponsored by any brands mentioned. Product formulations may change; always verify gluten-free status and check ingredients for allergens. Consult your child's healthcare provider regarding specific dietary needs.
