We tested 50+ gluten-free snacks to find the best options kids actually love. Complete reviews with nutrition facts, taste ratings, and where to buy.
Finding gluten-free snacks that kids actually want to eat can be challenging. After testing over 50 popular gluten-free snacks with real families, we've compiled the definitive guide to the best options available in 2025—organized by category, with honest taste reviews, nutrition information, and buying tips.
How We Tested
Testing Panel: 15 gluten-free kids (ages 4-14), 10 parents, 2 pediatric dietitians.
Rating Categories: Taste (most important!), texture, nutrition value, ingredient quality, value for money, availability.
Rating Scale: ★★★★★ (Outstanding - kids beg for these), ★★★★☆ (Great - solid choice), ★★★☆☆ (Good - acceptable option), ★★☆☆☆ (Okay - kids will eat if hungry), ★☆☆☆☆ (Skip - not worth it).
Important Notes: All products are certified gluten-free or labeled <20 ppm. Prices and availability as of 2025. Individual tastes vary—what works for one child may not for another.
Best Gluten-Free Crackers
1. Crunchmaster Multi-Seed Crackers (★★★★★)
Why Kids Love Them: Crunchy texture similar to regular crackers, not too bland, perfect with cheese or spreads, fun to dip.
Nutrition (per 15 crackers): 140 calories, 5g protein, 19g carbs, 2g fiber, 0g sugar, 5g fat.
Pros: High protein, whole grain, seeds add nutrition, widely available, affordable ($3-4/box).
Cons: Can be messy (seed bits fall off), not nut-free (some varieties).
Best For: Lunch boxes, after-school snacks, cheese and crackers.
Where to Buy: Walmart, Target, Costco, grocery stores nationwide.
Parent Review: "My picky 7-year-old asks for these daily. Great with hummus!" - Sarah M.
2. Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers (★★★★☆)
Why Kids Love Them: Taste like "real" crackers, multiple flavors (Farmhouse Cheddar most popular), hearty crunch.
Nutrition (per 17 crackers): 150 calories, 3g protein, 17g carbs, 2g fiber, 0g sugar, 8g fat.
Pros: Clean ingredients, no artificial anything, good protein, taste authentic.
Cons: Pricier ($5-6/box), contains nuts (almond flour), can crumble easily.
Best For: Kids who miss traditional crackers, healthier option.
Where to Buy: Whole Foods, Target, Amazon, natural food stores.
Parent Review: "Closest to wheat crackers we've found. Worth the price!" - Michael T.
3. Mary's Gone Crackers Original (★★★☆☆)
Why Some Kids Like Them: Very crunchy, seeds add interesting texture, satisfying crunch.
Nutrition (per 13 crackers): 140 calories, 3g protein, 21g carbs, 3g fiber, 0g sugar, 5g fat.
Pros: Whole grain, high fiber, organic, nut-free.
Cons: Strong flavor (polarizing - kids love or hate), very hard/crunchy (tough for younger kids), can be gritty.
Best For: Older kids (8+), adventurous eaters.
Where to Buy: Most grocery stores, Whole Foods, Amazon.
Parent Review: "My 10-year-old loves these, but my 5-year-old won't touch them." - Jennifer L.
Best Gluten-Free Chips
1. Siete Grain-Free Tortilla Chips (★★★★★)
Why Kids Love Them: Taste exactly like restaurant tortilla chips, perfect crunch, not too salty, amazing with salsa/guac.
Nutrition (per 1 oz): 130 calories, 1g protein, 19g carbs, 3g fiber, 0g sugar, 6g fat.
Pros: Grain-free (cassava/chia), clean ingredients, multiple flavors, family favorite.
Cons: Expensive ($4-5/bag), bags are small, can be hard to find.
Best For: Mexican food nights, parties, special treats.
Where to Buy: Target, Whole Foods, some Walmarts, Amazon.
Parent Review: "These disappear instantly at our house. Guests can't tell they're GF!" - Lisa K.
2. Late July Organic Tortilla Chips (★★★★★)
Why Kids Love Them: Classic tortilla chip taste, sturdy for dipping, not greasy.
Nutrition (per 1 oz): 140 calories, 2g protein, 18g carbs, 2g fiber, 0g sugar, 7g fat.
Pros: Organic, good ingredients, multiple flavors, reasonably priced ($3-4/bag).
Cons: Some bags inconsistent (some too salty), availability varies.
Best For: Everyday snacking, lunch boxes, nachos.
Where to Buy: Most grocery stores, Target, Amazon.
Parent Review: "Our go-to chips. Great quality and price point." - David R.
3. Kettle Brand Potato Chips (★★★★☆)
Why Kids Love Them: Thick, crunchy, kettle-cooked texture, tons of flavors.
Nutrition (per 1 oz): 150 calories, 2g protein, 16g carbs, 1g fiber, 0g sugar, 9g fat.
Pros: Naturally GF, widely available, many flavors, kid-friendly.
Cons: High fat/calories, less nutritious than other options, some flavors very salty.
Best For: Occasional treats, parties, road trips.
Where to Buy: Everywhere (grocery stores, gas stations, convenience stores).
Parent Review: "Not the healthiest, but kids love them for special occasions." - Amanda P.
Best Gluten-Free Granola Bars
1. Enjoy Life Chewy Bars (★★★★★)
Why Kids Love Them: Soft, chewy texture, chocolatey options, not crumbly, taste like treats.
Nutrition (per bar): 110-140 calories, 1-2g protein, 20-24g carbs, 1-2g fiber, 8-10g sugar, 3-5g fat.
Pros: Top 14 allergen-free, safe for schools, multiple flavors, kids love them.
Cons: Higher sugar, less protein, can melt in heat.
Best For: School lunches (nut-free!), emergency snacks, picky eaters.
Where to Buy: Target, Walmart, Amazon, most grocery stores.
Parent Review: "Only bar my son will eat. Perfect for school!" - Rachel G.
2. KIND Kids Bars (★★★★★)
Why Kids Love Them: Chewy with crunchy bits, visible ingredients, fun flavors, taste like candy bars.
Nutrition (per bar): 100 calories, 2g protein, 13g carbs, 3g fiber, 5g sugar, 5g fat.
Pros: Whole ingredients you can see, good nutrition, perfect portions, kids love them.
Cons: Contains nuts (not school-safe everywhere), smaller size, pricier.
Best For: After-school snacks, sports, travel.
Where to Buy: Everywhere (Costco has best price).
Parent Review: "My kids think these are dessert. I feel good about the ingredients!" - Brian H.
3. RXBAR Kids (★★★★☆)
Why Kids Love Them: Chocolate options taste like brownies, chewy texture, real food taste.
Nutrition (per bar): 100-120 calories, 5-7g protein, 14-16g carbs, 3-4g fiber, 6-8g sugar, 3-4g fat.
Pros: High protein, minimal ingredients (dates, egg whites, nuts), no added sugar, filling.
Cons: Dense/chewy (some kids don't like texture), contains nuts, strong egg taste (polarizing).
Best For: Active kids, protein boost, healthier option.
Where to Buy: Target, grocery stores, Costco, Amazon.
Parent Review: "Great protein, but it's love-or-hate texture wise." - Kelly S.
Best Gluten-Free Cookies & Sweet Treats
1. Tate's Bake Shop Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies (★★★★★)
Why Kids Love Them: Thin, crispy, buttery, loaded with chocolate chips, taste like bakery cookies.
Nutrition (per 2 cookies): 120 calories, 1g protein, 16g carbs, 0g fiber, 9g sugar, 6g fat.
Pros: Taste exactly like regular Tate's, widely available, kids go crazy for these.
Cons: High sugar, breaks easily, expensive ($5-6/bag), small serving size.
Best For: Special treats, parties, dessert.
Where to Buy: Most grocery stores, Target, Costco, Amazon.
Parent Review: "Best GF cookies on the market. Non-GF friends love them too!" - Emma W.
2. Simple Mills Crunchy Cookies (★★★★☆)
Why Kids Love Them: Crunchy texture, multiple flavors (Chocolate Chip favorite), not too sweet.
Nutrition (per 2 cookies): 150 calories, 2g protein, 18g carbs, 2g fiber, 6g sugar, 7g fat.
Pros: Clean ingredients, lower sugar than most, almond flour base, filling.
Cons: Contains nuts, pricey ($5-6/box), crunchier than typical cookies.
Best For: Healthier cookie option, lunch treats.
Where to Buy: Target, Whole Foods, Amazon, natural food stores.
Parent Review: "Feel better about these than Oreos. Kids still happy!" - Tom J.
3. Enjoy Life Soft Baked Cookies (★★★★☆)
Why Kids Love Them: Soft, chewy, multiple flavors, individually wrapped.
Nutrition (per cookie): 110-130 calories, 1g protein, 20-23g carbs, 1g fiber, 9-11g sugar, 4-5g fat.
Pros: Top 14 allergen-free, school-safe, portable, kid-approved.
Cons: Higher sugar, less nutritious, can be dry.
Best For: School lunches, allergen-free households, convenience.
Where to Buy: Target, Walmart, Amazon, grocery stores.
Parent Review: "Safe for school and my kid actually eats them!" - Nicole D.
Best Gluten-Free Fruit Snacks & Gummies
1. Annie's Organic Bunny Fruit Snacks (★★★★★)
Why Kids Love Them: Taste like regular fruit snacks, fun bunny shapes, fruity flavors.
Nutrition (per pouch): 70 calories, 0g protein, 17g carbs, 0g fiber, 11g sugar, 0g fat.
Pros: Organic, naturally gluten-free, widely available, affordable, kids love them.
Cons: Pure sugar (no nutrition), sticky, expensive for what they are.
Best For: Occasional treats, travel, lunch box surprise.
Where to Buy: Most grocery stores, Target, Costco, Amazon.
Parent Review: "Not nutritious but kids love them. Good for rare treats." - Melissa F.
2. Black Forest Organic Gummy Bears (★★★★☆)
Why Kids Love Them: Classic gummy bear taste, chewy texture, fruit juice flavors.
Nutrition (per package): 130 calories, 3g protein, 27g carbs, 0g fiber, 18g sugar, 0g fat.
Pros: Organic, no artificial colors/flavors, portable, naturally GF.
Cons: Pure candy (no nutritional value), expensive for candy.
Best For: Treats, rewards, parties.
Where to Buy: Most stores nationwide.
Parent Review: "At least they're organic candy? Kids adore them." - Jason B.
Best Gluten-Free Pretzels
1. Snyder's of Hanover Gluten-Free Pretzels (★★★★★)
Why Kids Love Them: Taste like regular pretzels, salty, crunchy, familiar shape.
Nutrition (per 1 oz): 110 calories, 2g protein, 23g carbs, 1g fiber, 0g sugar, 0g fat.
Pros: Closest to regular pretzels, widely available, affordable ($3-4/bag), kids can't tell difference.
Cons: High sodium, low nutrition, not organic.
Best For: School lunches, airplane snacks, road trips.
Where to Buy: Most grocery stores, Target, Walmart, Amazon.
Parent Review: "Finally a GF pretzel that actually tastes good!" - Laura C.
2. Glutino Pretzel Twists (★★★★☆)
Why Kids Love Them: Classic pretzel taste, good crunch, salty.
Nutrition (per 1 oz): 110 calories, 1g protein, 23g carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sugar, 1g fat.
Pros: Widely available, affordable, reliable brand.
Cons: Can taste slightly different than regular, some find aftertaste.
Best For: Everyday snacking.
Where to Buy: Most grocery stores nationwide.
Parent Review: "Good backup option when Snyder's sold out." - Chris M.
Best Gluten-Free Popcorn
1. SkinnyPop Original Popcorn (★★★★★)
Why Kids Love Them: Light, airy, not too salty, addictive crunch.
Nutrition (per 3.75 cups): 150 calories, 2g protein, 15g carbs, 3g fiber, 0g sugar, 10g fat.
Pros: Naturally GF, simple ingredients, widely available, good value (large bags).
Cons: Can go stale quickly, messy, less filling than other snacks.
Best For: Movie nights, parties, everyday snacking.
Where to Buy: Everywhere (Costco best price).
Parent Review: "Whole family loves this. Healthier than chips!" - Dana S.
2. LesserEvil Himalayan Pink Salt Popcorn (★★★★☆)
Why Kids Love Them: Fluffy, perfectly salted, organic taste.
Nutrition (per 4 cups): 170 calories, 3g protein, 17g carbs, 4g fiber, 0g sugar, 10g fat.
Pros: Organic, coconut oil, clean ingredients, good flavor.
Cons: Pricier ($4-5/bag), smaller bags, can be inconsistent.
Best For: Healthier popcorn option.
Where to Buy: Target, Whole Foods, natural food stores.
Parent Review: "Tastes gourmet. Kids and adults both love." - Ryan L.
Best Gluten-Free Protein Snacks
1. Chomps Grass-Fed Beef Sticks (★★★★★)
Why Kids Love Them: Taste like pepperoni sticks, meaty, satisfying, no refrigeration needed.
Nutrition (per stick): 60-100 calories, 9-10g protein, 0-1g carbs, 0g fiber, 0-1g sugar, 3-6g fat.
Pros: High protein, clean ingredients, grass-fed, portable, keeps kids full.
Cons: Expensive ($1.50-2/stick), acquired taste (not all kids love), contains meat.
Best For: After sports, road trips, protein boost.
Where to Buy: Target, Whole Foods, Costco, Amazon.
Parent Review: "Best protein snack for my athlete. Keeps him full for hours." - Patricia H.
2. String Cheese (★★★★★)
Why Kids Love Them: Fun to peel and eat, mild flavor, familiar.
Nutrition (per stick): 80 calories, 6g protein, 1g carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sugar, 6g fat.
Pros: Naturally GF, high protein, calcium, affordable, kids love the ritual of peeling.
Cons: Needs refrigeration, can get warm/melty.
Best For: Lunch boxes, after-school, quick protein.
Where to Buy: Every grocery store.
Parent Review: "Classic for a reason. Easy and nutritious." - Mark W.
Best Gluten-Free Veggie Snacks
1. Veggie Straws (★★★★☆)
Why Kids Love Them: Look like fun straws, crunchy, not "too veggie" tasting.
Nutrition (per 38 straws): 130 calories, 1g protein, 17g carbs, 1g fiber, 1g sugar, 7g fat.
Pros: Fun shape, mild flavor, naturally GF, affordable.
Cons: Not actually nutritious (mostly potato starch), kids think they're healthy (they're not).
Best For: Getting kids to try "veggie" snacks, parties.
Where to Buy: Most grocery stores.
Parent Review: "Not really healthy but better than chips? Kids like them." - Vanessa T.
2. Seapoint Farms Dry Roasted Edamame (★★★★☆)
Why Some Kids Love Them: Crunchy, salty, protein-packed.
Nutrition (per ¼ cup): 130 calories, 14g protein, 10g carbs, 8g fiber, 1g sugar, 4g fat.
Pros: Extremely high protein/fiber, nutritious, satisfying crunch.
Cons: Polarizing taste (love or hate), not all kids like, can be too crunchy for little kids.
Best For: Older kids (8+), adventurous eaters, protein boost.
Where to Buy: Costco, grocery stores, Amazon.
Parent Review: "My 10-year-old devours these. Toddler won't touch them." - Greg P.
Buying Tips & Money-Saving Strategies
Where to Find Best Prices:
- Costco: Bulk snacks (KIND bars, Skinny Pop, string cheese) - best value
- Trader Joe's: Their GF products affordable and good quality
- Thrive Market: Online, membership model, 25-50% off retail
- Amazon Subscribe & Save: 15% off when subscribing to regular deliveries
- Target: Regular sales, Circle app coupons
Budget-Friendly Strategy:
- Buy snacks in bulk at Costco
- Watch for Target Circle deals (often 20-30% off GF products)
- Make your own (popcorn, trail mix, energy balls)
- Buy produce for snacks (naturally GF, cheapest option)
- Avoid individual packages when possible (buy large, portion at home)
Storage Tips:
- Transfer opened bags to airtight containers (stays fresh longer)
- Portion into small bags/containers for grab-and-go
- Keep variety bin/drawer for easy access
- Rotate stock (use oldest first)
- Check expiration dates regularly
Snack Packing for School
Nut-Free Schools: Enjoy Life bars/cookies, Crunchmaster crackers, string cheese, fruit, veggie straws, Snyder's pretzels, Annie's fruit snacks.
Balanced Snack Combos:
- String cheese + GF crackers + fruit
- Apple slices + nut butter (if allowed) + GF pretzels
- Trail mix (if nuts allowed) + water
- Veggie sticks + hummus + GF chips
- GF granola bar + cheese stick + grapes
Emergency Car/Locker Stash: Non-perishable, long-lasting options: KIND bars (or Enjoy Life for nut-free), GF pretzels, fruit pouches, individually wrapped crackers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all these snacks certified gluten-free? Most are certified or labeled <20 ppm. Always check current packaging as formulations can change.
Which snacks are also nut-free? Enjoy Life products, Crunchmaster, Snyder's pretzels, string cheese, Annie's fruit snacks, veggie straws, most chips.
What's the healthiest option? String cheese, Chomps meat sticks, roasted edamame, fresh fruit/veggies, RXBARs.
Most affordable? Popcorn (make your own or SkinnyPop in bulk), string cheese, fruit, homemade trail mix, pretzels.
Best for picky eaters? Enjoy Life bars, Tate's cookies, Snyder's pretzels, string cheese, Annie's fruit snacks.
Can I trust "gluten-free" labels? In the US, FDA regulates GF claims (<20 ppm). Certified GF (GFCO) is even stricter (<10 ppm). Always check labels as formulations change.
Conclusion
Finding gluten-free snacks kids love doesn't have to be a struggle. With this comprehensive guide, you now have tested, kid-approved options for every snack category—from crackers to cookies to protein-packed choices.
Top Recommendations Summary: ✅ Best Overall: Crunchmaster crackers, Snyder's pretzels, Tate's cookies ✅ Best for School: Enjoy Life bars (nut-free), string cheese, GF pretzels ✅ Healthiest: String cheese, Chomps sticks, roasted edamame ✅ Best Value: SkinnyPop, string cheese, pretzels from Costco ✅ Kid Favorites: Tate's cookies, Siete chips, KIND bars ✅ Emergency Stash: KIND bars, GF pretzels, individually wrapped crackers
Remember: the best snack is one your child will actually eat! Don't be afraid to try multiple options to find what works for your family. And when in doubt, fresh fruit and cheese sticks are always a win.
Happy snacking!
