Packing a gluten-free lunchbox every day can feel like a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be! Whether your kid is coeliac or has a gluten intolerance, these fun and easy ideas will keep their lunch exciting, nutritious, and safe. No more lunchbox boredom—just tasty, stress-free meals they’ll actually want to eat!
Sandwiches? Think Outside the Bread! 🥪
Gluten-free bread can be hit or miss, so why not mix it up?
- Rice cakes with ham and cheese
- Corn tortillas rolled up with peanut butter and banana. There are loads of combinations to try with this. One of my favourites is cheese, ham and mayo.
- Gluten-free wraps filled with tuna mayo or chicken salad
- Mini Gluten-Free Pizzas – Use a gluten-free tortilla or pitta as a base, top with tomato sauce, cheese, and toppings, then bake and slice into fun shapes.
- Pasta Salad – Cook gluten-free pasta, then mix with cherry tomatoes, cheese cubes, cucumber, and a little olive oil or pesto.
- Sausage Rolls – Make homemade gluten-free sausage rolls using gluten-free puff pastry and good-quality sausages.
- Gluten-Free Pancake Roll-Ups – Spread cream cheese, peanut butter, or jam on a gluten-free pancake, roll it up, and slice into pinwheels.
- Stuffed Peppers – Mini bell peppers stuffed with rice, tuna, or chicken and cheese.
- Gluten-Free Fish Fingers – Homemade or store-bought, served cold with a little pot of ketchup.
- Gluten-Free Mac & Cheese – Pack in a thermos for a warm, comforting lunch.
Tasty Bites to Keep Them Full 🍗
Protein is key for keeping kids energised—here are some easy, mess-free ideas:
- Chicken Nuggets & Dip – Pack cold, homemade gluten-free nuggets or shop bought if you in a rush with ketchup or yoghurt-based dip.
- Mini Meatballs – Serve cold with a little pot of gluten-free BBQ sauce or tomato dip.
- Boiled eggs (pre-peeled to save time)
- Hummus with veggie sticks – crunchy, colourful, and delicious
Snack Time = Fun Time 🍿
Every lunchbox needs some tasty extras!
- Cheese Cubes & Grapes – A great mix of protein and sweetness.
- Popcorn (always double-check for hidden gluten)
- Homemade trail mix (dried fruit, nuts, and chocolate chips)
- Rice Pudding Pots – A comforting, naturally gluten-free dessert.
- Cheese & Ham Roll-Ups – Roll ham and cheese slices together for a quick protein snack.
A Little Something Sweet 🍓
Because every kid deserves a treat!
- Fruit skewers – easy to eat and naturally sweet
- Yogurt with a drizzle of honey and chopped berry’s. I actually love using passion fruit as well.
- Mini Gluten-Free Muffins – Banana, blueberry, or chocolate chip made with gluten-free flour.
- Drinks & Fun Extras 🥤
- Smoothies in a flask – sneak in some extra fruit and veggies!
- A fun note or sticker – because a little surprise makes lunchtime better!
Final Tip: If you kid has a favourite snack stock up—you never know when it’ll disappear off the shelves!
What’s your go-to gluten-free lunchbox idea? Drop it in the comments! ⬇️✨
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