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Back to School Snack Recipes: Low-Sugar, Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free Options

August 4, 2025 by Sarah Leave a Comment

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Looking for delicious and easy back to school snack recipes? You’re in the right place! Treat your kids to one of these tasty snacks when they come home from school. Whether you need gluten-free, dairy-free, whole wheat, or low-sugar options, you’ll find something to suit every taste here.

4 back to school snack recipes sugar free almond flour cookies, apple oat muffins, pecan and maple wholewheat muffins, simple homemade applesauce

Why You Will Love these Snack Recipes

As the kids head back to school, many of us are looking for snack ideas that will fill them up and provide essential nutrition, while still tasting great and appealing to kids. It can be a real challenge!

As a mom of four, I believe that homemade food is the absolute best thing for our kids to be eating. That’s why I have come up with these easy and delicious snack ideas to help you make snacks from scratch for your family too.

My N°1 Tip for Making Snacks from Scratch

These recipes are all pretty quick and easy to make. The most difficult part I find is getting organised enough to have the snacks ready for when the children get home from school. Recently, I have started doing baking mornings when I make a big batch of snacks to last the week.

Having those baked goods to hand, plus fresh fruit and sometimes veggies, helps me to make sure my children are eating healthy and nutritious food even when it’s only a quick snack.

back to school snack recipes pinterest graphic in english

8 Back to School Snack Recipes

You’ll find 8 tasty snack recipes here — some sourdough, some whole wheat, others gluten-free — all dairy-free and low in sugar.

So, if you’re looking for some snack inspiration, take a look at these ideas! Tap the photos below to explore each recipe in detail.

Whole wheat maple and pecan muffins on a black cooling rack with a checked tea towel behind
Maple Whole Wheat Pecan Sourdough Muffins
These Whole Wheat Maple Pecan Sourdough Muffins are moist, gently sweetened with maple syrup, and packed with crunchy pecans. Naturally dairy free and made with whole grains, they’re a wholesome alternative to traditional muffins—especially if long-fermented.
Dairy Free Sourdough Strawberry muffins in brown tulip cases on a black wire rack
Dairy Free Sourdough Strawberry Muffins
Bursting with juicy strawberries, naturally dairy free and made with whole wheat flour, these dairy free sourdough strawberry muffins offer a wholesome option for satisfying your sweet cravings. For even better digestion and extra health benefits, you can ferment the batter in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
Dairy Free Whole Wheat Blueberry Muffins on a black wire rack
Dairy Free Whole Wheat Blueberry Muffins with Sourdough Discard
These Dairy Free Whole Wheat Blueberry Muffins With Sourdough Discard are lightly spiced, bursting with juicy fruit, and packed with nourishing ingredients.
Sourdough Apple Oat Muffins on a cooling rack
Sourdough Apple Oat Muffins
Sourdough Apple Oat Muffins make a wholesome addition to your normal after school snack rotation. Lightly spiced, packed with apples and the hearty goodness of oats, they will be loved by kids and adults alike!
High-Protein Tuna Egg Muffins
Looking for an easy protein-rich snack for when you’re on the go? These gluten and dairy free High-Protein Tuna Egg Muffins could be just the thing for you! They come together in just a few minutes, bake in the oven for 20 mins and are delicious cold: the perfect healthy snack!
Simple Homemade Applesauce in the Instant Pot or in a Saucepan
A simple, versatile way to use delicious apples for a snack, this Homemade applesauce is sure to be a success with the whole family!
Gluten Free Granola Bars with Chocolate Chips, Peanut Butter, Almonds and Pecans
These Gluten Free Granola Bars with Peanut Butter, Chocolate Chips, Almonds and Pecans tick all the boxes: healthy, protein-rich, sweet and chewy… They are perfect!
3 sugar free cookies with almond flour, honey and cinnamon on a blue plate with dried flowers
Sugar Free Cookies with Almond Flour, Honey and Cinnamon
Looking for the perfect sweet treat but trying to avoid sugar and carbs? These Sugar Free Cookies with Almond Flour, Honey and Cinnamon are just what you need! Whether you are gluten free, on the GAPS diet or simply trying to cut down on processed foods such as white sugar, these cookies will give you that perfect hit of sweetness you are craving without compromising on your health goals.
FAQs

1. What are some healthy back to school snack recipes for kids?
You can try whole wheat maple pecan muffins, sugar-free almond flour cookies, or dairy-free strawberry muffins for tasty and nutritious options.

2. Are there any gluten-free back to school snacks in this list?
Yes! The gluten-free granola bars, tuna egg muffins, sugar-free almond flour cookies and applesauce are all naturally gluten-free and great for school lunches or snacks.

3. What can I give my child for a dairy-free after school snack?
Dairy-free muffins (like the blueberry or strawberry ones) and homemade applesauce are great dairy-free snack choices.

4. Do these snacks contain a lot of sugar?
Many of these recipes are low in sugar or refined sugar-free, using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.

5. Can I make these snacks ahead of time?
Absolutely. Most of these snacks freeze well or keep in an airtight container on the counter or in the fridge for several days—perfect for meal prep!

6. Are these back to school snacks suitable for toddlers?
Yes, many are soft, naturally sweet, and free from common allergens—just be mindful of nut content or texture depending on age.

back to school snack recipes pinterest graphic in french

Did you try any of these recipes? Let me know how it turned out in the comments below! Don’t forget to take a photo and tag me on social media @candleinthekitchen, I love to see your creations!

Filed Under: Gluten and Dairy Free, Homemade Meals, Sourdough, Sourdough Discard Recipes, Sweet Things

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Hi, I’m Sarah, I’m glad to have you drop by! Follow me for simple, homemade recipes from scratch, allergy-friendly meal ideas and lots of sourdough. Read more here.

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