A List Of Snack Foods Free Of Common Food Allergens

By Chris Channing

Snacking is an inevitable habit that helps keep the body running between meals. The problem for anyone with a food allergy is that finding a good snack food can be difficult- or even downright impossible. Despite lack of support from local stores, there are still options in finding such snacks.

Eating healthy is always a good route to go. Foods that are packaged and in the snack food aisle seldom have the nutritional value of organic fruits and vegetables. Organic carrots, plums, and salad material are healthier and safe to consume. Eating naturally also tends to be cheaper and more filling, so parents aren't constantly trying to keep the pantry stocked with snacks.

Any products with wheat or grains are approached with caution from those with gluten and wheat allergies. Cereal is a good example, as the majority of all cereals have gluten contained within them. Crackers and cheese snacks typically do too, so it's important to read the ingredient list when looking for grain snacks. Some may even include milk or egg products in a significant portion.

Popcorn and movie nights have long been in cahoots with one another. Popcorn itself is not likely to cause an allergic reaction, but the flavor contained within the bag of popcorn could easily do so. Milk products sometimes go into the flavoring process, and some may even contain real butter. Plain popcorn is the best type to get- it lets you add the flavoring by yourself.

A snack that never grows old, even as we get older, is the conventional pudding snack. Whether made in big bowls at home or bought packaged at the store, the many flavors of sweet chocolate or vanilla work well with the sub-solid consistency of pudding. Of course, most recipes require milk products or have them included in, so buying brands over the Internet might be necessary. Home recipes can also be changed to switch out milk for other substances in the pantry.

Even complex snack foods such as snack bars can be duplicated with substitutes. Flavors of fruit, chocolate, marshmallow, and beyond are all possible. Many of these bars can be made without dairy, gluten, or peanuts within the mix, so they are perfectly safe and still healthy to eat. And because most are high in carbohydrates, it's a snack food that won't quickly leave one with the feeling of being hungry right after eating.

Final Thoughts

Snacking is a healthy part of one's diet that allows the body to keep up the energy levels we have during the afternoon. Start making a list of allergy-safe foods that you and your family enjoy- and be sure to take a look at what other families enjoy in your community as well. - 31875

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