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Living Well Mom

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60+ Gluten-Free Lunch Ideas for Kids (Even Picky Eaters!)

By Erika in Back to School

back to school gluten-freeI was compensated for this post; the opinions are all my own.<br /><br />This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Looking for gluten-free lunches for you or your kids? This extensive list of gluten free lunch ideas will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters! Each recipe on this list is kid-approved and perfect for adults too! Enjoy them at home, school, work, or on the go. 

60+ easy gluten free lunch ideas for kids pin this idea now...

My whole family was on a gluten-free diet at one point, and I know how tricky it can be to pack a variety of gluten-free school lunches for your kids and keep it simple enough to pull off without pulling your hair out. 

That’s why I’ve created this list – to give you lots of ideas!

Now you don’t need to spend hours researching to find allergen-friendly lunch ideas your child will eat. You can find all the yummy easy ideas you’ll need right here!

Can I just order gluten-free hot lunches at school?

Of course, you could order school lunches for your child (many public schools have to accommodate dietary restrictions and provide gluten-free lunches). However, that may be a risk you’re understandably not willing to take if your child has celiac disease or is extremely sensitive to gluten.

Even if your kids aren’t that sensitive, they may find the cafeteria school lunches tasteless and boring (mine did). Plus, I have found that they are not as nutritious. AND they’re much more expensive than packing lunch for what you get. 

That’s three strikes in my book and why my kids don’t buy lunches from school.

chalkboard with ABC, apple, and gluten-free school lunch for kids

Tips for packing a gluten-free school lunch

How do you pack a gluten-free lunch for school? This was one of the overwhelming questions I had when my kids first started eating gluten-free. I worried about how I was going to make it happen within our budget AND be able to provide variety so they weren’t eating the same thing day after day.

I worried a lot and then realized I was WAY overthinking it because once I started packing gluten-free lunches, I realized it’s really not that hard.

You can pack a gluten-free lunch very much like a regular school lunch, except you’re substituting gluten-free ingredients. Here are a few tips to help get you started on the right foot.

  • Always check the labels before you serve your child any new food. You might be surprised at the random foods that DO contain unexpected gluten.
  • Balance out lunches by including protein, vegetables, fruits, and gluten-free grains.
  • Try different ways of serving the “same” thing. For example, a gluten-free sandwich could become a deconstructed sandwich (like a Lunchable), a wrap in a gluten-free tortilla, or a salad.
  • Leftovers can become your new best friend! Pack them in a Thermos to stay warm for a quick and easy gluten free lunch idea.

Satisfying gluten-free lunch ideas

I have a total of around 60 lunch ideas here, so there’s something for everyone and enough variation to provide interesting lunches all year long!

Protein ideas for gluten free lunches

Let’s start with the main protein part of your child’s lunch. These ideas are meant to be the filling part of the lunch with fruits, veggies, sides, and treats listed below.

1. Deli meat roll-ups with a cheese stick 

Simply roll slices of lunch meat around a stick of cheese.

Pro Tip: Make sure to choose lunch meat that’s gluten-free. You’d think they all would be, but some brands may have a sneaky ingredient or two that isn’t wheat-free

2. Eggs 

They can be prepared in several different ways, including hard-boiled, scrambled, or even egg salad. Add a cooked cut-up hotdog for more flavor and protein. And feel free to sprinkle a little hot sauce or other sauce on it for flavor or spice.

3. Gluten-free PB&J

Spread peanut butter (or Sunbutter if your child’s school is nut-free) and jelly on a corn tortilla or gluten-free bread.

4. Hotdog 

Pack a hotdog by itself or with a gluten-free bun. Or you could even wrap it in a gluten-free tortilla.

Just be aware that hot dogs can be a choking hazard, so this may be a better idea for older children.

5. Grilled cheese 

Be sure to use gluten-free bread! Or try this grilled cheese, ham, and broccoli sandwich.

broccoli ham and cheese on gluten free bread

6. Taco salad

Leftover taco salad makes a terrific (and easy) gluten-free lunch idea. Layer it your favorite way in a container and pack it with an ice pack to keep it chilled.

layout of printable recipe binder pages

7. Sausages 

Check to ensure they’re gluten-free. Pack them in a gluten free bun, or cut them up and add them to eggs, vegetables, or gluten free pasta. You could also use sausages in a stir fry and pack that for lunch.

8. Tuna salad 

Put it on gluten-free bread to make a gluten-free sandwich or on top of a bed of lettuce as a salad.

9. Deli meat wrap 

Wrap a corn tortilla or piece of gluten-free bread around some sandwich meat.

10. Gluten-free pasta

Gluten-free macaroni and cheese is always a hit. Try this instant pot homemade mac and cheese. Or you can stick with boxed gluten-free mac ‘n cheese. My kids love Walmart’s brand.

For extra protein, add in some chicken (shredded or cubed).

bowl of homemade mac n cheese

11. Waffle peanut butter sandwich 

Make sure you use gluten-free waffles for this, but it’s a nice switch from normal PB&J without any extra work.

12. Gluten-free chicken nuggets 

Buy frozen nuggets or make them yourself. You can easily adapt this recipe for homemade chicken nuggets to be gluten-free.

13. Mini quiches

Mini quiches are a breeze to make and simple to personalize and customize. Plus, they’re filling and taste great cold! Try these zucchini sausage egg mini quiches.

14. Taco meat muffins

These tasty taco muffins are packed with protein! The combination of ground turkey, almond flour, egg, and even sweet potatoes with a dose of taco seasoning will please any taco lover.

15. Cauliflower pizza

My kids never guessed that this Hawaiian cauliflower pizza had cauliflower in it and happily scarfed it down every time!

cauliflower pizza crust with gluten free toppings for lunch

16. Pumpkin chili

Packing leftovers for lunch is easy peasy – especially soups! Send this leftover pumpkin chili for a fall favorite.

17. Tuna patties gluten free lunch idea

Leftover tuna patties are delicious and filling.

18. Tuna salad

Add your kids’ favorite mix-ins for tuna salad (we like mayo and relish). Serve chilled with an ice pack.

19. Sloppy Joes

Leftover sloppy joes on a gluten-free bun, bread, or by itself will fill those hungry bellies and taste delicious too.

sloppy joes with gf buns for gluten free lunch ideas

20. Tuna casserole

Who doesn’t love tuna casserole? Make your favorite recipe – or try my free recipe – and use gluten-free noodles instead of regular noodles.

21. Egg salad

Egg salad is a great dish that’s full of protein and a breeze to pack for lunch with an ice pack!

22. Deviled eggs

These deviled eggs are made with Miracle Whip for a final product that’s tangy and irresistible.

23. Banana pancakes

Treat your kiddo to breakfast for lunch with these 2-ingredient banana pancakes. They’re easy and delicious!

gf banana pancake recipe

24. Enchiladas

Did you make enchiladas for dinner? Leftover enchiladas is a hearty gluten free lunch idea that takes hardly any effort to pack! Fill them (or top them) with black beans for a boost of protein.

25. Ham and cheese wraps

Wraps are an easy and versatile lunch item that kids often love because they’re a breeze to customize according to diet restrictions and preferences.

Try these ham and cheese apple wraps or spinach turkey wraps for gluten free wraps your kids will beg you to send to school!

26. Waldorf chicken salad

My family loves this waldorf chicken salad with blueberries and grapes. It’s filling and refreshing.

Waldorf style fruit salad with chicken

27. Sandwich on a stick

Presentation is everything, right? Think of this sandwich on a stick as a deconstructed sandwich, but it looks so much MORE fun! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free option for the bread in this recipe.

Fruit & veggies gluten-free lunch ideas for kids

Once you choose a protein for the main course at lunch, it’s time to pick some fruit and vegetables to give a nutritional boost.

28. Banana and peanut butter

A banana sliced with peanut butter or Sunbutter is filling and delicious! Make it even heartier by spreading the nut butter on a gluten-free tortilla, putting the banana on top of the nut butter, and rolling it up like a wrap.

29. Celery with peanut butter

Celery with peanut butter or sunbutter and raisins (also sometimes called “ants on a log”) is a classic that many kids love. This gluten free lunch idea also works with raisins, craisins, or dates!

30. Peanut butter fruit dip

Pair sliced apples with peanut butter or Sunbutter. You can also include any fruit (grapes, melons, apples, strawberries, berries, etc.) with this tasty peanut butter yogurt fruit dip.

peanut butter fruit dip for gluten free lunches

31. Fruit salad

Homemade fruit salad is easy to make for dinner the night before, and it is the perfect accompaniment to almost any protein recipe!

32. Applesauce

Send homemade applesauce in a pouch or container. Or you can send store-bought containers of applesauce as a gluten-free side dish.

33. Fresh veggies and hummus

Pack fresh vegetables such as baby carrots, snap peas, cherry tomatoes, celery, and sweet bell peppers with a separate container of hummus for dipping. Since hummus is made from chickpeas, it makes a delicious, protein-filled dip.

34. Smoothie bowl

How about an acai smoothie bowl? Just pack it in a sealed container and send the fruit in a baggie or other container so your kiddo can add it to the smoothie bowl at lunch.

cut up fruit on top of smoothie bowl

35. Yogurt

We love Greek yogurt because it’s low in natural sugars and super high in protein to keep those little bellies feeling full until after school. Add a few berries for a bit of fruit or a little gluten-free granola for some crunch.

36. Cottage cheese with fruit

Cottage cheese is a favorite in our house – especially when paired with pineapple or blueberries! Send it for lunch in a Thermos so that it stays chilled.

37. Smoothies

If your kids love smoothies, send a strawberry banana smoothie in a covered mason jar. It’s an easy way to sneak in veggies (spinach or carrots) and protein powder so that even the pickiest eaters get good nutrition.

38. Carrot pasta

Make homemade carrot pasta and top it with a favorite sauce for a colorful gluten free lunch idea. Depending on what sauce you use, this could be a great stand-alone protein and veggie dish or a yummy side dish.

gluten free noodle alternative made from carrots

Snacks to include with gluten free school lunches

If your kids are anything like mine, there’s a LONG period of time between breakfast and lunch. I like to send a little snack to tide them over until they get to eat their lunch. Here are some of the best ideas, and if you want even more ideas, check out gluten-free snack ideas for kids!

39. Energy balls

Energy balls are a great way to pack a punch of energy, protein, and nutrition. Try these peanut butter snack balls or these peanut butter date energy balls.

40. Snack balls

Banana snack balls are a fruity twist on energy bites.

41. Gluten free apple oatmeal muffins

Our family loves these hearty gluten-free apple oatmeal muffins, and they fit perfectly in lunchboxes.

gluten free apple oatmeal muffin recipe

42. GF gingerbread muffins

Gluten-free gingerbread muffins are full of spice and ginger and all yummy things.

43. Protein balls

Love chocolate? (me too!) Try these chocolate protein balls to satisfy the sweet tooth.

44. Energy Bites

Blueberry energy bites are simply bites of deliciousness. We love them!

gluten free blueberry snack balls for kids lunches

45. Granola bars

Gluten-free granola bars are a staple in our house all year long. They’re super easy to customize with different flavor combinations!

46. GF Crackers

Crackers are a classic lunch item. Make (or buy) gluten-free crackers and toss them into the lunch.

47. GF pumpkin streusel muffins

Gluten-free pumpkin streusel muffins are a fall favorite, but they taste amazing all year long!

pumpkin streusel muffins

48. Rice cakes

It seems like everyone who eats a gluten-free diet tries rice cakes at some point. There are flavored options you can buy, or add peanut butter (or Sunbutter) on top for a bit of protein. 

49. Fruit chews or gummies

Homemade fruit roll-ups, fruit chews, or gummies make a tasty treat and use real fruit.

50. Granola squares

I tend to send these cranberry granola bar squares in the late fall and around the holidays. My kids love the mix of tart and sweet.

homemade granola bars for gluten free lunch ideas

51. GF banana bread

Turn a classic into an allergen-friendly favorite and pack gluten-free banana bread with lunch.

52. Gluten-free chips

GF tortilla chips pair well with any and all of these gluten free lunch ideas! Eat them plain, or top them with taco salad for a twist on nachos!

Gluten-free pretzels are another terrific option that’s easy to pack, and many kids love.

bag of gluten free pretzels in a lunch box

Gluten-free lunch treats

Live life on the sweet side! Here are a few gluten free lunch ideas to round out the meal with a treat.

53. Peanut butter cookies

Yum! Few things are better than a homemade peanut butter cookie. We love these gluten-free chewy peanut butter cookies.

homemade peanut butter cookies

54. Oatmeal raisin cookies

This classic cookie is a staple in our house. Shy away from traditional versions in favor of these gluten-free oatmeal raisin cookies.

55. Chocolate chip cookies

Transform an oldie and favorite recipe into an allergen-friendly version with this recipe for gluten and dairy-free chocolate chip cookies.

56. Brownies

When you want pure decadence, make these gluten and dairy-free fudgy brownies. They’re a once-in-a-while special treat in my kids’ lunches.

brownies with gluten free ingredients for gluten free lunch ideas

57. Chocolate chip bars

Who loves cookie bars? (We do!) Try these gluten free chocolate chip bars – won’t even miss the gluten or dairy!

58. Chunky Monkey bites

Sometimes simple is the most satisfying! Chunky Monkey banana & chocolate bites will satisfy that sweet tooth without the guilt.

banana peanut butter snacks

59. Oatmeal bars

For something with just a touch of sweetness along with some protein and nutrients, try raspberry oatmeal bars. They’re so good that a pan only lasts a few minutes in our home.

60. Rice Krispie treats

Ah, the king of gluten-free desserts: gluten-free Rice Krispies treats. They’re easy and versatile, so it’s just as easy to make strawberry Rice Krispies treats when you want a change from the original flavor.

strawberry rice krispie treat snack

Supplies for packing gluten-free lunches

If you know how I do things, you know that I’m not a fan of having stuff simply for the sake of having it. That said, there are a few supplies that I recommend having and a few I recommend avoiding when packing any of these gluten free lunch ideas.

I do NOT recommend

  • Expensive bento boxes – they’re usually too small for anyone older than toddlers and way too pricey, especially if you have multiple kids like I do.
  • Cheaper plastic bento storage boxes – I’ve purchased at least 4 different versions, and they all leak with the lids not snapping on or breaking after a couple of weeks of use. They may be cheaper, but it’s still a waste of money.

School lunch supplies I DO recommend

  • Good quality lunch bag
    • For preschoolers or elementary-age kids, we love Lands’ End lunchboxes and this style.
    • For tweens in high school, my daughter loves this style, while my high school son prefers this larger lunchbag.
  • Reusable ice packs – these slim ice packs are ideal for sliding into any style lunch box or bag to keep items cool
  • Reusable storage containers – these are perfect for sandwiches/wraps or bringing leftovers to school. These containers are inexpensive and have lasted us a long time.
  • Thermos container – an insulated container is great for hot or cold leftovers.
  • Generic plastic sandwich bags – or (if you prefer) reusable storage zippered bags.
  • Reusable cutlery – we’ve given up on these as my kids lose them, and it’s too pricey to keep replacing 4 sets. But if you prefer reusable utensils, this set is very nice.
  • Water bottle – there are tons of options now, so search to find what works best for your child. We’ve had good luck with these styles:
    • Leak-Proof BPA-free 16oz Bottle – great for younger-elementary kids.
    • Nalgene 12oz Bottle – harder to close for younger children, but has worked well for my kids 7+.
    • 18oz Pogo – we’re trying these this year, and so far, they’ve been great

What are your favorite gluten free lunch ideas for kids?

simple gluten free lunches for picky eaters pin

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    Filed Under: Back to School, Fall, Food for Kids, Lunch, Recipes, Seasonal Tagged With: back to school, gluten-freePublished on May 30, 2023

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    About Erika

    Erika Bragdon is a flower essence practitioner and a second-generation homeschooling mom with 3 kids at home and 1 in college. She enjoys her chickens, goats, and gardening on a small farm in New Hampshire, and is passionate about sharing flower essences and more ways to renew body, mind, and soul with moms.

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