Lunchbox Snacks for School: 10 Dairy-Free Finds

dairy-free lunchbox snacks

Parents rejoice—the school season is here. And whether your little ones are going back to school or learning at home, you’ll still need to be prepared for their favorite time of the school day: lunch. Appease their grumbling bellies with these dairy-free lunchbox snacks. Trust us—they’re so good, you may just wind up eating them all yourself.

10 dairy-free lunchbox snacks

Whether your children are dairy-free because they adhere to a vegan diet or due to lactose intolerance, they can still enjoy their favorite milky and cheesy treats—sans the dairy, of course. From vegan yogurt to pudding and granola bars, we’ve got ten of the tastiest dairy-free snacks that are worthy of any kid’s (or parent’s) lunchbox. Happy eating.

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Miyoko’s Creamery Plant-Based Cheddar Cheese Sticks

What’s a lunchbox meal without cheese sticks? Luckily for your kiddos, Miyoko’s Creamery makes dairy-free cheddar cheese sticks that are individually wrapped and pull apart just like their stringy, dairy-based counterparts. They’re also made with wholesome, plant-based ingredients like organic oats, organic chickpeas, and plant milk.

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Go-Gurt Dairy Free Strawberry 

That’s right—dairy-free Go-Gurts are a thing. Cue the nostalgia. This creamy, strawberry goodness is served in a tube (no spoon necessary!). It features a coconut base and is free from high fructose corn syrup and artificial colors and flavors. It’s also a good source of calcium. 

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Petit Pot Dark Chocolate Organic French Pudding

Okay, this one you definitely will not want to share. The decadent dairy-free snack is made with coconut milk, dark chocolate, and cane sugar, among other ingredients. Plus, it comes in a little reusable glass jar. If your child isn’t a fan of dark chocolate, the company also makes a Vanilla Rice Pudding sans any dairy. Featuring pure Madagascar vanilla, coconut milk, and vanilla bean seeds, they won’t be able to put it down.

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Partake Foods Birthday Cake Cookies

Perfect for little ones with food allergies, these crunchy cookies are free from the top eight common allergens. Even better, a portion of the company’s profits goes to help charities that support food-insecure children living in the U.S.

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These bad boys are like a mashup between granola bars and chocolate chip cookies. And they’re. dang. good. Featuring a full serving of veggies (like spinach, broccoli, and carrots), these chewy cookie bars are free from some of the most common allergens.

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Earth Balance Vegan Cheddar Squares

The vegan equivalent of a Cheez-It, these dairy-free cheddar squares are dangerously delicious. Throw a handful in a container for your kid. Or eat them straight out of the box yourself. 

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Hippeas Organic Chickpea Puffs Vegan White Cheddar

Cheetos aren’t vegan. But these white cheddar puffs certainly are. Crunchy, cheesy, and dairy-free, these organic chickpea snacks feature four grams of protein and three grams of fiber per one-ounce serving. 

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SkinnyPop White Cheddar Popcorn

What kid doesn’t like popcorn? These individual snack-sized bags are a healthier alternative to traditional popcorn. They contain only a handful of ingredients, including popcorn, sunflower oil, natural non-dairy cheddar flavor, and salt. Featuring 100 calories per bag, this vegan popcorn contains zero trans fat and is free from peanuts, tree nuts, and preservatives.

Annie’s Organic Vegan Mac

Mac and cheese, but make it vegan. Creamy, cheesy goodness in a cup, Annie’s Organic Vegan Mac is a convenient snack, so long as your children have access to a microwave. Featuring organic pasta and plant-based ingredients, you cannot go wrong with this treat.

Petits Filous Dairy Free Yogurt

One of the U.K.’s top yogurt brands, Petits Filous recently launched its first range of dairy-free yogurts. Available in a raspberry flavor, the company said the release was due to rising demand among parents for non-dairy products. The almond-based yogurts are now available at Tesco.

Looking for more lunchbox ideas? Check out our guides to fruit snacks or these easy recipes.


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