These gluten-free snack recipes are anything but bland. Find homemade ideas for dips, chips, sweet treats and more.
37 Gluten-Free Snacks to Add to Your Lunchbox
Updated on Sep. 17, 2024
Homemade Guacamole
Nothing is better than freshly made guacamole when you’re eating something spicy. It is easy to whip together in a matter of minutes and quickly tames anything that’s too hot. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
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Homemade Tortilla Chips
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I make these homemade tortilla chips to serve with roasted tomatillo salsa. They have a little heat from the chipotle. If you prefer plain, just sprinkle with salt after frying. —David Ross, Spokane Valley, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
10 chips: 183 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 479mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein.
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Rosemary Walnuts
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
My Aunt Mary started making this recipe years ago. Each time we visited, she would have a batch ready for us. The use of cayenne adds an unexpected zing to the savory combo of rosemary and walnuts. When you need a good housewarming or hostess gift, double the batch and save half for yourself. —Renee Ciancio, New Bern, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 166 calories, 17g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 118mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat.
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Antipasto Skewers
Total Time
35 min
Servings
40 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I met at a cooking class. We have loved creating menus and entertaining ever since. These make-ahead antipasto skewers are always a hit. —Denise Hazen, Cincinnati, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob: 66 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 315mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
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Slow-Cooker Hard-Boiled Eggs
Total Time
2 hours 5 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These slow-cooker hard-boiled eggs are my go-to for a group. They’re a lifesaver and perfect for the holidays! I love the walk-away convenience. —Rashanda Cobbins, Taste of Home Food Editor
Nutrition Facts:
1 egg: 72 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 186mg cholesterol, 71mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 medium-fat meat.
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Chocolate Date Energy Balls
Total Time
20 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Eating just one of these healthy chocolate date energy balls satisfies my sweet tooth without added refined sugar. My recipe is a spinoff of an energy ball my daughter made for me when I was testing for my taekwondo black belt. —Barbara Estabrook, Appleton, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 ball: 125 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 25mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
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Cheese-Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes
Total Time
15 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These tomato bites are easy to fix as an appetizer or salad. It’s impossible to eat just one. —Mary Lou, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 tomato: 111 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 93mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
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Gluten- and Dairy-Free Cinnamon Raisin Bread
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After learning of gluten and dairy issues in our family, I knew I had to re-create our favorite sweet bread. This gluten-free bread can be made using a premixed gluten-free flour or your own homemade blend. We use coconut milk to make it dairy-free, but any type of milk works! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 295 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 180mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
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Best Hummus
Total Time
45 min
Servings
1-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Hummus is my go-to appetizer when I need something quick, easy and impressive. Over the years I’ve picked up a number of tricks that make this the best hummus recipe you’ll ever have. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 250 calories, 19g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 361mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 5g fiber), 7g protein.
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Old Bay Crispy Kale Chips
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here in East Hampton, NY, harvesttime means big bunches of kale from local growers. These crunchy kale chips are delicious, super healthy and easy to make. I make them with seasoning to take the flavor up a notch. For extra zip, add a dash of cayenne pepper. —Luanne Asta, East Hampton, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 101 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 202mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
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Lemony Snack Mix
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2-3/4 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
I’m on a gluten-restricted diet. I came up with this snack mix one day when I wanted something fast and easy that tasted like lemon bars. It makes a great gift, and folks love the light and fresh citrus flavor. —Patricia Sensenich, Olanthe, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 288 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 215mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Sausage Squash Kabobs
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Expect a crowd to gather around the grill when these flavorful kabobs are cooking. The zesty honey-mustard glaze gives a lovely sheen to the sausage and veggies. —Lisa Malynn Kent, North Richland Hills, Texas.
Nutrition Facts:
2 kabobs: 385 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 1491mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (40g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein.
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Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Muffins
Total Time
45 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I have a family member with special dietary needs, so I came up with these gluten-free sweet potato muffins that we could all enjoy. These are just as good as any traditional recipe, maybe better! If you don’t have sweet potato on hand, canned pumpkin may be used instead. —Kallee Krong-Mccreery, Escondido, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 231 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 217mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
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Kettle Corn
Total Time
15 min
Servings
3 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
If you go to a fair looking to satisfy your craving for popcorn, you’ll get the same wonderful salty-sweet taste at home with my kettle corn recipe. Now you can indulge whenever the mood strikes you. —Jenn Martin, Sebago, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 91 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 114mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
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Herbed Feta Dip
Total Time
25 min
Servings
3 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Guests can’t get enough of this thick, zesty dip that bursts with fresh Mediterranean flavor. The feta cheese and fresh mint complement each other beautifully, creating the perfect sidekick for crunchy carrots, toasted pita chips, sliced baguettes or any other dipper you fancy.—Rebecca Ray, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 176 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 361mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
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Spicy Edamame
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Edamame (pronounced ay-duh-MAH-may) are young soybeans in their pods. In our Test Kitchen, we boiled and seasoned them with salt, ginger, garlic powder and red pepper flakes. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 52 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 642mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
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Garlic Pumpkin Seeds
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Wondering what to do with all those pumpkin seeds guests will be scooping out at your pumpkin-carving party? This yummy, microwave-easy recipe is the answer! Save some for yourself before they’re gone! —Iola Egle, Bella Vista, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 87 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 191mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
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Baba Ganoush
Total Time
35 min
Servings
1 cup
From the Recipe Creator:
Baba ganoush (also spelled baba ghanoush or baba ghanouj) is a Lebanese dip made with roasted eggplant. It’s typically served as a starter with pita bread or fresh vegetables. —Nithya Narasimhan, Chennai, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 74 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 297mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
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Gluten-Free Fig Cookies
Total Time
45 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These special cookies definitely don’t taste gluten-free. For added appeal, I soak the figs overnight in a mixture of port and pomegranate juice. Twinkle30 – Tasteofhome.com community
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 105 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 83mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
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Cinnamon Spiced Pecans
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 6 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
These spiced pecans are a treat enjoyed by people of all ages. They are nice to have on hand during the Christmas season to serve as an appetizer, add to a cookie plate or give as gifts packaged in decorated jars or containers! I love making foods that will delight my family or guests. —Brenda Schneider, Armington, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1/3 cup: 198 calories, 18g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 69mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
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Ham Pickle Pinwheels
Total Time
15 min
Servings
about 3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom introduced me to this ham pickle pinwheels appetizer a number of years ago, and I’ve been making them for parties ever since. They are easy to make and are always well received by guests. —Gloria Jarrett, Loveland, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 34 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 105mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
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Air-Fryer Sweet Potato Chips
Total Time
35 min
Servings
12 servings (1-1/2 cups dip)
From the Recipe Creator:
This air-fryer sweet potato chips recipe is so quick and easy. Be sure to give the sweet potato slices a quick soak in cold water to help remove some of the excess starch. —Elizabeth Godecke, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup chips with about 2 tablespoons dip: 285 calories, 16g fat (4g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 217mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein.
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Nut Butter Cups
Total Time
20 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My indulgent, nutty treat is simple to make and looks fabulous. At our house, we use all-natural ingredients for them. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 date nut bite: 293 calories, 23g fat (7g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 73mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 4g fiber), 6g protein.
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Fruit and Cheese Kabobs
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 kabobs (1-1/2 cups dip)
From the Recipe Creator:
We came up with this fresh and fruity summer snack idea. It’s easy to make ahead and carry to the ballpark, beach or playground, and the cinnamon-spiced yogurt dip adds a fun touch kids love. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob with 2 tablespoons dip: 147 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 143mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
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Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
Total Time
10 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I have to be super careful when cooking for my daughter because of food sensitivities, so I make these no-bake peanut butter oatmeal bars with certified gluten-free oats. Everyone loves these bars when we go to picnics or potlucks, and I know there will be a dessert for my daughter! —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 355 calories, 17g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 122mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 4g fiber), 10g protein.
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Dill Vegetable Dip
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend gave me this zesty dip recipe many years ago, and now I serve it at our annual holiday open house. To make it mobile, spoon a serving of the dip in the bottom of a small cup, then garnish with fresh veggies. —Karen Gardiner, Eutaw, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 107 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 187mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
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Garlic & Onion Cashews
Total Time
15 min
Servings
3 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
You’ll be set for either a quick snack or an easy hostess gift when you use this recipe. —Anndrea Bailey, Huntington Beach, California
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 237 calories, 20g fat (4g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 754mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
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Garlic Bread Bites
Total Time
30 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These garlic bread bites are ridiculously easy to make and insanely tasty! To make them extra cheesy, sprinkle the tops with more mozzarella cheese after taking them out of the oven the second time, and then return them to the oven until the cheese is melted. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce. —Anna Bowden, Littleton, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 144 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 224mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
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Nuts and Seeds Trail Mix
Total Time
5 min
Servings
5 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
A filling blend of nuts, seeds, chocolate chips and dried fruit keeps you healthy by the handful. —Kristin Rimkus, Snohomish, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1/3 cup: 336 calories, 25g fat (6g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 96mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 4g fiber), 11g protein.
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Chili-Lime Roasted Chickpeas
Total Time
50 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking for a lighter snack that’s still a crowd-pleaser? You’ve found it! This zesty, crunchy chickpea recipe will have everyone happily munching. —Julie Ruble, Charlotte, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1/3 cup: 178 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 463mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
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Slow-Cooked Salsa
Total Time
2 hours 45 min
Servings
about 2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the fresh taste of homemade salsa, but as a working mother, I don’t have much time to make it. So I came up with this slow-cooked version that practically makes itself! —Toni Menard, Lompoc, California
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 20 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 5mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 free food.
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Gluten-Free Banana Bread
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
2 loaves (12 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This gluten-free banana bread recipe isn’t dry and crumbly—it tastes like the real thing. I hope you try it! —Gladys Arnold, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 147 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 89mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
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Tex-Mex Popcorn
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
Spicy Southwest seasoning makes this snackin’-good popcorn ideal for any fiesta. —Katie Rose, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 44 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 150mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
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Caprese Salad Kabobs
Total Time
10 min
Servings
12 kabobs
From the Recipe Creator:
Trade in the usual veggie platter for these fun kabobs. In addition to preparing these for get-togethers, I often make these as snacks for my family. And because assembly is so easy, the kids often ask to help. —Christine Mitchell, Glendora, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob: 44 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 10mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat.
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Spicy Peanuts
Total Time
30 min
Servings
3 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Liven up plain peanuts with a sweet-and-spicy blend of flavors from sugar, cumin and cayenne pepper. You'll want to double...or triple...this spicy peanuts recipe! —Holly Kunkle, Walton, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1/3 cup: 335 calories, 28g fat (4g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 266mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 12g protein.
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Parmesan Yogurt Dip
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1-1/4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
We like to eat raw vegetables a few times a week as a side dish for a meal, and this is a healthier alternative to ranch dressing for a veggie dip. —Kathleen Tribble, Buellton, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 30 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 120mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch.
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Homemade Potato Chips
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Forget buying a bag of potato chips at the grocery store when you can make these at home. This quick and easy recipe will delight everyone in the family. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 176 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 703mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
