Just because your little one has a nut allergy doesn't mean they have to skip snack time. Check out our favorite nut-free snacks.
41 Nut-Free Snacks to Kids Will Love Taking to School
Updated on Sep. 18, 2024
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Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
Total Time
40 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These banana chocolate chip muffins are one of the first things my husband gets hungry for when he’s home from deployment. I make sure to have the overripe bananas ready. They’re a family tradition. —Kimberly Duda, Sanford, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 207 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 172mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
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Marshmallow Fruit Dip
Total Time
10 min
Servings
5 cups (40 servings)
From the Recipe Creator:
You can whip up this sweet and creamy dip in just 10 minutes. I like to serve it in a bowl surrounded by fresh-picked strawberries at spring brunches or luncheons. —Cindy Steffen, Cedarburg, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 56 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 24mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
3/41
Easy Cake Mix Bars
Total Time
25 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I take this dessert to work for Friday pick-me-ups. It's one of my favorite yellow cake bar recipes. I love to share them because they're so easy to eat, easy to make and easy on the wallet. —Amy Rose, Ballwin, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 113 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 102mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
4/41
Chocolate-Dipped Apple Rings
Total Time
2 hours 50 min
Servings
about 6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These apple treats are a staple in my Christmas goody packages. Sometimes I add an 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne to the cinnamon mixture for a little extra kick. —Laurie Bock, Lynden, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 dipped apple ring: 40 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 0 sodium, 5g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
5/41
Lunch Box Pizzas
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When you have these fun-to-make mini pizzas, it's no challenge finding lunch fare that the kids enjoy. Plus they pack nicely in sandwich bags and travel well, so there's no mess. —Rhonda Cliett, Belton, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 94 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 292mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
6/41
Red Velvet Cookies
Total Time
30 min
Servings
5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My student job in college was in the bakery. These dreamy morsels take me back to that special place and time. Red velvet lovers will appreciate this fun take on the cake. —Christina Petri, Alexandria, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 103 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 62mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
7/41
Chocolate Pretzel Rings
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
If you like chocolate-covered pretzels, you'll love these simple snacks. They're fun to make any time of year because you can color-coordinate the M&M's to each holiday. —Kim Scurio, Carol Stream, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
2 each: 69 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 55mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
8/41
Apple Yogurt Parfaits
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Get the morning started right with this super simple four-ingredient parfait. Try chunky or flavored applesauce for an easy variation. —Rebekah Radewahn, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 parfait: 158 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 70mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch.
9/41
Ranch Popcorn
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
What’s movie night at home without some popcorn to munch? Try a big tub of this buttery, showstopping blend. It’s easy, cheesy and finger-lickin’ good. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 188 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 690mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
10/41
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.
11/41
Fruity Cereal Bars
Total Time
20 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With dried apples and cranberries, these crispy cereal bars are perfect for snacks or brown-bag lunches. —Giovanna Kranenberg, Cambridge, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 111 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 73mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
12/41
Pinwheels
Total Time
20 min
Servings
about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend gave me this recipe, and whenever I serve these tortilla roll ups, people ask me for the recipe, too! The cream cheese pinwheels can be made ahead of time and sliced just before serving, leaving you time for other last-minute party preparations. —Pat Waymire, Yellow Springs, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 pinwheel: 63 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 119mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
13/41
Fruit & Cereal Snack Mix
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2-1/2 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
I mix dried cranberries, cherries, raisins and apple chips with cinnamon cereal for a kid-friendly snack. It’s wonderful all year, but we enjoy it at holiday parties in particular. —John Lancaster, Union Grove, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 223 calories, 5g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 162mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein.
14/41
Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 jumbo muffins
From the Recipe Creator:
These golden goodies are always popular at brunches and bake sales. For a great holiday gift, put the muffins in a pretty basket or other container and add a jar of preserves. Kimberly Baxter, Exeter, Rhode Island
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 496 calories, 23g fat (14g saturated fat), 131mg cholesterol, 517mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
15/41
Sprinkle Fruit Dip
Total Time
25 min
Servings
3 cups dip (14 cups fruit)
From the Recipe Creator:
Making this creamy mixture especially festive are its bright candy sprinkles. An assortment of fresh fruit "dippers" adds even more goodness. —Leslie Miller, Butler, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons dip with 1/2 cup fruit: 95 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 9mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein.
16/41
Mini S’mores
Total Time
55 min
Servings
about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Want to sink your teeth into s’mores all year long? Here’s the answer! Just combine marshmallow creme, chocolate and graham crackers for an awesome bite.—Stephanie Tewell, Elizabeth, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 145 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 66mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
17/41
Cheesy Snack Mix
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2-1/2 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
Our love for Mexican food inspired me to make party mix with taco seasoning. The flavor is so mild that it's even kid friendly. —Elizabeth Wynne, Aztec, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 151 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 362mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
18/41
Cinnamon-Raisin Granola Bars
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I make these chewy bars with cinnamon, raisin and maple for quick breakfast and road trip. You can use chocolate chips instead of raisins. —Kristina Miedema, Houghton, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 160 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 80mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
19/41
Salami Roll-Ups
Total Time
25 min
Servings
3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These bite-size appetizers are a cinch to make with just four ingredients—even your kids can help you with them! —Jean Baffuto, Apache Junction, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll-up: 49 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 120mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
20/41
Thyme-Sea Salt Crackers
Total Time
35 min
Servings
about 7 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These homemade crackers are decidedly light and crispy. An addictive snack on their own, they also pair well with a sharp white cheddar. —Jessica Wirth, Charlotte, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cracker: 23 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 45mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
21/41
Inside-Out Veggie Dip
Total Time
35 min
Servings
3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Cherry tomatoes and cucumber slices transform into these savory, bite-sized treats ideal for any gathering. —Judie Thurstenson, Colcord, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 23 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 45mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
22/41
Italian Wedding Cookies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
about 7 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Of all the Italian cookie recipes I make, this is my favorite. These sprinkle cookies take some time, but, believe me, they are well worth it! My husband and I used to operate an Italian American restaurant, and this recipe goes back generations. —Gloria Cracchiolo, Newburgh, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 87 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 49mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
23/41
Caramel Corn
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
about 5-1/2 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
My guests say they can't stop eating my caramel corn! For our basketball party I fix enough to fill a big red tin with our team's logo. The delectable syrup coats the popcorn well but isn't sticky. —Sharon Landeen, Tucson, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 230 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 343mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
24/41
Apricot Turkey Pinwheels
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 pinwheels
From the Recipe Creator:
I created these unique pinwheels for a football game snack using ingredients I had on hand. They were a huge hit! I appreciate how quick and easy they are to prepare. —Melanie Foster, Blaine, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 108 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 135mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
25/41
Apricot Leather
Total Time
2 hours 50 min
Servings
4 dozen pieces
From the Recipe Creator:
Since it's not sticky, this is a tasty, nutritious snack that's perfect to take along on whatever trail you travel. In pioneer days, fruit leather was made by thinly rolling fruit and drying it in the sun. —Patsy Faye Steenbock, Riverton, Wyoming
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 16 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 0 sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
26/41
Puffed Wheat Balls
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My Grandma Hunt is almost 90 years old. Whenever she comes over, she makes her famous Puffed Wheat Balls by the dozen. Her 82 grandchildren and 168 great-grandchildren all love them. —Lucile Proctor, Panguitch, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 129 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 35mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
27/41
S’mores Bars
Total Time
15 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
One night my husband had some friends over to play poker and he requested these s'mores bars. They polished off the pan and asked for more! I shared the recipe, and now their families make them, too. —Rebecca Shipp, Beebe, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 159 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 197mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
28/41
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.
29/41
Sweet and Salty Chex Mix
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
about 10 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
These crunchy munchies are sure to rank high with your family and friends. The combination of flavors gets this sweet and salty chex mix recipe just right. —Candice Lumley, Charles City, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 227 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 560mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
30/41
Fruit Skewers
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.
31/41
Easy Banana Muffins
Total Time
30 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This banana muffin recipe goes over so well with kids. Not only are these banana bread muffins like cupcakes, but they’re ready—start to finish—in just half an hour! —Lorna Greene, Harrington, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 209 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 209mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
32/41
Taco Crackers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
One handful of these crispy oyster crackers is never enough. Taco seasoning and chili powder give the munchies a fun southwestern flavor. Partygoers always come back for more.
- Diane Earnest
Newton, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 161 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 352mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
33/41
Snickerdoodle Blondies
Total Time
50 min
Servings
20 bars
From the Recipe Creator:
When asked to bring a dessert for my boys' football team to share, I whipped up these unique blondies and was instantly named "the greatest mom" by all. —Valonda Seward, Coarsegold, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 235 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 180mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
34/41
Mandarin Turkey Pinwheels
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Curry, smoked turkey and mandarin oranges give these pinwheels their unique flavor. My cousin and I made them for an open house and people came back for seconds...and then thirds! —Lorie Miner, Kamas, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 50 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 149mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
35/41
Chili-Lime Snack Mix
Total Time
15 min
Servings
3 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
Why buy a pricey bagged snack mix when you can easily make a better-tasting one at home? Create a Southwestern sensation with chili powder, cayenne pepper and a twist of lime. —Julie Beckwith, Crete, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 162 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 286mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
36/41
Black & White Cereal Treats
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
When my daughter was just 7 years old, she had the brilliant idea of adding Oreo cookies to cereal treats. Now an adult, she still asks for them on occasion; they're that good. —Tammy Phoenix, Ava, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 189 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 123mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
37/41
Sweet Chipotle Pretzels
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Pretzels are a great snack food. I love this recipe because it is sweet as well as spicy, but not too spicy. It's a great combination for munching. —Geraldine Saucier, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 209 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 524mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
38/41
Fruit Salsa
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 cups salsa and 80 chips
From the Recipe Creator:
I first made this fresh fruit salsa for a family baby shower. Everyone wanted the recipe. Now, someone makes this juicy snack for just about every family gathering—and I have to keep reminding everyone who introduced it! —Jessica Robinson, Indian Trail, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons salsa with 4 chips: 134 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 136mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
39/41
S’mores on a Stick
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My kids love to take these for treats everywhere. That's lucky for me since they are so easy to make. Beside the sprinkles, try mini candies for toppings.—Ronda Weirich, Plains, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 177 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 118mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
40/41
Herb & Sun-Dried Tomato Muffins
Total Time
40 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Mom served these muffins instead of bread or buns. Now I make them to serve with soup or chili. — Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 161 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 277mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch.
41/41
Easy Elephant Ears
Total Time
35 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
You’ll love the classic cinnamon-sugar flavor of these crispy bite-size treats. Even more, you’ll love that they call for just three ingredients and are so simple to assemble. —Bob Rose, Waukesha, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 elephant ear: 87 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 51mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
