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Top 10 Quick and Healthy Gluten-Free Snack Ideas

Shannan Bergtholdt author image
A dish with hummus and chopped cucumber and carrots
It is possible to make simple and delicious gluten-free snacks without expensive, obscure ingredients. With a little inspiration, you can learn to make nutritious and satisfying gluten-free snacks with foods you have at home.

There are few things more disappointing than trying a new gluten-free product and it tastes terrible. Today we are sharing snack ideas from everyday foods. Many of the snacks contain naturally gluten-free foods and others are made with gluten-free alternatives. 

Snacks should be fast and convenient. We are sharing ten quick and healthy gluten-free snack ideas that are easy to prepare. Try adding one of these smart snacks to your routine today. 

Getting Started with Gluten-Free Snacks

Whether you have just gone gluten-free or are looking to shake up your snack routine, there are many foods that are naturally gluten-free that you should know. 

Foods that are naturally gluten-free:

  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Beans, Peas, and Legumes
  • Nuts and Seeds
  • Meats, Poultry, and Fish
  • Soy Foods
  • Dairy
  • Oats
  • Gluten-Free Flours: almond, chickpea, quinoa, rice, corn, coconut
  • Fats and oils

If you don’t have time to scour ingredient lists, you can find meals from certified gluten-free kitchens delivered right to your door from meal delivery services

10 Quick and Healthy Gluten-Free Snack Ideas

1. Apples and Cheese

All apple varieties are naturally gluten-free and a solid source of nutrition. Apples contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. Fiber and gut health is important especially for individuals following a gluten-free diet for digestive health. 

Apple peels are where antioxidants and vitamins are concentrated. Apple flesh contains pectin, a soluble fiber, which plays a role in digestive and cardiovascular health. 

Pairing apples with cheese provides carbohydrates from the apple, as well as fat and protein from the cheese. The addition of fat and protein will help keep you full until your next meal. Grab an apple with a cheese stick as a quick option or if you have time, slice the apple and cheese to enjoy together. 

2. Celery and Peanut Butter

Feel like a kid again while making an adult version of ants on a log with celery and peanut butter. Celery can be a nutritious way to cut gluten and add a vegetable serving when you swap it for crackers. 

Celery is a snack food that can be prepped at the beginning of the week and stored in the refrigerator until needed. You can slice celery and store it in an airtight container with a little water for several days. 

Place your peanut butter or other nut/seed butters of your choice into a small container. Then, dip your celery into the peanut butter for a snack you can take on the go or enjoy at home. 

3. Mason Jar Beef Fajita Taco Salad

Make a meal and a snack from a single menu option. You can create a mason jar beef fajita taco salad while preparing dinner from Green Chef

Green Chef kitchens were the first to be certified gluten-free and they are a certified organic company. You can have certified gluten-free meals delivered right to your door.

To make your snack, begin with a clean mason jar or a reusable container. As you are preparing the beef fajita taco salad, layer each ingredient into the mason jar. Start with romaine lettuce, then add cabbage, peppers, and ground beef. Top the mason jar salad with tomatoes, guacamole, and chimichurri. Done! 

Try out Green Chef and get started with its delicious Beef Fajita Taco Salad.

Green Chef Green Chef View Plans

4. Yogurt and Berries

Yogurt with berries is a classic snack that is naturally gluten-free and can be modified as needed for time and taste. 

For example, if you are in a rush, grab a packaged yogurt and put berries into a container to take with you. If you have more time, mix the yogurt and berries together in a bowl and sprinkle other toppings such as flax seeds, shredded coconut or gluten-free granola. 

Did you know that fresh and frozen berries have the same nutrition profile? Frozen berries are harvested at peak ripeness and then flash-frozen, so the nutrients are preserved. Yogurt is a great source of probiotics, calcium, and protein. 

5. Carrots and Hummus

Looking for a crunchy ` that is also good for you? Carrots and hummus are the perfect combination of crunchy and savory. 

Baby carrots have a slightly sweet flavor and their bright orange color tells you that it is loaded with vitamins. The orange vitamin is beta carotene, which gets converted into vitamin A in the body and is essential for good skin health. 

Chickpeas and sesame seeds are naturally gluten-free. Chickpeas and tahini are the foundational elements of hummus. Hummus contains fiber and protein, which are a good complement to the carbohydrates in carrots. 

You could add gluten-free pretzels or crackers to this snack if you are looking for a little extra salty, crunchy texture. 

6. Deli Roll-Up

The best part about a deli roll-up snack is that there is no limit to how you can mix and match ingredients. Plus, this is a snack that you can prepare in less than 5 minutes. 

The foundation of a deli roll-up is a slice of deli meat and a slice of cheese. You can add a gluten-free tortilla if you are looking for a more robust snack. 

For a grain-free option, start with a deli meat of your choice. Next, pick a slice of cheese, roll up and enjoy. Keep your roll-up simple or add some flavor with a filling like a pickle or tomato slices. 

If you’d like a vegetarian alternative, start with a gluten-free tortilla, spread a layer of hummus or cream cheese, then add vegetables like roasted red peppers, baby spinach, and olives. Experiment with different flavor combinations to find a roll-up that is right for you. 

7. Ginger Turmeric Power Bowl

Why go to the vending machine when you can get certified gluten-free meals delivered right to your door? 

Ginger Turmeric Power Bowls from Freshly is an all-star snack at any hour. With only 260 calories, this power bowl has fewer calories than many snacks in a vending machine and much more nutrition. 

This ginger turmeric power bowl with cauliflower rice, seared chicken, veggies, and ginger turmeric sauce can be enjoyed at mealtime or any time. Since this snack is pre-prepared, all you have to do is heat when you’re ready to eat. 

Freshly has 100% gluten-free kitchens certified by the Gluten Intolerance Group. You can feel secure knowing that their gluten-free menu options will meet your individual needs. 

8. Easy Overnight Oats

Are oats really gluten-free? According to the Gluten Intolerance Group, yes, oats in their natural state are gluten-free and can be enjoyed by many people with gluten allergies and celiac disease. 

Oats become problematic for many people with a gluten intolerance during processing. The oats may come into contact with gluten-containing grains such as wheat. Looking for certified gluten-free facilities can help identify potentially safe oat brands. 

You can make a quick and healthy gluten-free snack while you sleep with this easy overnight oats recipe. If you can remember a simple ratio of 2:1 for the liquid to oats, then you can make overnight oats. 

Start with an empty container. Add ½ cup dry oats and 1 cup milk. You can choose any kind of milk including nut and soy milk. Cover your container and let the oats sit overnight in the refrigerator. In the morning, stir in your favorite toppings like bananas, granola, berries, peanut butter, or honey. 

9. Jerky and Dried Fruit

Jerky and dried fruit are perfect for road trips, hiking trips, or just a quick trip to the kitchen. Since jerky is essentially cured, dried meat, it is a high-protein snack food. 

Beef and turkey jerky are the most widely available and affordable options. Salmon jerky is gaining in some popularity but may be more difficult to find. 

Dried fruits can be a good alternative if you need a fruit serving that travels well. Many dried fruits have added sugars. The fruit itself is naturally sweet, so try looking for an unsweetened version of dried fruits 

10. Veggie Chips and Bean Dip

Is your favorite snack combination chips and dip? Give potato chips a healthy twist with baked veggie chips. Many vegetables including sweet potatoes, beets, turnips, rutabaga can all be transformed into chips. 

You can try making homemade veggie chips by roasting thinly sliced vegetables or look for baked veggie chip varieties at the store. 

Beans are naturally gluten-free, high in fiber, and contain protein. You can make your own bean dip with a blender and a few ingredients for a homemade feel. Black beans, salsa, lime juice, and cilantro blend well for a quick bean dip. 

You can also find many prepared bean dips at the grocery store if you are looking for a faster option. 

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re starting a new gluten-free routine or finding yourself stuck eating the same foods, you can find a good variety of snacks that work for you. 

Gluten-free snacking doesn’t mean you need to make complicated recipes with expensive ingredients. There are many options you can make with naturally gluten-free foods that you have in your home today. 

You can find many of the ingredients for these snacks at most grocery stores. For the weeks when time is tight and snack preparation is not an option, discover many of the gluten-free meal delivery service options available. 

Shannan Bergtholdt author image
Shannan Bergtholdt, MS Ed, RDN writes for top10.com and is a Registered Dietitian with over 20 years of experience. Her original research studies were published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association as well as Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise. As a consultant, she has diverse sales copywriting and freelance experience delivering practical and actionable nutrition information.

*The information on this site is based on research, but should not be treated as medical advice. Before beginning any new diet plan, we recommend consulting with a physician or other professional healthcare provider. Results may vary based on various health factors, individual weight loss plans and adherence to the meal plan.