6 Top Nine Allergen-Friendly Snacks You Never Thought Of

Finding snacks that cater to various dietary restrictions can often feel like finding a needle in a haystack. For people with allergies or sensitivities to common ingredients like wheat or nuts, obtaining tasty treats can be particularly challenging.

Cookies or chips are often laden with allergens. But if you’re in search of allergen-friendly foods that align with your dietary preferences, look no further. The six tasty, allergy-friendly snacks highlighted below avoid most of these top nine allergens:

• Wheat
• Peanuts
• Tree nuts
• Soybeans
• Sesame
• Milk
• Eggs
• Fish
• Crustacean shellfish

However, it’s important to note that the list below is not all-inclusive, and not all of these types of snacks can pass as allergen-friendly snacks all the time. While numerous brands and snack varieties are available to accommodate various dietary requirements, it’s essential to check labels diligently to ensure the safety of people with dietary restrictions.  

Whether a snack is allergen-friendly will depend on the brand and even the specific product within a brand’s lineup. Consider popcorn, for example. While it’s often considered an allergen-friendly snack, some varieties may be drizzled with peanut butter. This highlights the importance of thoroughly reviewing packaging before enjoying store-bought snacks.  

Manufacturers are required to identify the top nine allergens, but there may be other ingredients that do not meet your dietary requirements so always be sure to read the label of any food product.

With that caveat in mind, here are six snacks to look for that may work for your dietary needs:

1. LK Meat Snacks

LK meat snacks are certified top 9 allergen free, certified gluten free, and paleo-friendly.

Try our classic Smoke Show Beef Jerky or Smoke Show Beef Sticks for a savory and satisfying allergen-friendly snack — even the pickiest snackers will love them. Made with 100% grass-fed and finished beef and boasting 8 grams of protein per serving, these beef sticks are seasoned with a blend of simple ingredients and slow-smoked to perfection. Our meat sticks come in multiple flavor options, like our Chicka Boom Chicken Sticks and Heat Seeker Jalepeño Beef Stick for some heat or our Herb-A Licious Turkey Sticks for a savory bite, making allergen-free snacking fun. 

2. Rice Cakes

This light snack makes for crunchy treats. It’s perfect for enjoying on its own or as a base for toppings. You can further avoid allergens by choosing toppings that are also safe to consume.

You can find them in options like plain, frosted, or infused with quinoa. There’s a rice cake variety to suit every taste and dietary preference.

While rice cakes may seem like an unexpected choice, many people overlook their potential as a foundation for other flavors and ingredients. They make it easy to create delicious, allergen-friendly snacks that meet your specific dietary needs and cravings.

3. Popcorn

This is a go-to choice if you’re looking to indulge. Popcorn provides a deeply satisfying crunch and can be enjoyed plain or dressed up with an array of seasonings and toppings.

For adventurous snackers, making popcorn at home allows for experimentation with various seasonings, herbs, and other allergen-friendly ingredients. You can elevate its flavor profile to you or your family’s delight. However, it’s crucial to exercise caution and confirm the allergen-friendliness of any added toppings. 

Be aware that some pre-packaged microwave popcorn variants may contain dairy ingredients or other allergens. 

4. Plant-Based Crackers

Plant-based crackers are a great option for busy moms seeking convenience. They’re easily portable for lunch boxes and cater to people with various allergies. 

These crackers boast a diverse array of ingredients like vegetables, seeds, lentils, millet, potato starch, cornmeal, or cauliflower flour. These alternatives are friendly to top nine allergen-sensitive people, as they steer clear of wheat flour. 

5. Fruit Strips

Fruit strips are like fruit snacks but shaped in long, slender strips. This makes them easy to grab and enjoy on the go. Fruit strips are lightweight and easy to store, and they can be packed in a bag or lunch box. Many varieties of fruit strips are free of the nine main allergens. Because of their innate sweetness and fruity profile, these allergen-friendly snacks can be a hit with schoolchildren.

Always check the labels of store-bought fruit strips, especially unfamiliar brands, before purchasing them to verify that they’re allergen-friendly.

6. Veggie Chips

Veggie chips are an excellent allergen-friendly snack. They’re typically free from the top nine allergens that can pose challenges for those with dietary restrictions. Still, play it safe by doing a meticulous packaging review. Take note of the ingredients before purchasing any of your favorite brands. 

You don’t have to sacrifice flavor, though. If you make your own veggie chips, there are countless ways to enhance the taste and nutritional value and turn them into irresistible treats for any occasion. 

• Use flavored oil like truffle, garlic, or chili oil to toss the veggies in before baking. 
• Experiment with different seasoning mixes like ranch, cajun, or chili-lime seasoning. You can buy pre-made blends or make your own.

There’s an abundance of plant-based and nut-free recipes that will help you create homemade veggie chips that are allergen-friendly and brimming with taste. Choices vary from potato chips to crispy kale chips to crunchy carrot chips. There’s a recipe out there for everyone!

Confidently Chomp on LK Allergen-Friendly Snacks

Having to choose just allergen-friendly foods often feels like a roadblock to enjoying food or snack times freely. As such, discovering new allergen-friendly options can be a game-changer. 

We’ve explored six unexpected treats that are allergen-friendly and delicious. 

If you’re already thinking about where to begin, you can start by diving into our selection of certified top 9 allergen free meat snacks. Explore our full range at our online shop or check us out at your nearest Costco. You’re sure to find something to enjoy!