53 Best Healthy Dairy Free Snacks
Want to eat healthier but on a special dairy-free diet? Here are 53 of the best healthy dairy free snack ideas! Whether you’re after an easy snack, a sweet treat, or some healthy snacks that are gluten-free, this list should do the trick!
Hi there! Ready for some healthy dairy free snacks? You’re in the right place!
Why healthy dairy-free snacks?
While I am not completely dairy free, I recognize that the consumption of too much dairy can be bad for the liver, hormones, and it can also be inflammatory.
This partly depends on what type of dairy you consume, but I have found that I experience more bloat and breakouts when I over-do it on cheese and butter.
I’m not a nutritionist or food scientist, so I don’t know exactly how dairy acts in the body, but I do know that it can vary a LOT for different people.
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I’m not here to advocate for an entirely dairy-free diet, because I don’t necessarily think that dairy is the problem. (It’s more like the process and the quality of animals and their care are the problem.)
So I won’t get into that debate, but I will say this – if you are consuming a lot of dairy, just see what happens when you scale back a little bit!
I think that the most fun part of eating a little less dairy is the adventure of trying new dairy-free products.
I recently discovered the most delicious almond milk yogurt, as well as some yummy almond milk shakes.
Now I like to eat them just because they are good and they make great healthy snack ideas!
When I need a sweet treat, I know that I can always reach for one of those things. Having a backup plan is important when you’re tempted to reach for something unhealthy.
If you’re new to eating dairy-free, or if you want to cut back on dairy products, this list of the best healthy dairy free snacks should help!
It can take some time to get used to eating less dairy.
Once you have a few favorite dairy-free snack ideas up your sleeve, it gets easier and easier!
If you don’t already know it by now, you should be eating a wide variety of foods daily. Most people do not meet their micronutrient (vitamin and mineral) needs because they simply don’t do this.
Again, I struggle with this too. Using this list of healthy snack ideas will make that so much easier.
Just keep in mind that just because something is dairy-free doesn’t mean it’s healthy or good-quality! (Bummer.) Watch out for added sugars and opt for whole foods when you can!
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These snack options include all kinds of things that might make the best dairy-free snack.
But one more thing – not everything here might work for you and your goals! For example, I do not have Celiac disease, and as such I don’t feel the need to be gluten-free. (I do try to choose healthy gluten options though.)
I also don’t have a dairy allergy even though I choose to eat less dairy. For me and my goals, I would be choosing things based on grams of protein, being easy snack foods, and good quality.
I am not much fun when I have to spend a ton of time planning food, and I love my snack time to be no-fuss! So those are factors, too.
For that reason, I have posted dairy-free snack recipes at the end.
These things will involve more prep and maybe even cooking time, and most involve several ingredients.
For those most part, unless I’m feeling ambitious, those are not going to work for me.
So every one of those lengthier healthy snack recipes is below – scroll down! You can also find a million-and-one ideas on Pinterest.
Onto the snack ideas!
53 Best Healthy Dairy Free Snacks
1. Apple Chips
The freeze-dried kind! I think they even have cinnamon ones.
2. Jerky / Pepperoni Sticks
You can get low-sugar, low-sodium varieties to make them healthier! If you have a dehydrator, you can even make your own.
3. Tortilla Chips
There are so many healthy tortilla chip varieties out there!
4. Baby Carrots
Dip in hummus if you want!
5. Dairy- Free Dark Chocolate Bar
6. Graham Crackers
7. Cucumber Slices
I like to put a little vinegar and dill weed on mine!
8. Pita Bread & Hummus
A delicious combination.
9. Banana Slices
Or dried banana chips!
10. Fruit Leather
Not just for kids!
11. Dairy-Free Yogurt
Silk chocolate coconut (made with almond milk) is my favorite – but there are lots of different flavors!
12. Homemade Granola Bars
A great alternative to the common sugar-laden grocery store variety! See below for a recipe.
13. Dried Chickpea Snacks
Think Corn Nuts, but healthier! You can find these in the health food aisles.
14. Almond Butter
Opt for a low-sugar / natural version.
15. Pretzels
Super low in fat, oddly satisfying!
16. Rice Cakes
Caramel are my personal favorite.
17. Peanut Butter
Go with a natural variety if you can!
18. Apple Slices
Just put a little lime juice (lemon works too) if you plan to take them on the road!
19. Sunflower Seed
20. Sweet Potato Chips
You can even make your own with a little olive oil and salt!
21. Veggie Straws
We love the ranch flavored ones, but check to make sure the ones you choose are indeed dairy-free!
22. Coconut Milk
If you like coconut, coconut milk can be a great to-go snack/drink.
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23. Dairy-Free Chocolate Chips
A must-try if you have a lactose intolerance. They make milk chocolate and dark, too.
24. Nut Bars
25. Dates
26. RX Bars
Super simple ingredients, typically sweetened with dates.
27. Snap Peas
Or any fresh vegetables, really!
28. Celery Sticks
One of my favorite ways to eat celery is definitely with peanut butter on top.
29. Raisins
30. Vegan Protein Shakes
Yep, they make those! (Often with pea protein.)
31. Vegan Carrot Muffins
See my very own recipe for vegan carrot muffins here.
32. Breakfast Egg Cups
Just skip the cheese!
33. Mini Wheat Bagels
Skip the cream cheese and top with avocado or deli meat.
34. Oatmeal or Rolled Oats
They even make convenient to-go cups these days.
35. Smoothie Bowls
Use fresh fruit if you can!
36. Banana Ice Cream
This is basically just blended frozen bananas. 🙂
37. Avocado Toast
Get creative with the toppings!
38. Grapes
The darker the grapes in color, the more antioxidants they have!
39. Blueberries / Other Berries
Also very high in antioxidants. Blackberries are a personal favorite.
40. Bell Peppers
Dip in hummus or any dairy-free dressing.
41. Rice Crackers
Or any whole-grain crackers!
42. Cashews or Other Nuts
Full of healthy fats!
43. Cantaloupe
(Or other melon.)
44. Jello
45. Salami or Summer Sausage
Opt for preservative-free for a healthier version.
46. Fruit Smoothie
Just make sure there’s not a lot of added sugar, if any!
47. Sweet Potato Fries
I love sweet potatoes, but turn them into fries and I’m in love! My favorite brand is Alexia in the frozen aisle.
48. Baby Corn
49. Cherry Tomatoes
50. Edamame
They make a lot of fun pre-packaged edamame snacks, too!
51. Popcorn
Fresh or the bagged kind from the store – just be sure to read the ingredients if you have a food allergy.
52. Bean Chips
I have seen these at the store but have yet to try them. They make black bean chips, chips made with garbanzo beans, and more.
53. Dried Mangoes
Recipes For Healthy Dairy Free Snacks
These healthy dairy free snacks require a little more prep, maybe some cook time, and more ingredients.
One great thing about these healthy recipes is that you can typically store them in the fridge or freezer or many days or even weeks at a time.
This would also be great if you’re going on a road trip or have a really busy week ahead of you.
No more visiting grocery stores every other day just for snacks. And no more figuring out what you can eat with your food allergies while at restaurants or convenience stores.
You’ll always be equipped with the right snacks for you.
Onto some great snacks that are homemade – click the link to each recipe to visit the blogger who curated the recipe!
There you have it friends! Now you have some nutritious unprocessed snacks to reach for any time!
Let me know if you have any other healthy dairy free snacks you want to see on the list. I’ll be sure to add them. Leave a comment!
-Chantal
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