It’s August—which means it’s almost time for back to school. Coming up with lunch ideas for school can be challenging in general, but extra challenging when you need to come up with gluten-free lunch ideas! This is especially important if your school cafeteria does not accommodate your child’s specific gluten-free needs (not to mention adding in the complexity of needing nut-free, dairy-free, or vegan lunches). Due to this, it’s so important to plan ahead when it comes to prepping lunch for your gluten-free child.
I like to make a list of the lunches I’ll pack that week (I usually pick 2 ideas a week and alternate days so they don’t get too bored with what I pack!). Then I plan it on my menu planner and shopping list. I also keep a couple fall back ideas available for when I just can’t even. You know what I mean. 😉 You can download your own weekly menu planner and shopping list here for FREE so you’re not caught off guard.
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I have a couple ideas that I use over and over for my kids—but the variety is lacking. I needed some more ideas, so I reached out to some blogger friends and they shared some of their gluten-free lunch ideas. And now, I share them with you. 😊 Here’s a roundup of 15+ gluten-free lunch ideas for back to school!
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Main Star Gluten-Free Lunch Ideas!
These gluten-free lunch ideas are strong enough to be the main star of your kids’ lunch. Throw in a couple sides and a drink and you’ll be all set. (Keep reading for sides ideas at the end!)
1. TURKEY CHEESE APPLE SANDWICHES
(nut-free, leave out the cheese for dairy-free)
2. APPLE PEANUT BUTTER SANDWICHES
(dairy-free, vegan, substitute sun butter for a nut-free lunch!)
My recipe for these quesadillas with a pizza twist are easy to cook up and taste great warm or cold! Plus, you can fill them with any of your kids’ favorite pizza toppings.
4. VEGAN RAINBOW VEGETABLE TORTILLA WRAP
(dairy-free, nut-free—double check your hummus!, vegan)
Is your gluten-free kid a lover of world cuisine? These muffin tin sushi cups by Rhian’s Recipes will be perfect! Just make sure that your soy sauce is gluten-free—or use coconut aminos. Plus—these are great to make ahead and use throughout the week.
Every kid loves Lunchables! If your gluten-free kid is disappointed they don’t get Lunchables like everyone else, pack them this gluten-free copycat by Strength and Sunshine. This recipe makes 3 servings (see—prepping ahead) and the crust is not only gluten-free, but grain-free as well. (If dairy-free cheese isn’t your thing, just sub regular mozzarella and any toppings you wish).
8. EASY ASIAN TUNA VERMICELLI NOODLE SALAD
(dairy-free, nut free)
My girls LOVE noodles—they are so fun to eat! This Asian tuna vermicelli noodle salad by Fearless Dining is one of those lunches that kids find fun to eat. This recipe makes 4 servings—and you’ll find yourself packing it for lunch too!
9. The Best Low Carb Ham and Egg Cups
(nut-free, to make it dairy free leave out the cheese and use a non-dairy milk)
If your child has access to a microwave to heat up their lunch, pack them these ham & egg cups by Easy Low Carb Recipes. They are packed with protein and have veggies for an extra health punch! This is another make-ahead option for easy prep. Just make sure your cooking spray is gluten-free! My favorite is this one by Chosen Foods.
10. CRUSTLESS PIZZA – LOW CARB HAM AND CHEESE
(nut-free)
Every kid loves pizza. This crustless pizza by Low Carb Yum is another great protein-filled option for kids who can heat their lunches. This is another one of the gluten-free lunch ideas that you can prep ahead of time for the coming week!
If your kid has access to a microwave at lunch, keep a couple of these hidden in the pantry for those times when you just couldn’t get your planning together for gluten-free lunch ideas. These will save you!
12. CAULIFLOWER LETTUCE WRAPS
(dairy free, nut free)
These portable lettuce wraps by Kiss my Keto are simple and easy to make ahead. Plus, the cauliflower makes for the perfect ‘hidden veggie’ for kids.
Meal Booster Gluten-Free Lunch Ideas!
These gluten-free lunch ideas are great additions to pack as a snack, add in as a side, or could totally be the star for a younger or light eater.
13. CRACKERS, CHEESE, AND PEPPERONI
(nut-free–depending on cracker ingredients)
This is one of my kids’ favorite lunches. I cut up some cheese, add some gluten-free pepperoni (I like Applegate Farms), and some gluten-free crackers. Easy peasy! You could do this with other lunch meats as well for a gluten-free kind of Lunchable.
14. YOGURT, FRUIT, & GRANOLA
(for nut-free choose nut-free granola. For dairy-free/vegan, use coconut or soy yogurt)
This is another fallback idea for my kids. They love to make a parfait of yogurt, fruit, and granola in their lunch. I pack it all separate and they love to add the fruit and granola to their yogurt at lunch time. Just make sure that your granola is certified gluten-free!
I actually really love this Paleo granola because it has low sugar levels and doesn’t contain oats and other grains. Thrive Market makes a bunch of Paleo granola flavors as well: the pumpkin pie one is totally one of our favorites!
My kids love muffins and they love bananas. These keto banana bread muffins by Savory Tooth are a slam dunk for them! Make sure you include a pat of butter. Plus, since these are made out of almond flour, they have a good amount of protein and won’t cause a sugar crash!
16. CHEDDAR BACON BISCUITS
(dairy-free)
These cheddar bacon biscuits by Pink Fortitude will keep your child full! Plus, since the recipe makes a large batch of 20 biscuits I’d freeze some for last-minute lunches.
Do you have another favorite gluten-free lunch idea? Comment below and share it with us. And don’t forget—download your FREE weekly menu planner and shopping list below so you are always prepared with your favorite gluten-free lunch ideas!
Are you ready to do gluten-free living totally STRESS-FREE? Get FREE instant access to my online library of free printables designed to make your gluten-free lifestyle totally easy!
15 thoughts on “15+ GLUTEN-FREE LUNCH IDEAS FOR BACK TO SCHOOL ”
Wow! Those sushi muffins look tasty! You’ve included quite a few interesting options for gluten free lunches. That Apple and turkey sandwich looks worth a try as well. Thanks for sharing.
Wow! Those sushi muffins look tasty! You’ve included quite a few interesting options for gluten free lunches. That Apple and turkey sandwich looks worth a try as well. Thanks for sharing.
Yes! My kids LOVED trying the apple sandwiches. They think they’re great! and the sushi is so cute. 🙂
Can’t wait to try the banana muffins and the cheesy bacon biscuits! Thanks!
good choices! yum!
These are very nice ideas! Thanks for sharing!
This is amazing. These days I was looking for some good gluten free food .
Thank you for sharing.
Just what I needed. I have been looking for gluten free and vegan easy to make meals. will definitely try them. thanks for sharing it. =)
Great round up! Perfectly timed too, I’m starting to brainstorm what I’ll be putting in all of those back to school lunches 🙂
Great! I’m glad you found these helpful!
Nice ideas! I’m going to start making my own lunches like this! Super easy and healthy.
Enjoy! Let us know if you find a favorite. 🙂
These are such unique adn healthy ideas! I love it!
I’m always looking for new lunch ideas, especially gluten free. Thanks for providing some options outside of my normal salads 🙂
I get stuck in salad ruts too 😉
I can’t believe it’s back to school already! All of these snacks look delicious and easy to make!