Frugal Gluten-free and Dairy-free Snack Bin Ideas

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As so many of us are gearing up for the start of a new school year, I thought I’d share my household’s gluten-free snack bin.

As so many of us are gearing up for the start of a new school year, I thought I’d share my household’s gluten-free snack bin. I find that keeping a snack bin stocked with healthy, pre-portioned snacks helps my kids eat healthier, and keeps our grocery costs down.

I like to buy gluten-free snacks in bulk and repackage into single servings. My boys can grab a healthy snack in the morning to put in their backpack to enjoy at snack time. If we have after school errands or sports practices, I’ll quickly grab a snack for each of us to have after school.

Our snack bin is gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and mostly nut-free. My boys cannot bring snacks with nuts to school, but I keep some nut snacks handy for them to grab when we’re on our way out the door for errands or to sports.

Here is what I put in our gluten-free snack bin (with included affiliate links to purchase online if you’d like):

• Sun-Maid raisins   I buy the mini boxes, 12-14 in a package. At local stores or here on Amazon.
• “Nut Bars” as we call them. They are Mrs. May’s Trio bars. I buy an 18-pack at Costco.  
  
• Fruit Leather. I buy this Stretch Island Fruit Leather at Costco or here on Amazon.
• Dried Mangoes. I buy a bag at Costco or here on Amazon and then repackage into snack size bags with about 6 pieces per bag. If you’d prefer a variety of mango slices with less sugar on them, I recommend these. 
• Cashew Clusters. These are Kirkland brand and available at Costco (also on Amazon here.)I repackage into snack size bags with 7 cubes per bag.
• Popcorn. I air-pop a batch of organic popcorn, add 2 Tbsp butter, margarine, or oil, and sprinkle with sea salt. I package into snack size bags. This Trader Joe’s organic popcorn is our favorite! 
• Homemade snack mix. The contents of these little snack bags vary, but this time I have banana chips, craisins, and some gluten-free pretzels.  

I hope this gives you some ideas for making your own healthy snack bin. It really is so handy!

If you have one already, please comment to let me know what healthy snacks you include.

*Always double-check ingredients lists. Often, dried fruit and nuts are packaged on shared equipment with wheat. I avoid those products. If you’re unsure, contact the manufacturer via phone, email, or social media to ask about their procedures and certifications.

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