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Home » Baking

Healthy Dairy Free Snack Ideas with Easy Recipes

Updated: Sep 29, 2023 · Published: Sep 8, 2023 by Danika Vanderpyl · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Here you will find a compilation of the best dairy-free snack ideas. Read on to find simple homemade snacks, low to no-prep snack ideas, and how to shop for dairy-free snacks. Let's jump in and make snack time simple!

Chocolate energy balls on wood platter.

What's a good snack to make without dairy?

Muffins, cookies, crackers, smoothies and egg bites are all yummy foods dairy-free people can eat, see the recipes for these foods below. This post covers healthy snack ideas made with whole food ingredients that do not contain dairy. Use the table of contents below to jump to different categories to find the best dairy-free snack for you.

Jump to:
  • What's a good snack to make without dairy?
  • What does a dairy-free diet mean?
  • Why do people eat dairy-free?
  • Dairy-Free Snack Recipes and Ideas
  • Store-bought: Best dairy free snack brands
  • Dairy-Free Baked Snacks 
  • Dairy-Free No-Bake Snacks
  • Homemade Dairy-Free Savory Snacks
  • Snacks that are Dairy-Free and Gluten-Free
  • FAQ

What does a dairy-free diet mean?

Dairy-free means a person stays away from eating milk, cream, butter, cheese, yogurt, sour cream, buttermilk, sweetened condensed milk, whey protein, or casein. It can differ from person to person what dairy products someone will or can eat depending on their dietary needs.

Why do people eat dairy-free?

Below are the most common situations of why someone will follow a dairy-free diet.

  • Lactose intolerance means the body has difficulty digesting lactose, which is a sugar found in milk and dairy products. This is a digestive issue (it is not an allergic reaction). Those with this intolerance lack the enzyme called lactase, which is needed to break down lactose into a simple form for absorption.
  • Dairy allergy is an immune system response to the proteins found in milk and dairy products (usually casein and whey). When those with a dairy allergy eat even a little of these proteins, the immune system reacts, releasing histamines leading to allergic symptoms.
  • Dairy sensitivity is when a person experiences digestive discomfort, bloating, or other symptoms when eating dairy without being diagnosed with a dairy allergy or with lactose intolerance.
  • Vegan means due to ethical reasons or personal dietary choices nothing from an animal is eaten no meat, eggs, honey, or dairy.

Dairy-Free Snack Recipes and Ideas

Below you will find no-bake snacks, baked snacks, and savory snacks, all dairy-free. I also included a section with gluten and dairy-free snacks. Just below are quick ideas with little to no prep, follows is dairy free snacks you can buy, then lower down you will see healthy homemade recipes. Find the perfect recipe to make, I want you to know there are lots of healthy snack options!

Quick No Bake Snack Ideas Without Dairy

These ideas are no prep or very simple to prep ahead of time. Many of these food ideas naturally ended up being both dairy-free and gluten-free snacks.

Sweet

  • Almond butter and medjool dates
  • Fresh fruit made into fruit kabobs
  • Dark Chocolate Bar (I've linked to my favorite df chocolate made in Alberta)
  • Tortilla Bites: spread with nut butter, topped with banana, rolled up and cut like sushi
  • Almond butter and Banana Slices
  • Peanut Butter and Apple
  • Apple Sauce

Savoury

  • Almond butter and veggies: Spread your almond butter on fresh vegetables like celery, bell peppers, cucumber, or roasted sweet potatoes!
  • Seaweed Snacks
  • Roasted Chickpeas
  • Kale Chips
  • Sweet Potato Chips
  • Bruschetta
  • Hummus and crackers
  • Babaganoush (eggplant dip) and veggie sticks

High Protein

  • Boiled Eggs
  • Jerky or Meat Sticks
  • Almond butter toast with hemp hearts
  • Peppers filled with Tuna
  • Trail Mix

Store-bought: Best dairy free snack brands

Look for these brands when you are next in your local grocery stores! Many of these brands also have gluten free snacks available. I would consider these all healthy dairy free snacks you can buy.

  • Larabar: Larabar makes fruit and nut bars with few ingredients, usually just dried fruit, nuts, and dates. They have all kinds of different flavours!
  • RXBAR: RXBAR has high protein bars made with a short list of real whole ingredients. See all the different flavor options and variety pack options for protein bars here.
  • Enjoy Life Foods: Enjoy Life specializes in allergen-friendly snacks, including a variety of dairy-free options such as cookies, chocolate bars, and seed and fruit mixes. This is a great brand to get dairy free chocolate chips from. See a list of there products here.
  • Siete Foods: Makes grain-free tortilla chips and other snacks made from real, wholesome ingredients.
  • KIND Snacks: KIND has a selection of nut and fruit bars that are generally dairy-free. See all the different bars they offer here.
  • Bare Snacks: These are baked fruit and veggie chips that are a crunchy, healthy dairy free snack option.
  • Hippeas: Hippeas makes savory organic chickpea puffs.
  • MadeGood: MadeGood makes allergy-friendly snacks to go including granola bars, granola minis, and crispy squares. They are known to make products are free from common allergens, I like that their products often have hidden vegetables in them!
  • That's It: This is a newer brand that sells fruit bars with only 2 ingredients in them.

Dairy-Free Baked Snacks 

These are snacks that are easy to make as dairy-free meal prep snacks. They can be made ahead in a big batch and frozen, or made on the weekend to enjoy all week.

1. Whole Wheat Banana Muffins

These muffins are perfect and wholesome with a moist crumb. Using applesauce instead of butter or yogurt, these dairy-free muffins are an easy snack to prep for the week. Add chocolate chips or dried cranberries for an extra flavor burst.

Flaylay image of banana cinnamon muffins on platter with jar of honey.

2. Olive Oil Cookies

Why I love these: These cookies are soft and chewy and the flavor is deep from the roasted almonds, chocolate chips, and olive oil! No butter is needed, these are the best dairy-free cookies.

5 olive oil cookies stacked, showing chocolate and almonds.

3. Orange Muffins with Honey

Why I love these: These bright orange muffins are fast to make, throw peeled oranges in the blender and add the other ingredients! They are healthy, made with whole wheat flour and sweetened with honey! Add crasins for a fun twist.

Orange colored muffin with zest flecks on top.

4. Zucchini Bran Muffins

Why I love these: Bran muffins are nutrient-dense but they are often dry, adding in zucchini makes the perfect moist and flavorful muffin. Healthy muffins are a great dairy-free snack!

Zucchini Bran Muffins on a wooden serving board surrounded by green zucchini leaves of the plant.

5. Chewy Honey Flapjacks

Why I love these: These are a chewy oat bar or a granola bar! They are easy to make and pack along. All you need is oats, coconut oil, honey, brown sugar or coconut sugar and sea salt!

Oat bars in 8x8 pan with parchment paper cut into squares.

Dairy-Free No-Bake Snacks

No-bake dairy-free snacks include things like energy balls, homemade granola bars, smoothies, and popsicles.

6. Cinnamon Oatmeal Granola Bars

Why I love these: These are made with 5 simple ingredients that are wholesome and nutritious. It's honestly so fast to make and easy to prep and bring along as a dairy-free school snack, to the office or for road trips.

Homemade simple healthy cinnamon granola bars on a cutting board.

7. The Best Pistachio Balls

Why I love these: To make these easy energy balls all you need is pistachios, quick oats, dates, and a little sea salt! They can easily be prepped in advance for the week and they are freezer friendly too.

8. Easy Lemon Chia Pudding

Why I love this: This pudding is naturally dairy-free as it uses coconut milk to make it super thick and creamy. It is an energy booster due to the chia seeds, and the lemon is so vibrant and tasty.

Lemon zest on coconut cream on dairy free chia pudding in a jar with a wooden spoon.

9. Strawberry Smoothie with Dates

Why I love these: Bright pink smoothie naturally sweetened with dates. No yogurt or cow's milk is needed to make this tasty and healthy smoothie.

Hand holding cup with pink smoothie.

10. Super Easy Mango Popsicles

Why I love these: Perfect for those hot days these bright yellow popsicles are made with just mango! It's a great dairy-free alternative to ice cream. I love the soft texture of this icy treat and how simple they are to make!

Bright yellow easy homemade mango popsicle on a stick with a plate of ice and pansy flowers.

11. No Bake Protein Bars with Almond Butter

Why I love these: These are dang tasty. Soft and nutty, they can be made with peanut butter or seed butter instead of almond butter. No added sugar, they are sweetened with maple syrup. Almonds are what make this high in plant based protein! You gotta have these in your life, the perfect snack!

Protein bars on platter.

Homemade Dairy-Free Savory Snacks

Making savory wholesome dairy-free snacks is easy. Below you will find recipes for crackers, veggie chips, egg bites, and trail mix.

12. Homemade Whole Wheat Crackers

Why I love these: These are like wheat thins but a lot healthier than the store bought ones! Make a little dough, salt, roll it out, cut, and bake!! Perfect plain, or eat them with hummus or babaganoush, a great snack!

Crackers on baking pan cut into squares with sea salt on top.

13. Zucchini Chips in a Dehydrator

Why I love these: A great option for a healthy snack: your own simple veggie chips! All you need in zucchini, is a little oil and sea salt. Add a little spice if you are up for it. These zucchini chips are salty and crunchy!

Dehydrated zucchini chips laying flat over lapping each other with sesame seeds.

14. Multi Seed Crackers

Why I love these: Made with sunflower, pumpkin, flax, hemp, and sesame seeds these are naturally dairy free and gluten free crackers. These are a flavorful and crunchy snack. A great source of healthy fats.

Scattered and stacked seed crackers on baking sheet.

15. Easy Veggie Egg Bites

Why I love these: Eggs are such an awesome snack! High in protein, keeping you full longer. These are perfect to meal prep for the week, use your favorite veggies and bake in a muffin tray!

Egg bites stack on top of each other, with green spinach and kale.

16. Healthy Trail Mix Ideas

Why I love these: Trail mix is awesome to make in a large batch and eat on the go! Nuts and seeds are high in protein giving lasting energy. Discover all kinds of brilliant healthy ideas to make your own mix that suits any pick eaters needs!

Bowl with almonds, walnuts, dried cherries, dark chocolate chunks, and pumpkin seeds.

Snacks that are Dairy-Free and Gluten-Free

It is common for those with food allergies such as a dairy allergy to also be eating gluten free diet, have a gluten sensitivity, or even have celiac disease. Here are some more recipes that are simple and healthy yet a dairy and gluten free snack.

17. Healthy Sweet Potato Chocolate Brownies

Why I love these: Okkkay these are so incredible! Only 4 ingredients to make these dense chocolatey brownies! The base is cooked sweet potato, then you add almond butter, maple syrup and cocoa powder for the ultimate dairy free, gluten free brownie!

Fudgy chocolate brownie with bite missing in baking pan beside cut sweet potatoes.

18. Healthy Blackberry Muffins

Why I love these: These muffins are made by grinding oats into oat flour! No flour needed for these tasty muffins. If it's not blackberry season use any berries for these muffins and you will have a nutritious snack!

Pale brown muffins in a bowl with red blackberries.

19. Turmeric Banana Smoothie

Why I love these: Um, this is just the creamiest smoothie. You gotta try it! It's like a golden latte blend in a smoothie. Super high in antioxidants and to help with inflammatory issues. This is in the running for my favorite snack!

Hand grabbing banana turmeric smoothie.

20. Easy Energy Balls without Dates

Why I love these: These balls are full of seeds, nuts, and chocolate to make an ultimate healthy energy ball! This recipe makes a large batch so it is a great way to have snacks for the whole week or to keep in the freezer and eat as needed. It's a delicious snack.

Easy energy seed balls on platter.

21. Rhubarb Fruit Leather

Why I love these: Okkkay, yesss it's time to make your own fruit roll ups! It's not hard and it's delicious! If you don't have rhubarb you can make this with apples or strawberries or mango or your favorite fruit instead, let these fuel your sweet tooth! Get the full details here.

Homemade fruit roll ups in a bowl on the counter with chopped rhubarb beside it.

22. Tropical Smoothie

Why I love these: This bright yellow smoothie is gonna take you back to your favorite tropical vacation. Think mango and pineapple with coconut! Such healthy ingredients for something that tastes out of the world tasty.

Yellow smoothie with pineapple and mango on the counter with a pineapple beside.

22. Easy Pumpkin Snack Cake

Why I love these: Moist and fluffy, this big pan of pumpkin cake is the perfect fall snack for after school or as a treat to make at Thanksgiving!

Dark orange colored sheet pan cake, with cinnamon and a knife beside.

FAQ

What are high-protein dairy-free snacks?

High protein dairy-free snacks are foods like boiled eggs, protein smoothies, roasted chickpeas, hummus, homemade protein bars, and beef jerky.

How can I replace butter in baking to make it dairy-free?

When baking dairy free instead of butter you can use coconut oil, applesauce, vegan butter, nut butter, or banana. It depends on the recipe for what will work best, see if the recipe has notes for an alternative method without dairy.

What can I replace milk for in baking to make it dairy-free?

To make baking dairy-free, when it calls for milk you can use any non-dairy milk, coconut milk, oat milk, soy milk, almond milk, or hemp milk.

Is there a replacement for dairy-free buttermilk?

To make 1 cup of easy dairy-free buttermilk you can use:
1 cup dairy-free milk (almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or any other dairy-free milk)
1 tablespoon acid
: lemon juice or white vinegar
Mix together and let stand for 5-10 minutes causing it to curdle slightly and thicken, then it is ready to be used in recipes.

What words do I look for when trying to buy dairy-free snacks?

You always want to look at ingredient labels when shopping for a dairy-free snack at the grocery store. Words to look for and avoid in the ingredient list are:

- milk, evaporated milk, milk powder, or cream
- cheese
- yogurt
- sour cream
- butter
- casein
- buttermilk
- sweetened condensed milk
- whey protein

Look for the words "certified dairy-free," "vegan," or "plant-based", this will ensure they are dairy-free.

I hope you enjoyed these wholesome dairy-free snack ideas, and found some good snacks to make. Leave a comment below if you have more ideas to share with other dairy-free readers!

If you want more healthy snack recipes that are simple stick around, that's what I share here! Or come hang out on instagram! Xx, Danika

Looking for other fun & healthy snack recipes like this to try? Hang out here!

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    Banana Chocolate Balls
  • Light brown energy ball with flecks of dates and oats, sitting on red and green apples.
    Apple Cinnamon Bites
  • Sliced oat granola bars in a square metal pan on a tile table.
    Chewy Granola Bars with Dates
  • Raspberry protein balls with hemp hearts with frozen berries.
    Raspberry Protein Balls

More Baking

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  • A brown moist bar with pieces of oats and chocolate chips visible stacked on two other bars with a bite out of the top protein bar.
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  • Light brown oatmeal apple cookies on a parchment paper on a plate with an apple beside it.
    Apple Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
  • A close up of a quinoa egg bite with a orange banana pepper on top with kale around it.
    High Protein Quinoa Eggs Muffins

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Danika-vanderpyl-hiking-with-mountains

Hey hey! I'm Danika.

I'm certified in holistic nutrition and I create snack recipes! Because unprocessed, wholesome, nutrient-dense snacks are hard to find but I want everyone to know they are easy to make!

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