Quick Gluten-Free Snacks You need right now

Following a dietary requirement can be time consuming, having to read labels carefully and finding the right foods to eat. When you or the kids are feeling a little peckish, stocking a few healthy, gluten-free ingredients in the pantry and fridge can create quick snacks that help keep you going.

Chickpeas

Store chickpeas in your pantry to make crunchy, spicy chickpeas in less than 30 minutes. Chickpeas are full of soluble fibre, which helps maintain a healthy digestive system. They’re low GI and a good source of protein and iron, which all help to stay full.

Simply coat one tin (400g) of drained organic chickpeas in Flannerys Own Certified Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil and a pinch of chilli powder in a bowl. Spread on a lined baking tray and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and crunchy. Sprinkle with sea salt before serving.

Alternatively, make your own hummus to dip cut up veggies or gluten-free rice cakes in. See our quick hummus recipe here.

Bliss Balls

Bliss balls are delicious and chewy sweet treats. They can be made using a variety of ingredients, depending on what you feel like. One of our gluten-free team members, Talei, swears by her bliss ball staples, being: coconut oil, cacao powder, dates, maple syrup, nuts, chia seeds and shredded coconut to whip out whenever you feel like something sweet.  You can add or remove any of these ingredients, as well as changing the type of nuts used, to create your own flavour.

If you don’t have time to make your own, try Tom and Luke’s Snackaballs. They’re super tasty so the kids will love them, plus they’re packed with fibre, protein and healthy fats to stay full for longer. They currently come in five delicious flavours: lemon & coconut, salted caramel (a personal favourite!), cranberry & cashew, peanut butter & cacao and cacao, mint & almond. Plus they’re all gluten free and vegan!

Popcorn

For some unknown reason, eating popcorn seems to turn in to a frenzy of stuffing large handfuls in the mouth as rapidly as possible. This vegan cheesy version is no exception, being deliciously savoury and so easy to make. Combine cooked popcorn in a bowl with a generous drizzle of Flannerys Own Certified Organic Extra Virgin, and a generous coating of Flannerys Own Savoury Yeast Flakes and sea salt. If you like it hot, add a sprinkle of chilli flakes. Who said gluten free wasn’t delicious?

Avocado

Versatile and creamy, avocados create satisfying snacks high in healthy essential fats. For a hassle-free guacamole, simply combine 2 ripe avocados with the juice of one lemon, a handful of torn coriander leaves and a sprinkle of sea salt. Dip in with gluten-free chickpea or corn chips for a tasty afternoon snack.

Another quick avocado snack is to spread ripe avocado on gluten-free toast. Top with feta, lemon juice, fresh herbs, tomato or spices such as dukkah for a healthy and filling snack.

Fruit Lassi

Filling and nutritious, lassis are a milk-free, yoghurt based smoothie alternative that you can take on the run. Yoghurt contains probiotics which help work towards a healthy digestive system, including boosting healthy bacteria in the gut. A strong digestive system may help improve immunity.

Start with a base of natural yoghurt (or coconut yoghurt if you’re vegan friendly), and add water, spices and fruit. For example, a mango lassi contains mango pulp, yoghurt, water and cardamom. Cinnamon, blueberries and honey are other commonly used ingredients, but feel free to add any fruit or spices that you have on hand.