Dairy-free snacks + sweets have been high on my list of things to look out for ever since I started to eat dairy-free to help Nellie’s reflux. I wasn’t super convinced that she had a dairy sensitivity that was impacting her reflux until I accidentally ate dairy and she was a wreck the next three days. Not going to make that mistake again.
I wouldn’t say that I ate a lot of dairy, but once I started eating dairy-free I realized how many things I ate included cheese. CHEESE (tear). So, if you’re going dairy-free for whatever reason, here are some of my go-to dairy-free snacks + sweets to help you find your groove.
Dairy-free snacks, my go-tos
Chomps
Grass fed beef sticks! I love these things. They have great flavor and texture and they are one of those snacks that doesn’t get all jacked up in my diaper bag. The original beef and jalapeno beef are my favorite, I’m not into the turkey version and I haven’t tried the others.
Larabar mini
You probably know what a Larabar is by now. I kind of forgot the minis were a thing until I went dairy-free, but I love the mini Larabars, especially the chocolate chip cookie dough flavor. YUM. They are great paired with fruit for a snack or on their own for a sweet treat.
Larabar kids
Confession. I bought these for Hayes, she wasn’t into them, so now I have been continuing to buy them for myself. The kids version of a Larabar is less dried fruit tasting and more baked good tasting. Which is why I like them. I eat these when I’m craving a baked good or my whole family is enjoying waffles. Makes me feel like I’m eating a muffin.
Justin’s maple almond butter packet + fruit of your choice
I’m a big fan of fruit + nut butter. And I recently became an even bigger fan of fruit + nut butter (because dairy-free snacks). Justin’s maple almond butter is without a doubt my very favorite nut butter. It has a little grit and it nails the sweet + salty mix. Perfect with banana or apple, plus it comes in an easy single serving packet. MOM WIN.
Chips + salsa + guac
If I’m in a salty snack mood, there is rarely a time when chips + salsa + guac (or just chips + salsa) (or just chips + guac) won’t sound good. I like the Simply Nature Yellow Corn Tortilla chips, Simple Nature Medium salsa (both from Aldi), and whatever guacamole I make or buy (I try to always have the simple single serving cups on hand so it’s always ripe and I don’t waste it).
Jolly Time Simply Popped Sea Salt popcorn
None of the butter, but plenty of the sea salty crunch. It’s lighter than the normal movie theater butter variety, but will definitely do the trick during movie-watching time.
Safe + Fair granola
THE REAL MVP. I love Safe + Fair products. I haven’t ventured into their salty stuff yet, but their drizzled popcorn (found in dairy-free sweets below) and clustery granola are sooooo good. All products are allergen-free, but somehow don’t skimp on flavor. They have seasonal flavors so this is kind of one of those situations when you want to be on the mailing list or at least following them on Instagram so you get all of the scoop.
Bobo’s Oat Bites
They have a bunch of Bobo’s products — oat bars, protein bars, stuffed bars, bites — but I’ve only ventured into the bites so far. It really does have that chewy, substantial oatmeal taste. Last week I had a honey crisp apple with a peanut butter chocolate chip Bobo bite and it was a really tasty combo.
Dairy-free sweets, my favorites
Enjoy Life chocolate chips
Do not underestimate the power of a handful of chocolate chips. Cures a sweet tooth in a snap. Also, I love trail mix, so I have used this to make some DIY sweet and salty trail mix.
Dark chocolate sunflower seed butter cups
In my dairy-free sweets opinion, these are A MUST. Consider these a nice little win from your friend Trader Joe’s. Bonus — recently they started making them in mini cups in this resealable packet (instead of in the Reese’s style two pack), which makes it even better because you can just have a small cup to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Safe + Fair popcorn
I haven’t tried a drizzled popcorn from Safe + Fair that I don’t like, but if you place an order do yourself a favor and get the Birthday Cake variety. At least one bag. It’s my favorite.
Dairy-free ice cream favorites
I have tried several dairy-free ice cream brands, because I love ice cream. It’s a texture thing for me. Some of them are foamy, if you can imagine that. So far my very favorites are Ben & Jerry’s Coconut 7 Layer Bar and SO Delicious Snickerdoodle Cashewmilk. YUM.
When all else fails…
When you’re in a pinch and reading 19,000 labels isn’t in the cards (which is what I do often these days), I look for the vegan mark. All vegan products are dairy-free so you know you’re safe! I’ve had my eyes on the Hippeas line of snacks (all vegan), but haven’t given them a go yet, let me know if you have!