Dairy-free packaged snacks are a convenient and delicious option for people with dairy allergies or intolerances, as well as those who are following a dairy-free diet for other reasons.
The world of dairy-free packaged snacks has expanded significantly to meet the growing demand for dairy alternatives. Whether you’re lactose intolerant, have dairy allergies, follow a vegan diet, or simply want to explore new and healthier snack options, there’s a dairy-free snack for everyone.
There are now many different types of dairy-free packaged snacks available, including crackers, cookies, granola bars, fruit snacks, and vegetable snacks. Let’s find out more about the options out there.
Dairy-Free Packaged Snacks
The demand for dairy-free snacks has been continuously increasing owing to an increasing number of people adopting dairy-free diets due to lactose intolerance, dairy allergies, ethical considerations, or health concerns.
The market has responded by offering an increasing number of tasty and convenient dairy-free packaged snacks that appeal to a wide range of preferences. Here are some of them you can delve into.
Dairy-Free Chocolate
httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRUP2QOpD_Y
Dark chocolate is often dairy-free, but you can also find dairy-free chocolate chips and bars made with alternatives like almond, soy, or coconut milk.
When choosing dairy-free chocolate, it is important to read the ingredient list carefully to make sure that it is free of dairy and any other allergens you may have. It is also important to choose chocolate that is made with high-quality ingredients.
Here Are Some Popular Dairy-Free Chocolate Brands
Hu Kitchen Dark Chocolate (70% Cacao)
Pascha Organics Dark Chocolate
Lindt Excellence 70% Cacao
Endangered Species Organic Dark Chocolate
Theo Organic Extra Dark Chocolate
Alter Eco Organic Extra Dark Chocolate
Nuts and Trail Mix
Plain or flavoured nuts like almonds, cashews, and peanuts, as well as dairy-free trail mix blends with dried fruits, seeds, and nuts, make for a satisfying and nutritious snack.
Here Are Some Popular Nuts and Trail Mix Brands
Nuts:
Planters
Blue Diamond
Diamond of California
Kirkland Signature
NOW Foods
Trader Joe’s
Whole Foods Market
Trail Mix:
KIND Snacks
Larabar
Nature’s Path
Clif Bar
Trail Mixers
GORP
Nuts.com
When choosing nuts and trail mix, it is important to read the ingredient list carefully to make sure that it is free of any allergens you may have. It is also important to choose nuts and trail mixes that are low in sugar and unhealthy fats.
Here Are Some Tips for Choosing Healthy Nuts and Trail Mix
Look for nuts and trail mixes that are unsalted or lightly salted.
Avoid nuts and trail mixes that are high in sugar and unhealthy fats.
Choose nuts and trail mix that is made with high-quality ingredients.
Read the ingredient list carefully to make sure that the nuts and trail mix are free of any allergens you may have.
Fruit Snacks
httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1p7O0vBJaQ
Dried fruit, leather, and snacks without added dairy are sweet and portable options.
When choosing fruit snacks, it is important to choose those that are low in added sugar and unhealthy fats. It is also important to choose fruit snacks that are made with high-quality ingredients.
Here Are Some Tips for Choosing Healthy Fruit Snacks
Look for fruit snacks that are low in added sugar and unhealthy fats.
Choose fruit snacks that are made with high-quality ingredients.
Avoid fruit snacks that contain artificial ingredients, preservatives, and other unhealthy additives.
Read the nutrition label carefully before choosing a fruit snack.
Rice Cakes
Plain or flavoured rice cakes provide a low-calorie, crunchy snack that’s naturally dairy-free.
Here Are Some Examples of Rice Cakes That Are Dairy-Free
Quaker Lightly Salted Rice Cakes
Quaker Salt-Free Rice Cakes
Brown Rice Crispies
Organic Rice Cakes
Rice Thins
Trader Joe’s Rice Cakes
Whole Foods Market Rice Cakes
When choosing rice cakes, it is important to read the ingredient list carefully to make sure that they are dairy-free and free of any other allergens you may have. It is also important to choose rice cakes that are low in sodium and unhealthy fats.
Here Are Some Tips for Choosing Healthy Rice Cakes
Look for rice cakes that are low in sodium and unhealthy fats.
Choose rice cakes made with high-quality ingredients, such as whole-grain brown rice.
Avoid rice cakes that contain artificial ingredients, preservatives, and other unhealthy additives.
Read the nutrition label carefully before choosing a rice cake snack.
Chips
Many potato chips, tortilla chips, and vegetable chips are dairy-free. Always check the ingredient list to be sure.
Here Are Some Examples of Dairy-Free Chips
Beanfields Bean Chips
Enjoy Life Lentil Chips
Terra Chips
Rhythm Superfoods Chips
Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers
Siete Chips
Mary’s Gone Crackers
Made Good Star Puffed Crackers
Lundberg Rice Cakes and Chips
Plantain Chips
Goodie Girl Animal Crackers
Pretzels
Traditional pretzels are typically dairy-free and can be enjoyed on their own or with dairy-free dips.
Here Are Some Examples of Dairy-Free Pretzels:
Auntie Anne’s Original Pretzels
Snyder’s of Hanover Pretzel Pieces
Rold Gold Tiny Twists
Utz Pretzels
Herr’s Pretzels
Trader Joe’s Pretzels
Whole Foods Market Pretzels
Glutino Gluten Free Pretzels
Simple Mills Almond Flour Pretzels
Mary’s Gone Crackers Pretzels
Made Good Organic Pretzels
Tips for Using Dairy-Free Pretzels
Dairy-free pretzels can be enjoyed on their own or with your favourite dips, such as hummus, salsa, or guacamole.
Dairy-free pretzels can also be used to make other snacks and meals, such as pretzel salad, pretzel sandwiches, and pretzel breadsticks.
Dairy-free pretzels are a convenient and portable snack option that is perfect for on-the-go.
Protein Bars
Many protein bars are made without dairy and offer a convenient way to refuel between meals or workouts.
Here Are Some Examples of Dairy-Free Protein Bars
RXBAR
Quest Bar
Pure Protein Bar
ThinkThin Protein Bar
KIND Protein Bar
Larabar Protein Bar
Clif Bar
GoMacro Bar
NuGo Bar
Rhythm Superfoods Bar
Simple Mills Bar
Mary’s Gone Crackers Bar
Soy or Coconut Yogurt
Dairy-free yoghurt made from soy, coconut, or almond milk is available in single-serving containers for a creamy and dairy-free snack.
Both soy and coconut yoghurt are good sources of protein, calcium, and vitamin D. They can be enjoyed on their own or with your favourite toppings, such as fruit, nuts, or granola.
Here Are Some Examples of Dairy-Free Soy or Coconut Yogurt:
Soy Yoghurt:
Silk Soy Yogurt
Kite Hill Plain Soy Yogurt
Forager Project Organic Soymilk Yogurt
Coconut Yoghurt:
So Delicious Dairy Free Unsweetened Plain Coconut Milk Yogurt
Cocojune Unsweetened Organic Coconut Yogurt
GT’s Cocoyo Coconut Yogurt
Veggie Chips
Dehydrated or baked vegetable chips made from sweet potatoes, beets, or other vegetables offer a crunchy and nutrient-rich snack.
Veggie chips are a healthy and nutritious alternative to traditional potato chips. They are a good source of fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Veggie chips are also low in calories and fat.
When choosing veggie chips, it is important to read the ingredient list carefully to ensure they are made from healthy ingredients. It is also important to choose veggie chips that are low in sodium and unhealthy fats.
Here Are Some Examples of Veggie Chips:
Sweet potato chips
Kale chips
Parsnip chips
Beet chips
Carrot chips
Zucchini chips
Seaweed chips
Plantain chips
Taro chips
Lentil chips
Black bean chips
Quinoa chips
Here Are Some Tips for Choosing Healthy Veggie Chips:
Look for veggie chips that are baked, not fried.
Choose veggie chips made with high-quality ingredients, such as whole grains, beans, and vegetables.
Avoid veggie chips that contain artificial ingredients, preservatives, and other unhealthy additives.
Read the nutrition label carefully before choosing a veggie chip.
Nut Butter Packets
httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPi5ufIYY-g
Single-serving packets of almond butter, peanut butter, or other nut butter are convenient and can be paired with crackers or fruit.
Nut butter packets are a convenient and portable way to enjoy nut butter on the go. They are perfect for snacks, lunches, and pre- or post-workout fuel. Nut butter is a good source of protein, fibre, and healthy fats. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc.
Here Are Some Tips for Choosing Healthy Nut Butter Packets:
Look for nut butter packets that are made with single-ingredient nut butter.
Avoid nut butter packets that contain added sugar, salt, or other unhealthy ingredients.
Choose nut butter packets that are low in saturated fat.
Read the nutrition label carefully before choosing a nut butter packet.
Seaweed Snacks
Crispy seaweed snacks often come in various flavours and provide a unique and low-calorie snack option.
Seaweed snacks are a healthy and nutritious snack option. They are a good source of iodine, fibre, and vitamins. Seaweed snacks are also low in calories and fat.
Here Are Some Examples of Dairy-Free Seaweed Snacks:
GimMe Organic Roasted Seaweed Sheets
Annie Chun’s Crispy Organic Seaweed, Sea Salt Flavor
Here Are Some Tips for Choosing Healthy Dairy-Free Granola Bars:
Look for granola bars that are made with whole, unprocessed ingredients.
Avoid granola bars that contain added sugar, salt, or other unhealthy ingredients.
Choose granola bars that are low in saturated fat and sodium.
Make sure your granola bars have a good balance of protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
Read the nutrition label carefully before choosing a granola bar.
Plant-Based Cheese and Crackers
httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmoH9T_izl4
Some brands offer dairy-free cheese paired with dairy-free crackers for a satisfying and savoury snack.
Here Are Some Examples of Plant-Based Cheese and Crackers:
Plant-based cheese:
Violife Cheddar Cheese
Daiya Cheddar Style Slices
Miyoko’s Creamery Classic Sharp Cheddar
Forager Project Cashew Parmesan Cheese
Kite Hill Aged Cheddar
Plant-based crackers:
Mary’s Gone Crackers Organic Original Crackers
Back to Nature Organic Crisp Wheat Thins
Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers
Glutino Gluten Free Crackers
Triscuit Original Whole Wheat Crackers
Here Are 4 Tips for Choosing Dairy-Free Packaged Snacks
Read the ingredient labels carefully to make sure that the snacks are dairy-free. Some products may be manufactured in facilities that also process dairy, potentially leading to cross-contamination. Individuals with severe dairy allergies should be particularly vigilant and look for snacks with clear allergen statements.
Look for snacks that are low in calories, fat, and sugar.
Choose snacks that are a good source of protein, fibre, and vitamins.
Avoid snacks that contain artificial ingredients, preservatives, and added sugar.
Four Factors That Influence People’s Decision To Choose Dairy-Free Snacks
The shift towards dairy-free snacks is not just a fleeting trend but a cultural and dietary evolution. This transformation is driven by various factors:
Health Consciousness
Many consumers are becoming more health-conscious and are choosing dairy-free options for their perceived health benefits. Dairy-free snacks often have lower saturated fat content, making them a healthier choice.
Lactose Intolerance
Most of the population is lactose intolerant, making dairy-free snacks a practical dietary choice to avoid digestive discomfort.
Dairy Allergies
Individuals with dairy allergies must strictly avoid dairy products, making dairy-free snacks a vital part of their diet.
Ethical and Environmental Concerns
The growing awareness of the environmental impact of dairy production and ethical concerns about animal welfare are leading people to opt for dairy-free snacks in line with their values.
A World of Dairy-Free Packaged Snacks
With the array of delicious choices available, it’s easier than ever to enjoy satisfying and dairy-free snacking experiences. So go ahead and indulge in these delectable snacks that cater to both your taste buds and your dietary needs.
Shaimaa Olwan 
Noha Basiony