Best Gluten-Free Snacks
August 18, 2021
When summer arrives, many of us spend more time outdoors, travel more frequently and look for lighter foods that are easy to enjoy wherever the day takes us. Whether you’re planning a picnic in the park, heading to the beach, packing snacks for a road trip, or simply looking for healthier options to keep at your desk, naturally gluten-free snacks can be both delicious and convenient.
Unlike specially manufactured gluten-free alternatives, naturally gluten-free foods don’t rely on substitute ingredients. They are gluten-free by nature, often made with fewer ingredients and packed with flavour, making them an excellent choice for anyone looking to eat well throughout the warmer months.
If you have coeliac disease, gluten intolerance or simply choose to reduce gluten in your diet, knowing which snacks are naturally gluten-free can save time, reduce the stress of shopping and help you make more confident food choices.
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with coeliac disease, the NHS explains why following a strict gluten-free diet is the only effective treatment and offers practical advice on managing everyday eating.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best naturally gluten-free summer snacks available in the UK, what to look out for when buying packaged foods and how choosing a carefully curated snack box can make healthy snacking even easier.
A naturally gluten-free food is exactly what it sounds like, a food that does not naturally contain gluten.
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. While many everyday foods such as bread, pasta, cakes and biscuits contain gluten, there are also hundreds of foods that are naturally free from it without needing any special processing.
Examples include:
The Coeliac Food Standard Information Hub offers excellent guidance on naturally gluten-free foods, food labels and choosing suitable products when following a gluten-free diet.
Although these foods are naturally gluten-free, anyone with coeliac disease should always check packaging before buying processed or packaged products. Manufacturing methods and recipes can change, and some foods may carry advisory statements relating to cross-contamination.
The Food Standard Agency’s guidance on food allergies, intolerances and coeliac diseases explains why reading food labels carefully is essential and what allergen information manufacturers are required to provide.
Summer often means eating on the move.
Whether you’re travelling across the UK, working from the office, spending time with family or enjoying a weekend picnic, portable snacks become much more important.
Naturally gluten-free snacks are often ideal because they’re:
Many naturally gluten-free foods also fit well within the principles of the UK’s healthy eating recommendations. The NHS Food Guidance and Eatwell Guide recommend enjoying a varied, balanced diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables and fibre-rich foods wherever possible.
One of the biggest advantages of naturally gluten-free snacking is variety. Instead of relying on the same products every week, you can mix sweet and savoury options that are enjoyable throughout the summer.
Here are some excellent naturally gluten-free snacks that are widely available in UK supermarkets.
1. Fresh Berries
Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries are among the easiest summer snacks you can buy.
They’re refreshing, naturally sweet and ideal for warmer weather.
Try adding them to:
Or simply enjoy them on their own.
2. Dried Mango
Unsweetened dried mango is naturally gluten-free and makes an excellent travel snack.
Because it doesn’t require refrigeration, it’s ideal for:
Look for products containing only mango without added sugar wherever possible.
3. Coconut Chips
If you’re looking for something crunchy without reaching for traditional crisps, coconut chips are a fantastic alternative.
Many varieties contain just coconut that’s been gently baked or toasted, offering a naturally sweet snack that’s perfect during the warmer months.
They also pair well with fresh fruit for an easy picnic snack.
4. Roasted Broad Beans
Roasted broad beans have become increasingly popular across the UK in recent years.
They’re crunchy, satisfying and available in several flavours.
Always check the ingredients, as some seasonings may contain gluten-containing ingredients.
5. Seaweed Snacks
Seaweed crisps are becoming a staple in many supermarkets.
They’re:
Because they’re individually packed, they’re ideal for keeping in your desk, backpack or picnic basket.
6. Apple Crisps
Made simply from dried apples, these offer natural sweetness with a satisfying crunch.
Unlike many sugary snacks, apple crisps often contain very few ingredients while providing a convenient way to enjoy fruit throughout the day.
7. Olive Snack Packs
Individual olive pouches have become a popular lunchtime snack because they’re convenient, require no refrigeration before opening and are easy to carry.
They’re perfect for:
8. Freeze-Dried Fruit
Freeze-dried strawberries, raspberries and bananas offer a completely different texture to fresh fruit while retaining their natural flavour.
They’re lightweight, convenient and particularly useful for travelling during summer.
As always, check the packaging to confirm they’re suitable if you have coeliac disease.
One of the biggest misconceptions is assuming every snack labelled as “healthy” is automatically gluten-free.
That’s not always the case.
Always take a moment to read the ingredients on products such as:
Even naturally gluten-free ingredients can become unsuitable if gluten-containing ingredients are added during manufacturing.
The Food Standard Agency’s allergen labelling guidance explains what information food businesses must provide and how allergen labelling helps consumers make informed choices.
Choosing the right snacks isn’t just about ingredients, it’s also about convenience.
During summer, you’ll often want foods that travel well, don’t require extensive preparation and can be enjoyed almost anywhere.
In the next section, we’ll explore the best naturally gluten-free snacks for the office, picnics, family days out and travelling, along with answers to the most frequently asked questions and how Snack Packs makes healthy gluten-free snacking simple.
One of the biggest advantages of naturally gluten-free snacks is their versatility. Whether you’re working from home, commuting to the office or making the most of the British summer, having a selection of convenient snacks on hand can help you avoid less nutritious impulse purchases.
Naturally Gluten-Free Snacks for the Office
Busy working days often mean grabbing whatever is quickest between meetings. Keeping a small selection of naturally gluten-free snacks at your desk can make healthier choices much easier.
Some excellent office-friendly options include:
These snacks require little or no preparation, travel well and are easy to enjoy throughout the working day.
If your workplace provides snacks for employees, offering a variety of gluten-free options helps create a more inclusive environment where everyone has something suitable to enjoy.
Summer picnics don’t have to revolve around sandwiches.
In fact, some of the most enjoyable picnic foods are naturally gluten-free.
Try combining:
Mixing fresh foods with a few convenient packaged snacks creates plenty of variety while making your picnic simple to prepare.
Planning snacks before leaving home offers several advantages.
It can help you:
It also means you’ll always have something suitable available if you’re following a gluten-free diet.
Finding genuinely gluten-free snacks isn’t always as straightforward as it sounds.
Many supermarket shelves contain products that appear suitable but require careful label reading, ingredient checking and comparing different brands. That can quickly become time-consuming, especially if you’re trying to discover new snacks rather than buying the same products every week.
That’s where Snack Packs can help.
Our carefully curated Gluten-Free Snack Boxes take the guesswork out of healthy snacking by bringing together a varied selection of delicious snacks in one convenient delivery. Each box is thoughtfully packed to provide a mix of sweet and savoury options, making it easy to enjoy more variety without spending hours searching supermarket aisles.
Whether you’re buying for yourself, your family, your workplace or as a thoughtful gift, having premium gluten-free snacks delivered directly to your door saves time while helping you discover new favourites.
Explore our Gluten-Free Snack Boxes
You can also browse our complete range of healthy snack boxes, including vegan, mixed and office snack boxes.
What snacks are naturally gluten-free?
Many everyday foods are naturally gluten-free, including fresh fruit, vegetables, rice, potatoes, olives, plain dairy products, beans, lentils, pulses, plain nuts, seeds and corn. Packaged products should always be checked for ingredients and allergen information before purchase.
What gluten-free snacks are best for hot weather?
Fresh berries, dried mango, coconut chips, olives, freeze-dried fruit, seaweed snacks and apple crisps are all excellent choices because they’re refreshing, portable and easy to enjoy outdoors.
Are crisps gluten-free?
Some crisps are gluten-free, but not all. Plain potato crisps are often suitable, while flavoured varieties may contain gluten-based seasonings or be produced in factories that also handle gluten. Always read the label carefully.
Can people with coeliac disease eat naturally gluten-free foods?
Yes. Naturally gluten-free foods form the foundation of a gluten-free diet. However, it’s important to check ingredient labels and be aware of possible cross-contamination in packaged foods.
For trusted advice, visit the Coeliac UK Food & Drinks Information Hub and the Food Standard Agency’s allergen labelling guidance
What naturally gluten-free snacks are high in protein?
Roasted broad beans, cheese crisps, plain nuts (where appropriate), seeds, hummus and some certified gluten-free protein bars can all help increase your protein intake.
What snacks travel well during summer?
Dried mango, coconut chips, freeze-dried fruit, seaweed snacks, roasted broad beans, olives and rice crackers all travel well without requiring refrigeration, making them ideal for holidays, commuting and day trips.
Are naturally gluten-free snacks suitable for children?
Many naturally gluten-free foods such as fruit, vegetable sticks, rice crackers and cheese can be suitable for children. If a child has coeliac disease or another medical condition, always seek advice from a healthcare professional and check product labels carefully.
Naturally gluten-free snacks are a fantastic way to enjoy healthy eating throughout the summer while keeping things simple, varied and full of flavour. From fresh berries and dried mango to olives, coconut chips and roasted broad beans, there are plenty of delicious options available in the UK that don’t rely on gluten-containing ingredients.
The key is variety. Mixing fresh produce with carefully selected packaged snacks can help keep snack time interesting while making it easier to maintain a balanced approach to eating.
If you’d rather spend less time reading labels and more time enjoying your snacks, Snack Packs offers a convenient solution. Our carefully curated gluten-free snack boxes bring together a changing selection of premium snacks, delivered straight to your door, so discovering new favourites has never been easier.
Whether you’re stocking up for summer holidays, preparing office snacks or simply looking for healthier everyday options, we’re here to make gluten-free snacking simple.
