14 Dairy Free Meal Ideas Your Kids Will Rave About

So you just found out your kid is allergic to dairy… now what?

[ReviewDisclaimer]

Thankfully, we live in a time where there are lots of allergen-friendly foods. Truly, it’s not that difficult shopping at the grocery store and preparing your own meals to meet special dietary requirements.

However, I know what it’s like to be “that mom.” Because what you’ve never paid any mind to prior, is now a life or death situation. And you don’t know where to start.

Around our house, it’s not just dairy that gives us a problem; we are ANA to dairy, peanut and walnut. We have been cleared to enjoy other tree nuts – except the two listed above.  By choice, we are gluten free so while we try to avoid it, we will indulge from time to time.

With that all said, we have tried A LOT of different allergy-friendly menu items. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks – and of course, TREATS! – we got it covered. So today I want to share with you my FAVORITE DAIRY FREE MEAL FINDS that will make your kids happy and keep you sane. 

Disclaimer: As always, please consult with your allergist if you are unsure if a dairy free meal option suggested here is a good choice for you or your child.

 

BREAKFAST

1.) Plain oatmeal with unsweetened organic applesauce and cinnamon.

This is so quick and easy! We mix our oatmeal with water but it’s also great with coconut and/or almond milk. Stick it in the microwave for 1.5 minutes and then add in applesauce and cinnamon.

I let the kids add the cinnamon since keeping them involved with making the food gives them more reason to eat it.

*PRO TIP* – We use an individual cup of applesauce and keep it refrigerated so when it’s mixed into the piping hot oatmeal, it will cool it down.

2.) GF Pancakes with Organic Maple Syrup.

We use this brand of pancake mix. I follow the recipe on the back except instead of all dairy free milk, I use ½ water and ½ yogurt to make up the liquid. This makes the pancakes fluffy and delicious.

We also have fun adding different types of fruits.

 

SNACKS

3.) So Delicious Coconut Milk Yogurt

Our favorite yogurts are Strawberry Banana and Blueberry.

 

4.) Cinnamon Chex

It’s not the healthiest option but it’s something I can throw in a Ziploc and head out the door.

5.) Fruitocracy Pouches

All flavors are great!

6.) Fruit.

This might be a no-brainer but bananas, strawberries, blueberries and grapes are the norm in our house. I try to purchase what is in season too.

LUNCH

7.) Cheese Quesadillas.

This simple recipe combines corn tortillas and Daiya cheese shreds with black beans on the side.

8.) Good Ole Ham Sandwiches.

This is Risden’s personal favorite. Udi’s Soft White Bread is SO great! No sandwich is complete without chips… ON the sandwich. We go for veggie straws or Lay’s BBQ chips. (Who says dairy-free can’t be a little fun!)

 

DINNER

Generally speaking, this meal is pretty easy to meet the allergy requirements if you stick to meats, veggies and complex carbs. If you cook with olive oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter, you’re good to go! A family favorite is:

9.) Baked salmon with seasoned salt, steamed broccoli and mashed sweet potatoes.

However, if we are in a pinch I turn to these quick options:

10.) GF Tyson Chicken Nuggets with Alexia Sweet Potato Tots.

Definitely take the time to bake them in the oven! They taste much better that way!

11.) Daiya Mac & Cheese & Daiya Pizzas

 

TREATS

12.) Rice Krispy Treats.

Use Earth Balance Vegan Butter in place of regular butter. No one will know the difference. Usually marshmallows are dairy-free but some of them do use blue #5 and I try my best to stay clear of artificial colors. Just read your label!

13.) Popsicles.

We love the Outshine brand! Italian Ice is great too!

14.) Sweet Loren’s Gluten Free Sugar Cookies.

These are amazing! Even my anti-gluten-free-anything husband looks forward to these!

…There you have it!

For the frantic mom that just realized they have to change their lifestyle, these are some easy dairy free meal options for you. It will definitely get you through the first few weeks until you’ve had time to create the perfect Pinterest Boards to meet your family’s needs.

I would love to hear from other food allergy moms. What are you go-to foods?