If youâre a parent packing lunchboxes week after week, you already know the drill. No nuts. Keep it healthy. And make sure it wonât come home untouched. Thatâs the reality of Aussie school lunch culture. Strict allergy policies. A growing awareness of food sensitivities like gluten intolerance. And a real push towards wholefood-based, low-sugar options.
So where do you even start? Especially when your childâs school is nut-free and youâre trying to steer clear of gluten too. The good news is, thereâs a growing list of gluten and nut-free snacks in Australia that are healthy, plant-based and, most importantly, kid-approved.
In this guide, weâll unpack the most popular gluten and nut-free snack options for Aussie families, explore what makes them a great lunchbox fit, and spotlight some of our favourites from the Shary range.
Why Are Gluten and Nut-Free Snacks So Common in Australian Lunchboxes?
Nut-free policies are standard in most schools across Australia because of the high risk of anaphylaxis. But gluten-free? Thatâs becoming just as common, not only for kids with coeliac disease or diagnosed intolerances, but also for parents looking to reduce bloating, sugar crashes or behavioural reactions linked to processed carbs.
Schools actively encourage low-sugar, low-allergen, minimally processed foods. That means the classic lunchbox combo of sandwich, muesli bar and chips is being replaced with fresher, safer alternatives. The result is a rising demand for snacks that are not only nut and gluten free, but also genuinely nourishing.
Our Favourite Gluten and Nut Free Snacks in Australia
Hereâs a breakdown of popular gluten and nut-free snacks youâll find in Aussie households and lunchboxes. These are plant-based, real-ingredient options that bring big flavour without the nasties.
Shary Beetroot Snacks
Naturally sweet with a hint of earthiness. These beetroot crisps are gluten and nut free, made from real sliced beets and gently crisped for that satisfying crunch.
Shary Broccoli Chips
Packed with fibre and iron. These broccoli chips are crisped, not fried, and lightly seasoned for kid-friendly appeal. A great swap for salty crackers.
Shary Mango Snacks
Sweet, chewy and made from 100% Aussie mangoes. No sulphites, no added sugar and completely school-safe. Explore mango snacks.
Shary Green Peas Snack
Air-crisped for a light crunch. These green pea snacks are packed with plant protein and make an ideal nut-free swap for roasted nuts.
Shary Dried Mushroom Snacks
Savoury, umami-rich and perfect for older kids or teens. Made from real mushrooms, theyâre gluten and nut-free.
Shary Strawberry Snacks
Sliced and slow-dried strawberries with zero added sugar or preservatives. Try our strawberry snacks.
Shary Fruit Snacks
From apple to pear to tropical blends, every variety in this fruit snack range is made from real fruit with nothing artificial added.
Air-Popped Popcorn
Naturally gluten and nut free. Just avoid added flavours. Plain popcorn in small containers is an easy lunchbox win.
Cucumber and Hummus Dippers
Crisp cucumber paired with a nut-free hummus. Light, fresh and mess-free.
Frozen Yoghurt Bites (Homemade)
Mix yoghurt with fruit purée, spoon into moulds and freeze. Defrosts by recess for a refreshing treat.
Plant-Based Snack Packs
Grab-and-go packs of dried fruit and veggies. Everything in the Shary range is gluten and nut-free.
What to Look for in a Gluten and Nut-Free Snack
A gluten and nut-free label doesnât always mean itâs school-safe or good for your child. Hereâs what to look out for:
- Made with real ingredients: No fillers or artificial flavours.
- Naturally gluten free: Fruits, veggies, legumes.
- Nut-free certified: Especially for school policies.
- Shelf-stable: No refrigeration needed.
- Easy to open and portioned: Designed with kids in mind.
Snacks like our veggie chips and fruit crisps tick all these boxes.
Kid-Friendly, Allergy-Safe and Plant-Based
Kids wonât eat what they donât like. So we made snacks that are fun to crunch, naturally sweet and totally safe for schools. Our beetroot snacks crunch like chips. Our mango slices taste like lollies. And theyâre made from real ingredients. Nothing else.
Every snack in our range is:
- Gluten free
- Nut free
- Plant-based
- Free from preservatives and added sugar
That means peace of mind for parents and lunchbox wins for kids.
Lunchbox Culture in Australia: What Parents Should Know
In Australia, school lunchboxes are a big deal. Most schools donât allow nuts of any kind. Some even ban eggs or sesame. Many have ânude foodâ policies, which means snacks should come in reusable containers. Most of all, they expect snacks to be healthy.
This means many classic snacks are off the table. Processed bars, biscuits, flavoured chips and sweet spreads are often discouraged. Instead, lunchboxes are expected to feature fresh produce, real ingredients and allergy-safe options.
Thatâs why gluten and nut-free snacks that are clean, shelf-stable and actually get eaten are essential. Especially for parents juggling time, nutrition goals and picky eaters.
Smart Snack Planning for Busy Mornings
Packing a lunchbox at 7 am doesnât always bring out your most creative side. Thatâs why it helps to create a go-to list of approved snacks you can mix and match each week. We recommend keeping a snack station in your pantry with grab-and-go options. Rotate the contents weekly to keep things interesting.
You can also batch-prepare extras like popcorn, frozen yoghurt bites or chopped fruit containers at the start of the week. Use stackable containers to portion everything out and save time during the rush.
Some parents also find success with a âbuild your ownâ lunchbox model. Kids can choose one item from each snack group: fruit, crisp, protein, and treat. With Sharyâs fruit snacks and veggie crisps, there are plenty of safe options that give kids variety without compromising your standards.
Shary Makes Gluten and Nut-Free Easy
At Shary, we believe health shouldnât be hard. Our snacks are made for Aussie families who want:
- Guilt-free snacks
- Clean, clear labelling
- Real fruit and veggies
- Zero allergens
- And no returns from the lunchbox
Still looking for more ideas? Sometimes it's less about what you're packing and more about how it's packed. Try rotating different textures, colours and combinations across the week to keep things interesting. You can also involve your kids in choosing a few options in advance. When they help make the plan, theyâre more likely to actually eat whatâs inside.
Ready to make mornings easier? Explore our full range today.