The Best Gluten Free Snack Box for Summer
Today I am sharing how to build the best gluten free snack box for summer - perfect for pool days, beach days, and road trips.
The best summer days are filled with sunshine, spontaneous adventures, and slowing down just a little. Whether you're packing up for a beach day, heading to the pool, or setting off on a road trip with your family, one thing’s for sure — snacks are essential.
If you’re a gluten free household (or just trying to pack healthier options), the last-minute snack scramble can be a challenge. That’s where the snackle box comes in — a simple, fun, and organized way to keep everyone happily snacking.
This gluten free snackle box is full of better-for-you favorites that travel well and will keep kids (and moms) going all day long.
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What is a snackle box?
A snackle box is exactly what it sounds like — part snack tray, part tackle box. It’s a portable container with compartments (like a clean, food-safe craft organizer) that lets you pack a variety of snacks all in one place.
After seeing snackle boxes all over Instagram for the last few summers, I finally ordered one. It's been fun trying different combinations of our favorite snacks, and my kids love it.
It's also helped me to save money on individual packaged snacks. Those can really add up! I can buy larger sizes, which is less expensive and creates less trash.
The snackle box keeps snacks neat and crush-free, and it's perfect for gluten free families who need to bring their own food on outings. It's also novel and fun for kids.
Here's the box that we have!
Gluten Free Snack Box Staples
To make a snackle box that’s both yummy and functional, I like to pack a balance of protein, fresh fruit, veggies, something crunchy and something sweet. Here are some of our go-to gluten free options:
Protein Picks
Beef or turkey sticks, we love Chomps or Country Archer
Hard-boiled eggs, peeled and ready to eat
Mini nut butter packets, pair with fruit or pretzels
DIY trail mix, with nuts and dried fruit
Fruit Picks
Strawberries, blueberries, or grapes, washed and dried
Apple or pear slices
Mandarin orange segments, or mini clementines
Dried fruit, such as mango, apricots, or apple rings (unsweetened to avoid added sugar)
Veggies
Baby carrots
Celery sticks
Mini cucumber slices
Mini peppers
Sugar snap peas
Crunchy Favorites
Gluten free pretzels, these are our favorite
Roasted chickpeas
Gluten free crackers, we love Simple Mills Farmhouse Cheddar crackers
Mini crackers (a Goldfish alternative), we love Made Good Star Crackers or Simple Mills Pop Mmms
Sweet Picks
Dark chocolate squares or chocolate covered nuts, we love Trader Joe's chocolate-covered almonds
Energy bites, homemade or store-bought gluten free versions
Yogurt-covered raisins or fruit snacks, we love Strawberry Yoggies (I get these at Costco!)
Fruit snacks, we love Solely because they have no added sugar
Mini gluten free granola bars or protein bars, cut into small pieces
Tips for Packing Your Gluten Free Snackle Box
Keep perishables cool by placing an ice pack on top of, or under, your box in a cooler bag. I've also noticed that some boxes, like this one, have a cooler bag!
Tuck a few wipes or napkins in the box, or bring a small pouch on the side.
Don't forget to bring plenty of water, or an electrolyte drink for hot days. We love Just Ingredients electrolyte drinks. (You can use code 'NOTES' for 10% off!)
Make it a Family Activity
Let your kids help fill the snackle box before an outing — it’s a fun way to teach healthy choices and gives them a little control over what they eat.
This also makes snack time feel like a mini picnic — whether you’re in the backseat of the car or sitting poolside with wet towels and sunscreen everywhere.
Final Thoughts
Summer doesn’t need to be overcomplicated. A little prep goes a long way — and having a gluten free snack box ready to go makes family outings so much easier (and happier).
Here’s to sunny days, sandy toes, and snacks that keep the whole family happy.
Check out my gluten free snacks list and my gluten free snack ideas for active kids for more gluten free snack ideas.
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