If you’re looking for dairy-free lunch ideas, then you’ve found the right place! I’ve recreated kid-favorite recipes into dairy-free meals your kids will look forward to eating!

image: collage of six square images with dairy-free lunches

If kids aren’t picky enough as it is, add a dairy allergy to the mix and coming up with meal ideas can be exhausting. I have a ton of dairy-free recipes but to keep it simple, in this post we will stick to lunch ideas.

Dairy-Free Lunches for Kids

Packed lunches should always be: simple, healthy, and easy to prepare. However, when faced with a food allergy, you have to pay special attention to food labels. In the case of a dairy allergy, some recipes aren’t easily made dairy-free.

In this recipe below you’ll find a good variety lunches like bento boxes, wraps, even pancakes, all of them made with no dairy.

Coming up with lunches that are allergy-friendly and still yummy is what I do best. Over the years I’ve accumulated quite the arsenal of recipes, which is why I created a packed lunches ebook with over 100 ideas!

101 Packed Lunches eBook

All my best kid-friendly lunches from over a decade of creating meal plans. Add some variety to your child’s lunchbox with these epic lunches, plus receive my Pack Meals Like a Pro ebook, free with purchase!

Grab the Book!

While not all of the recipes are dairy-free, many of them are or can be by removing cheese or swapping an ingredient like milk or sour cream for a plant based option.

Dairy-Free Bread for Sandwiches

When first going dairy-free, it can be shocking at how many foods, such as bread, that contain hidden dairy ingredients. Sad, I know. Fortunately, we don’t have to give it up altogether, there are dairy-free bread options that taste just as good and build the perfect sandwich!

I like to make my Homemade Paleo Bread, it’s a grain and dairy-free option made with nuts, however, if you or someone in your family has a nut allergy, this one is a great alternative.

Dairy-Free Lunch Recipes

The moment you’ve been anticipating: the recipes! To make packing these lunches easier, I like the Easy Lunchbox containers. They have three compartments per container so packing multiple wet/dry ingredients in one container is possible.

Recipe: Chicken & Hummus Bistro Box
You know those expensive food boxes that are oh-so-tempting at the coffee shops? Make your own bistro box at home. Healthy and packed with protein for a delicious lunch.

Recipe: Mini Pumpkin Pancakes
Breakfast for lunch is always a hit! These mini pumpkin pancakes are perfect to make in a large batch and freeze for easy grab & go breakfast and lunches.

Recipe: Copycat Chick-fil-a Nuggets
Everyone’s favorite nugget, now served up at home. This recipe is not only dairy-free but gluten-free as well since it uses coconut flour for the tasty breading!

Recipe: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Fish Sticks
Making your own is not only healthier but also ensures they’re safe for your dietary needs or restrictions. You’ll never believe how easy they are to make!

Recipe: Zucchini Pasta
“Zoodles” or Zucchini Pasta is a great way to add veggies to any meal. A grain-free and allergy-friendly alternative to traditional pasta.

Recipe: Asian Chicken Salad
Kids always love this one because it is crunchy, fun and has those sweet mandarin oranges tucked inside. Serve your Asian Chicken Salad in a wrap, or in lettuce cups, depending on which your child loves more.

Recipe: 7 Layer Dip
Full of flavor and the nutrients you kids need to make it through the day, these Mexican dip cups are a great thing to pack in a lunchbox with a small bag of chips. Simply hold the Sour cream, to make this recipe dairy-free.

Dairy-Free Snacks

To go with each of these lunches, here are some great snack ideas that are dairy-free and can be easily tucked into the lunch bag.

If making the chocolate chip cookie dough bars, be sure to select dairy-free chocolate chips such as these.

For even more ideas, be sure to follow MOMables on Facebook and sign-up for our FREE newsletter!

7 Dairy-Free School Lunch Ideas | Mini Pumpkin Pancakes

Print Recipe

These 7 Dairy-Free School Lunch Ideas are perfect for getting your kids out a lunch rut! Plus they’re delicious for anyone!

Author: MOMables – Laura
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
Total Time: 15 – 20 minutes
Yield: 12-16 mini pancakes
Category: Pancakes
Cuisine: Breakfast/Lunch

Ingredients

Units

1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1–2 tablespoons brown sugar, optional
2 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 cup milk of choice, ( I used unsweetened almond)
½ cup pumpkin puree
1 large egg
2 tablespoons butter, melted
Maple syrup, for serving (optional)

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Stir to combine.
In a separate large bowl, combine the milk, pumpkin puree, egg, and butter. Whisk to combine.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and whisk together until just combined.
In a large greased skillet or griddle, over medium heat pour 1 to 2 tablespoons batter to make small pancakes.
For larger pancakes, up to ¼ cup of batter. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until pancake batter starts to bubble and flip. Cook for an additional minute or until the middle is cooked through and the bottoms are golden brown.
Remove pancakes from the skillet and serve with maple syrup, if using.

Equipment

Kids Lunch Box

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The Best Homemade Kids’ Lunches on the Planet