What are some gluten and dairy free treats? A Guide to Delicious Indulgences

November 8, 2025 •

4 min read

With an estimated 1% of the global population affected by celiac disease and a growing number of individuals with dairy sensitivities, finding delicious and safe sweets is a priority for many. Whether for health reasons, ethical choices, or simply to explore new flavors, knowing what are some gluten and dairy free treats can open up a world of delightful possibilities that don't compromise on taste.

Quick Summary

This guide explores a wide variety of tasty options free from gluten and dairy, covering homemade baked goods, no-bake creations, and a range of convenient store-bought alternatives to satisfy any sweet craving.

Key Points

Homemade options are abundant: Delicious treats like brownies, cookies, and muffins can be made at home using gluten-free flour blends and plant-based butter or oils.
No-bake treats are easy: Satisfy cravings quickly with options like energy bites, stuffed dates, and frozen fruit desserts that don't require any baking.
Store-bought choices are plentiful: Many brands offer convenient, ready-to-eat gluten-free and dairy-free snacks, crackers, and cookies, like Enjoy Life and MadeGood.
Plant-based alternatives mimic dairy: Use ingredients like certified gluten-free oat milk, coconut milk, and vegan butter to replace dairy in many recipes without sacrificing taste or texture.
Frozen desserts are widely available: Discover excellent plant-based ice creams and sorbets from major brands, and even make your own 'nice cream' at home.

For those navigating a gluten-free and dairy-free lifestyle, the idea of enjoying a decadent dessert or a sweet snack might seem challenging. However, with the right ingredients and a little creativity, the possibilities are endless. From comforting classics to innovative frozen treats, you can find a wealth of options that are both delicious and safe.

Homemade Baked Treats: Reinventing the Classics

Baking at home allows for complete control over ingredients, making it an excellent way to ensure your treats are free from gluten and dairy. With a few key ingredient swaps, you can replicate many of your favorite recipes with fantastic results.

Decadent Brownies

Fudgy, rich brownies are a staple dessert, and going gluten and dairy-free doesn't mean you have to miss out. Many recipes simply replace wheat flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend and swap dairy butter for a plant-based alternative or coconut oil. You'll need:

75 g cocoa powder
185 g plant-based butter
300 g sugar
3 large eggs
120 g gluten-free flour blend
1/4 tsp xanthan gum
150 g dairy-free chocolate chunks

Delicious Cookies

From chewy chocolate chip to zesty lemon shortbread, a variety of cookies can be made with gluten and dairy-free ingredients. Recipes often use almond flour, rice flour, or certified gluten-free oat flour. For dairy-free versions, use vegan butter or coconut oil. Some popular options include peanut butter cookies, almond meringue cookies, and pumpkin cookies.

Simple Muffins

Gluten-free, dairy-free muffins are perfect for a quick breakfast or a sweet snack. Ingredients like mashed banana, applesauce, or pumpkin puree can provide moisture and natural sweetness. Options range from banana bread muffins to blueberry muffins, often using a mix of gluten-free flours like almond or coconut flour.

No-Bake & Frozen Delights: Quick and Refreshing

When you need a quick fix or a cooling treat, no-bake and frozen desserts offer easy and satisfying solutions without turning on the oven.

No-Bake Energy Bites

These are fantastic for a quick, energy-boosting treat. Many recipes combine certified gluten-free rolled oats, nut butter, dairy-free chocolate chips, and a natural sweetener like maple syrup. You can also try flavors like chocolate peanut butter or add dried fruit for variety.

Fruit-Based Desserts

Nature's candy is naturally free of gluten and dairy. Simple and delicious ideas include frozen grapes, frozen chocolate-coated banana slices, or fruit skewers. For a more decadent treat, you can create a creamy fruit salsa with cinnamon-sugar tortilla chips.

Frozen Desserts and Ice Cream

Plant-based ice cream has come a long way. Brands like OATLY, So Delicious, and Ben & Jerry's offer a wide range of dairy-free ice cream flavors made with oat, coconut, or almond milk. You can also create homemade 'nice cream' by blending frozen bananas with other fruits or cocoa powder.

Convenient Store-Bought Treats

For those times when baking isn't an option, many brands offer pre-packaged gluten and dairy-free treats. Always double-check ingredient lists, as formulations can vary.

Cookies and Snack Bars

Enjoy Life: Offers a variety of cookies and snack bars that are free from many common allergens, including gluten and dairy.
MadeGood: Provides allergen-friendly granola bars and snacks in many varieties.
Rhythm 108: A UK-based brand known for delicious dairy-free chocolates and biscuits.
Deliciously Ella: Offers muesli bars and chocolate bites.

Chips and Crackers

Eat Real: Sells lentil and quinoa chips.
Good Thins: Many varieties are gluten-free, but always check labels.
Snyder's: Offers certified gluten-free pretzels.

Comparison of Homemade vs. Store-Bought Gluten/Dairy-Free Treats


Feature	Homemade Treats	Store-Bought Treats
Control over Ingredients	Full control over every ingredient, including sugar levels and fat types.	Limited control; must trust the manufacturer's ingredient list and cross-contamination policies.
Cost	Often more budget-friendly, especially when using basic ingredients.	Can be more expensive due to specialized ingredients and processing.
Time & Effort	Requires time for preparation, baking (if needed), and cleanup.	Convenient and ready to eat immediately.
Flavor Customization	Easily customizable to individual preferences and dietary needs.	Limited to the flavors and variations offered by the brand.
Taste & Texture	Can achieve a fresh, moist, and flavorful result, though may require some experimentation with substitutions.	Quality varies by brand, but many have excellent flavor and texture that mimics traditional treats.

Conclusion: Savor the Sweetness

Living a gluten and dairy-free life doesn't mean a future without treats. The expanding world of allergy-friendly foods, coupled with a wide variety of excellent recipes, offers a delicious path forward. Whether you choose to bake a batch of homemade brownies, whip up some no-bake energy bites, or simply pick up a ready-made snack from the store, you can enjoy a full range of satisfying and delicious gluten and dairy-free treats. Experiment with different ingredients and recipes to find your new favorite indulgence. With a little knowledge and creativity, you can satisfy any sweet craving safely.

For more in-depth information on dairy-free baking substitutions, a great resource is America's Test Kitchen's guide on removing dairy from baked goods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plant-based butter sticks, coconut oil, and vegetable oil are all excellent substitutes for dairy butter. For recipes where a buttery flavor is important, vegan butter sticks work well. Coconut oil can be used as a 1:1 replacement, and vegetable oil is great for melted butter recipes.

Yes, many convenient options exist. Examples include fruit bars (like That's It Fruit Bars), nut and seed mixes, certain brands of potato or quinoa chips (always check labels), and certified gluten-free snack bars from brands like Enjoy Life or MadeGood.

You can make delicious homemade dairy-free ice cream using coconut milk or frozen bananas. For a simple 'nice cream,' just blend frozen banana slices until creamy. For a richer dessert, use full-fat coconut milk as a base with added flavors like mango, chocolate, or almond butter.

Excellent gluten-free flour alternatives include almond flour, certified gluten-free oat flour, cassava flour, and gluten-free all-purpose baking blends. The best choice often depends on the recipe and desired texture.

Naturally free from gluten and dairy, a variety of whole foods can serve as healthy sweets. Think fresh or frozen fruits like grapes, berries, or mango slices. You can also make snacks like stuffed dates with nut butter, roasted chickpeas, or a simple fruit salad.

A straightforward brownie recipe involves melting dairy-free butter or coconut oil with cocoa powder and sugar, then whisking in eggs, a gluten-free flour blend, and dairy-free chocolate chips. For best results, use a recipe that incorporates xanthan gum to improve texture.

For nut-free options, use seed butters (like sunflower seed butter) instead of nut butters. Look for certified nut-free snack bars and products. Ingredients like roasted chickpeas, rice crackers, fruit snacks, and sorbet are generally nut-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free.