What Are Some Treats That Are Gluten-Free?

October 16, 2025 •

4 min read

According to research, around 1% of the global population has celiac disease, necessitating a strictly gluten-free diet. For those with celiac or gluten sensitivity, navigating the world of desserts and snacks can be challenging, but many fantastic options exist for treats that are gluten-free, ensuring flavor and enjoyment are never compromised. This guide explores the best options available, from naturally safe foods to modern-day packaged alternatives.

Quick Summary

This guide details a comprehensive selection of gluten-free treats, covering naturally safe foods, certified store-bought products, and simple homemade recipes for cookies, brownies, and more.

Key Points

Naturally Gluten-Free Snacks: Fruits, nuts, seeds, and plain dairy are simple, safe, and nutritious options for gluten-free snacking.
Read Labels Diligently: Always check labels, even on products marketed as gluten-free, for hidden gluten in ingredients like flavorings or starches.
Explore Modern GF Brands: The market is full of certified gluten-free cookies, pretzels, and crackers from brands like Simple Mills, Snyder's, and Enjoy Life.
Customize with Homemade Recipes: Baking your own gluten-free treats using alternative flours like almond or rice flour gives you full control over ingredients and taste.
Adapt Your Baking Technique: To avoid dryness in baked goods, remember to mix longer, add extra liquid, and bake at a lower temperature for a longer time.
Healthier Alternatives Exist: For decadent treats, recipes like 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies or flourless brownies offer simple yet delicious gluten-free options.

Naturally Gluten-Free Delights

For those seeking simple, whole-food treats, nature provides an abundance of naturally gluten-free options. These require minimal preparation and are often the healthiest choices.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fresh fruits and vegetables are the simplest and most accessible gluten-free treats. You can enjoy them raw or combine them for more elaborate snacks.

Apple Slices with Nut Butter: A classic combination, offering fiber and protein. Always check nut butter labels for potential cross-contamination.
Berries with Yogurt: Plain yogurt is naturally gluten-free. Mix with fresh berries and a sprinkle of seeds for a satisfying parfait.
Frozen Grapes or Bananas: Freezing fruit creates a refreshing, sorbet-like treat, especially on a hot day.
Dates Stuffed with Nuts: Pitted dates stuffed with your favorite nuts or seeds make a naturally sweet and nutrient-dense snack.

Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds are excellent sources of protein and healthy fats, and they're perfect for snacking on the go.

Homemade Trail Mix: Combine nuts like almonds and cashews with seeds and dried fruit. Be mindful of potential gluten-based flavorings in pre-made mixes.
Spiced Nuts: Toast nuts with spices like cinnamon or paprika for a flavorful and crunchy snack.

Dairy Products

Most plain dairy products are gluten-free, but always read the label if they contain added ingredients or flavorings.

Cheese Sticks or Cubes: A convenient and protein-rich snack.
Cottage Cheese with Fruit: A perfect pairing for a quick and easy treat.

Convenient Store-Bought Gluten-Free Treats

The market for certified gluten-free products has exploded, providing a wealth of convenient, ready-to-eat options. Always look for a 'Certified Gluten-Free' label to ensure safety, especially for individuals with celiac disease.

Cookies and Baked Goods

Many mainstream and specialty brands now offer certified gluten-free versions of classic treats.

Glutino Chocolate Vanilla Creme Cookies: A popular and delicious alternative to traditional sandwich cookies.
Tate's Bake Shop Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies: Known for their signature thin and crispy texture.
Sweet Loren's Cookie Dough: Offers break-and-bake cookie dough for fresh, warm cookies at home.

Crackers, Chips, and Bars

For savory or crunchy cravings, many brands have you covered.

Snyder's Gluten-Free Pretzels: Offers a classic crunchy pretzel experience without the gluten.
Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers: A grain-free cracker option made with whole-food ingredients.
MadeGood Granola Bars: A variety of certified gluten-free and allergen-friendly bars.
Enjoy Life Lentil Chips: A crunchy, lentil-based chip option.

Candy and Chocolate

Many candies are naturally gluten-free, but as always, checking the label is crucial.

Plain Chocolate: Dark, milk, or white chocolate without added wafers is generally safe. Check for shared equipment warnings.
Yum Earth Lollipops: These are often allergen-friendly and a great option for kids.

Homemade Gluten-Free Recipes

For those who love to bake, homemade gluten-free treats offer endless possibilities and complete control over ingredients.

Cookies and Brownies

Making your own baked goods allows you to use safe ingredients like certified gluten-free oats, almond flour, or chickpea flour.

3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies: An incredibly easy recipe using peanut butter, egg, and sugar.
Almond Flour Brownies: A simple swap of almond flour for traditional flour makes for rich, fudgy brownies.
No-Bake Energy Balls: Combine nut butter, certified gluten-free oats, and honey with chocolate chips for a customizable snack.

Other Baked Goods

Beyond cookies, many desserts can be easily adapted to be gluten-free.

Cheesecake: Many cheesecakes are naturally gluten-free and only require changing the base to a gluten-free biscuit or nut-based crust.
Flourless Chocolate Cake: A decadent, naturally gluten-free dessert made with eggs, butter, and high-quality chocolate.

Comparison: Baked vs. No-Bake Gluten-Free Treats


Treat Type	Baked/No-Bake	Preparation Time	Special Ingredients	Skill Level
3-Ingredient PB Cookies	Baked	20 mins	Peanut Butter, Egg	Beginner
Almond Flour Brownies	Baked	45 mins	Almond Flour	Intermediate
Fruit Skewers	No-Bake	10 mins	Fresh Fruit, Yogurt	Beginner
Energy Bites	No-Bake	15 mins	GF Oats, Nut Butter	Beginner
GF Oreos	Store-Bought	0 mins	None	N/A
Cheesecake (GF Base)	Baked	60+ mins	GF Crackers	Advanced

Conclusion

Living a gluten-free life does not mean giving up on delicious treats. From the simple, natural sweetness of fruits and nuts to the convenience of certified store-bought products like cookies and pretzels, the options are more plentiful than ever. By exploring both homemade recipes and commercial products, you can easily satisfy any craving. The key is always to be a vigilant label reader and to remember that 'gluten-free' doesn't automatically mean 'healthy,' as many options can still be high in sugar and fat. The best strategy is to enjoy a balanced diet and choose your treats wisely to feel your best.

Check out more gluten-free resources for recipes and tips on preparing meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, nuts and seeds are naturally gluten-free. However, it is crucial to check the packaging, especially for flavored varieties, as some seasonings or processing methods can introduce gluten.

Oats are naturally gluten-free but are often subject to cross-contamination during processing. Only consume oats that are specifically labeled 'certified gluten-free' to ensure they are safe.

Plain ice cream is typically gluten-free, but you should always check the label. Flavors with mix-ins like cookie dough or cookie crumbles will likely contain gluten unless explicitly certified as gluten-free.

Great no-bake options include homemade energy balls with nut butter and certified gluten-free oats, fruit skewers with a yogurt dip, and simple fruit and chocolate clusters.

For baking, many recipes rely on a blend of gluten-free flours like almond, rice, and tapioca starch to replicate the texture of traditional flour. Some recipes are naturally flourless, using ingredients like peanut butter or ground almonds.

To combat dryness, consider adding a little extra liquid to your batter. Resting the batter for about 30 minutes before baking also allows the flours to hydrate, preventing a gritty texture.

No. While gluten-free options exist for many treats, they can still be high in sugar, fat, and calories. Focusing on naturally gluten-free whole foods is often the healthier approach compared to heavily processed alternatives.