If you’re little one has a dairy sensitivity or allergy, and you’re looking for delicious dairy free recipes for kids the whole family can enjoy, we’ve got you covered! From breakfasts, to packable lunches, to family-friendly dinners and desserts, many of these recipes are egg- and gluten-free as well (be sure to check the ingredients). We’ve included lots of tasty snack and dessert options which double as party food ideas for dairy-sensitive kids, allowing your little one to enjoy celebrations without feeling like they are missing out.
5 Tips for Removing Dairy From Your Child’s Diet
1. Experiment with dairy alternatives
If your child consumes a lot of dairy and the idea of removing it from his or her diet sounds overwhelming, a great first step is to start experimenting with dairy alternatives. There are tons of dairy-free milk, cheese, and yogurt options available, and once your child finds a few he or she enjoys, the transition will be much easier. There are also lots of delicious dairy free recipes for kids (see below!) that will allow your little one to continue enjoying meals, snacks, and desserts he or she already eats without consuming dairy.
2. Read labels
If you’re removing diary from your child’s diet, be sure to check all food labels closely. Many prepared foods contain dairy, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
3. Find other sources of calcium
When removing dairy from your child’s diet, it’s important to find other sources of calcium to ensure he or she doesn’t become deficient. There are tons of non-dairy sources of calcium you can consider, including soy beans and soya milk, nut milks, leafy greens, sardines, canned salmon, and chia seeds. Many juices, cereals, and breads are also fortified with calcium. Talk to your child’s doctor and/or make an appointment with a dietician to ensure your little one is consuming enough calcium to be safe.
4. Add other sources of protein
If dairy has been your child’s primary source of protein, it’s important to add other sources of protein to his or her diet. Protein plays an important role in a child’s growth and development, and it also helps strengthen a child’s immune system and carry oxygen throughout the body. A protein-rich diet also helps kids feel full, allowing them to focus and concentrate on their schoolwork, and providing them with the fuel they need to maintain an active lifestyle. Eggs, nuts, seeds quinoa, soy, fish, and poultry are all healthy sources of protein that are free of dairy.
5. Track symptoms
If you’re trying to remove dairy from your child’s diet and he or she has a slip up (it happens!), but sure to record any symptoms he or she experiences. This will serve as a good reminder of why your little one should avoid dairy, and will motivate both of you to get back on track!
11 Breakfast Dairy Free Recipes for Kids
Gluten Free Chocolate Banana Muffins | Living Freely
2-Ingredient Banana Egg Pancakes | Living Well Mom
Dairy Free Blueberry Muffins | Pastry Chef Online
Light & Fluffy Almond Milk Pancakes | On My Kids Plate
Banana Blueberry Fritters | Healthy Little Foodies
Dairy Free French Toast | simply whisked
Healthy Oatmeal Breakfast Bars | Healthy Taste of Life
Healthy Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Scones | Erin Lives Whole
Dairy Free Belgian Waffles | Mama Shire
Baked Apple Cinnamon Donuts | Mama Knows Gluten Free
Dairy Free PB&J Smoothie | The Fit Cookie
11 Lunch and Dinner Dairy Free Recipes for Kids
Dairy Free Mac and Cheese | The Real Food Dietitians
Chicken Paleo Pesto Pizza | Paleo Running Momma
Dairy Free Tuna Casserole | Sunkissed Kitchen
Homemade Sphagetti O’s | Strength & Sunshine
Chicken + Stuffing Casserole | Studioist
Dairy Free Tortilla Pinwheels | Frugal Farm Wife
Easy Baked Gluten Free Chicken Nuggets | Whole New Mom
Easy Gluten and Dairy Free Lasagna | Eating Gluten and Dairy Free
Dairy Free Tater Tot Casserole | My Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Life
Dairy Free Pizza Chicken Bake | Strength & Sunshine
Homemade Meatballs | Milk Allergy Mom
11 Snack Dairy Free Recipes for Kids
Peanut Butter Cereal Bites | One Little Project
Homemade Fudgesicles | A Mind “Full” Mom
Bananadoodles | Hello Spoonful
Crunchy Roasted Chickpeas | Joy Food Sunshine
Monster Energy Bites | Eats Amazing
Strawberry Coconut Cookies | Goodie Goodie Lunchbox
Healthy Banana Protein Muffins | The Clean Eating Couple
No Bake 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Bites | The Real Food Dietitians
Chocolate Hummus | Joy Food Sunshine
Soft Banana Oatmeal Cookies | Mile High Mitts
Healthy Homemade Fruit Snacks | Dessert for Two
11 Dessert Dairy Free Recipes for Kids
Easy Dairy & Egg Free Confetti Fun Cake | Milk Allergy Mom
Gluten and Dairy Free Cannoli | Healthy Taste of Life
The Best Egg Free & Dairy Free Sugar Cookies | Live Well Play Together
Homemade Dairy Free Strawberry Ice Cream | Happy Healthy Mama
3-Ingredient Dairy Free Oreo Truffles | Milk Allergy Mom
Gluten Free Cinnamon Apple Fries | Mama Knows Gluten Free
Flourless Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies | Texanerin Baking
Dairy Free Rice Krispie Treats | Living Freely Gluten Free
Frozen Key Lime Pies | Eat At Our Table
Gluten Free Thumbprint Cookies | Texanerin Baking
Healthy Peanut Butter Blondies | Joy Food Sunshine
Whether your child has a true milk allergy, or you’re removing dairy from his or her diet in an attempt to control other challenges like asthma, eczema, constipation, or reflux, I hope you enjoy this collection of dairy free recipes for kids!