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By Meredith Ethington

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appetizers or make it a meal Dairy Free dessert Family Recipe

Dairy Free Kid Friendly Recipes for Every Meal

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My youngest has recently been having some issues with dairy, and we think he may be lactose intolerant. And since five year olds tend to be the pickiest eaters on the planet, it’s been a struggle to find foods he loves just as much as his yogurt and cheese!

Whether your child has been diagnosed with a milk allergy or lactose intolerance, it can mean a major diet change for your family to go dairy free.

Taking the focus off of dairy can be difficult – especially for children. Ice cream, chocolate, cheese and even yogurt seem to be diet staples for kids, and when milk is no longer allowed, it can seem like a major bummer.

Luckily, there are tons of amazing dairy free kid-friendly foods for you to dig in to. And, I’ve rounded them up for you to try!

Diary Free Breakfast Ideas

Butter on toast? Yogurt with fruit? Cereal and milk? These all-too-common breakfasts are a no-go when you are living a dairy free life. Try these great breakfast options instead!

Sweet Potato Toast by Super Healthy Kids

Blueberry Pie Overnight Oats by A Healthy Life for Me

Breakfast Dessert Raisin Bars by My Dairy Free Gluten Free Life

Crustless Quiche by Reuse Grow Enjoy

Dairy Free Lunch Ideas

Soups, salad and sandwiches are often lunchbox staples. But hidden lactose can be a problem for your digestively challenged youngster. Try these great ideas to keep your tiny tummy happy.

Creamy Carrot Orange Soup with Cashews by Making Healthy Choices

Chicken Tortilla Soup by A Healthy Life For Me

Allergy Free Soft Pretzel Bites by Super Healthy Kids

Grilled Buffalo Chicken Bites by Really, Are You Serious

Dairy Free DINNER Ideas

The key to living well when someone is lactose intolerant is to make meal time special. These recipe suggestions can be enjoyed by the entire family so your little one doesn’t feel left out.

Panko-Crusted Baked Tilapia by Confetti Kitchen

5 Ingredient Low Carb Chicken Nuggets by Wholesome Yum

One Dish Vegetable Pasta by My Dairy Free Gluten Free Life

Veggie Calzone by My Dairy Free Gluten Free Life

Dairy free DESSERT Ideas

In this day and age, it’s nearly impossible to feel deprived just because you can’t have milk. There are some amazing alternatives out there, and allergy awareness is a growing trend. These dairy free desserts are amazing, even if they are variations on the norm.

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Dairy-Free and Egg-Free Cupcakes by Moneywise Moms

Grilled Peaches and Coconut Cream by Super Healthy Kids

Gluten Free Almond Macaroons by A Healthy Life For Me

Dairy Free Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream by JoyFoodSunshine

Dairy Free Condiments

Sour cream, cheese and cream cheese are often key ingredients in many dips and dressings. These alternatives are amazing and can replace your old go-to recipes.

Dairy Free Ranch Dip by Super Healthy Kids

Dairy Free Queso Dip by This Mama Loves

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Dip by One Crazy House

Pumpkin Spice Dip by Super Healthy Kids

Dairy Free Snacks Ideas for Kids

Snacks are great for making sure your kids stay satiated between meals. But often, our favorite snacks to reach for are filled with milk products. Thankfully there are plenty of amazing copycat recipes that will fill the void without giving your child a stomach ache.

Homemade Rice Cakes by Living Sweet Moments

Date Caramel Apple “Cookies” by Making Healthy Choices

Quinoa Pizza Bites by Super Healthy Kids

Dairy Free Scones by Crafty Kids at Home

Dairy Free Drink Ideas For Kids

If your little one is missing things like milkshakes or hot chocolate, fear not! These are some delicious creamy drinks that will taste just like the real thing!

Dairy Free Hot Chocolate by JoyFoodSunshine

Dairy Free Coconut Horchata by Food Apparel

Dairy Free Creamy Pumpkin Smoothie by Super Healthy Kids

Low Carb Raspberry Avocado Smoothie by Low Carb Yum

The biggest takeaway for those parents with lactose-intolerant children is that it isn’t going to be nearly as difficult as you think to live a dairy free lifestyle.

Your child will never even know the difference, and the whole family can join in in this way of eating without sacrificing flavor. Your favorite foods can be eaten, and no one has to suffer any ill effects.

And if you’re still looking for my ideas, check out these dairy free cookbooks on Amazon!


1 Comment

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  1. cynthia | confetti kitchen says

    February 20, 2017 at 11:02 am

    Thanks for including my panko-crusted tilapia recipe in your roundup! It’s one of my favorites to make, and toddler nephew + niece approved. 🙂

    Reply

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Welcome! I’m Meredith.

Mom. Writer. Diet Coke connoisseur. Born and raised Texan. Lover of real talk and laughter with a hint of sarcasm mixed in.

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But, to be honest - they’re not the worst. They’re kind of amazing. But their problems make me tired to my core." 

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