Providing snacks for your employees in the break room improves morale and productivity. Foods rich in vitamins, protein and healthy fats will give your team the energy they need to do their job well — as long as you address everyone’s dietary concerns.
Why Offer Gluten-Free Snacks for Co-Workers
While some people may choose a gluten-free diet as a lifestyle change, others don’t have a choice.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune reaction where gluten causes your body to produce antibodies that damage the inner lining of your small intestine. Exposure to foods with gluten in them can cause temporary discomfort like gas, bloating and diarrhea and long-term conditions like malnourishment or an increased chance of developing intestinal cancer.
General Rules for a Celiac-Friendly Workplace
Following these basic guidelines will help create an inclusive atmosphere for your employees with celiac disease.
- Understand the workplace dynamic: Over 3 million Americans have celiac disease, so there’s a decent chance you work with someone who has it. Collect an anonymous survey to assess your employees’ dietary needs so you can better serve them.
- Separate gluten and gluten-free snacks: Even trace amounts of gluten can cause serious harm to a person with celiac disease. Keeping break room foods separate will reduce contamination.
- Provide cleaning supplies to prevent contamination: Waiting for janitorial staff to clean the break room leaves a high potential for contamination on prep surfaces and tables. Handy supplies like disposable wipes can provide additional protection for employees with celiac disease.
- Offer gluten-free snacks: If you typically supply your employees with food in the break room or other common areas, you should also consider offering gluten-free snacks for co-workers. Doing so lets your entire team reap the benefits of healthy food during the workday.
Prepackaged Gluten-Free Snacks
Prepackaged goods are the easiest way to provide gluten-free snacks, drastically reducing the odds of contamination from other treats. They’re a more expensive option, but you have plenty to choose from if your budget allows. Buying in bulk from a wholesaler or directly from the company could save you some cash.
- Sahale Snacks
Sahale Snacks will stimulate even the most highly cultured palette. Its trail mixes are certified non-GMO and gluten and dairy free. Most options lean sweet, with only a few savory choices, but you’ll find amazing flavor pairings like tangerine vanilla cashew macadamia glazed mix and cherry cocoa almond coconut snack mix.
- Bada Bean Bada Boom
Bada Bean Bada Boom’s main ingredient is the protein-packed powerhouse, fava beans. These delights are simply roasted with sunflower oil and seasonings. They have flavors like zesty ranch, spicy wasabi and sweet cinnamon.
- Quinn Pretzel Nuggets
Gluten-free pretzel nuggets are the white whale of the snack world, challenging to find but oh-so rewarding. They’re gluten and dairy free and offer several different flavors like maple almond butter filled, creamy peanut butter filled and plant-based pizza cheesy filled.
- Hippeas
Cheese curls are a snack staple, but they typically aren’t gluten-free, and they’re definitely not healthy. Hippeas offers a protein-rich option with its chickpea puffs. You’ll find an assortment of delicious flavors, including white cheddar, bohemian barbeque and sriracha sunshine. The company also makes chickpea tortilla chips and veggie straws.
- Bare Baked Crunchy
Bare Baked Crunchy gets back to the basics with its snack ideas. The main ingredient is dried fruit, and it accentuates certain varieties with spices like cinnamon. However, there’s no added sugar, and every product is naturally gluten and dairy free.
Easy-Grab Gluten-Free Snack Ideas
These easy-grab gluten-free snacks make an ideal midmorning or afternoon refuel. They’ll go easier on your wallet than prepackaged snacks, but contamination possibilities are higher. Follow strict guidelines and keep gluten-laden foods far removed from them.
- Fruit and Veggie Trays
Fruit and veggie trays can feed a lot of people. A varied spread will ensure everyone in the office can find something they enjoy. Plus, the array of colors will bring a bit of cheer to the break room.
- Nuts or Seeds
Nuts and seeds are a good replacement for gluten-heavy snacks. They’re high in essential nutrients and quite satiating. Roasted pumpkin seeds are a delicious fall snack — add cinnamon and brown sugar or garlic salt to accentuate their natural flavor. Walnuts are delicious and improve brain function with their hearty dose of omega-3s.
- Dark Chocolate
Sometimes, you just need a quick pick-me-up — and chocolate helps. A small dish of dark chocolate will curb any employee’s sweet tooth and offer heart-healthy benefits. Ensure whatever brand you choose is certified gluten-free. Otherwise, it could be contaminated by a factory that makes gluten-laden products.
- Baked Goods
If you or someone on the team loves to bake, you can absolutely offer your tasty creations to the staff. However, you should provide gluten-free snacks for co-workers who need them. You can swap wheat flour for celiac-friendly options like almond or brown rice flour in most recipes.
Share These Gluten-Free Snacks for Co-Workers
Providing healthy foods for your entire team may entail including gluten-free snacks. Embrace this inclusive change by following safety guidelines and providing several options. Your staff members with celiac disease will greatly appreciate the effort.
Writer Bio
Beth is the Managing Editor and content manager at Body+Mind. She shares knowledge on a variety of topics related to nutrition, healthy living, and anything food-related. In her spare time, Beth enjoys trying out new fitness trends and recipes.
