Gluten-Free & Vegan Snacks for the Football Playoffs

Gluten-Free & Vegan Snacks for the Football Playoffs

The playoffs are happening, it's time to huddle up and think about the types of snacks you'll be serving at the next viewing party. Traditional snacks include wings, nachos and chips, but they're not for everyone. With a massive rise in veganism and more awareness raised for dietary restrictions, it's essential to have more inclusive snacks.

Gluten-free and vegan snacks are just as exciting and flavorful and can pack just as much punch. They can also easily fit the requirements of standard football snacks: easy to make, easy to eat and easy to love. So here are some simple snacks you can prepare in no time.

Before, during and after the game, serve quality finger foods that everyone can enjoy. What viewing party would be complete without lots of snacking? You definitely want to make sure that your guests have many options to choose from.

 

A List of Snack Ideas for the 2022 Football Playoffs

The trick to having an impressive snack selection is to have a lot of variety. Add some decorations to the table, and everyone will remember your viewing party for years to come. Other than traditional snacks, you can also include gluten-free and vegan options like:

  1. Air-popped popcorn: skip the butter and use the power of overheated air. Sprinkle some vegan-approved toppings like nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, or garlic powder to spice things up a bit.
  2. Cookies: Have a cookie section. It's hard to say no to a cookie, especially if you have many options. It can be hard to find gluten-free and/or vegan cookies, but we've got you covered. Our cookies comes in three flavors: Chocolate Almond Sea Salt, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip and Cookies & Creme. We also have Keto Cookies in two flavors, Chocolate Chip and Peanut Butter, which are vegan and gluten-free, so there will be something for everyone.
  3. Hummus with Veggies: traditional hummus is made from a blend of chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. These ingredients do not contain gluten and are vegan-friendly. Always check the label when purchasing hummus to ensure that no gluten-containing ingredients have been added.
  4. Potato chips: In addition to having something sweet, you absolutely must have something salty. Most potato chips are gluten-free and vegan. To be safe, look for the gluten-free label! Avoid chips made from pita, flour, whole wheat, malt vinegar or wheat starch.
  5. Fruits: Fresh fruits are gluten-free. Slice up some pears, peaches or apples, or keep a bowl of berries as part of your spread.
  6. Ants on a log: You'll often find this traditional football season snack on the table. So, there's no reason not to include them this year. Spread some peanut butter on celery sticks and add some raisins on top as decoration.
  7. Roasted almonds, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds: Who doesn't like nuts on game day? Whether being a good source of vitamin E or being rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber, these three nut choices are both vegan-friendly and gluten-free.
  8. Rice cakes with almond butter and banana slices: we're getting into a real sleeper snack with this one (pun intended), but it's absolutely delicious!

 

Setting Up the Spread for the Party

Setting up your food section takes some skill (especially if we're including regular snacks that include gluten). After carefully choosing the snacks, make sure that they are presented well. Here are some tips for each section you can implement:

  • Have snacks in easily accessible locations. Spread the snacks out on platters on the kitchen table, like a buffet. You can refill empty plates throughout the game.
  • Have napkins and small plates everywhere. Football snacks are usually finger foods that don't require much, but having small plates available allows your guest to stock up on specific snacks. They also catch crumbs, so they don't make it onto your floor or the cracks of the couches.
  • Put up name tags for the food. Specify which ones are gluten-free and vegan, so no one has to guess.

Make sure to keep the gluten-free and vegan options away from those that aren't to avoid cross-contamination. As gluten contamination can happen even with shared fryers, prevent cross-contamination by preparing and plating gluten-free foods on different cutting boards and plates.

 

Gluten-Free and Vegan Snack Ideas

Gluten-free and vegan snacks are for everyone and make a great addition to any game day. You can enjoy them even if you don't have any dietary restrictions or food allergies. They're easy to prepare, easy to eat, and easy to love!