Simple Starts: Easy Gluten-Free Snacks for Busy Students

These snacks tick all the boxes: easy, cheap and delicious.

My criteria for easy uni snacks are strict: they need to be pre-prepared so I can just grab them and go, they need to be cheap, quick to make, and most importantly, they need to be absolutely delicious.

This is especially difficult when you are trying to find gluten-free options, so I have compiled a list of easy, naturally gluten-free snacks, most of which can be stored in the freezer, and all can be prepped ahead of time.

Here are some of my go-tos:

Banana bark

This is one of my new staples. You can make it with any of your favourite fruits (berries work particularly well), but with the price of bananas, they’re definitely one of the most budget-friendly options.

There are a few different ways to make these:

Option one

Chop a banana into coins and top each with:

• A dollop of peanut butter

• A drizzle of dark chocolate

• A sprinkle of cocoa nibs

  
  

Pop them in the freezer for a few hours or overnight, and enjoy as a midday pick-me-up or an evening sweet treat.

Option two

• Arrange your fruit slices into circles to create a circular base, add your toppings, and freeze for a portable on-the-go option.

Option three

• If you’re making them to share, spread a flat base of fruit in a tray or Tupperware, add toppings, freeze, and then break or cut it into slices for bark-style pieces. Perfect for sharing.

The best thing about this recipe is how adaptable it is to your preferences, budget and time:

• No peanut butter? Use almond butter, cashew butter, or even a seed butter.

• Don’t like dark chocolate? Swap for milk or white, or make your own using coconut oil, cocoa powder, and date syrup.

Date bark

Bringing back a lockdown staple, I used to make this all the time at uni. It ticks all the boxes of being cheap, easy, and quick, and feels a little more decadent than the banana bark if you’re after a richer snack.

The dates bring both a caramel flavour and a sticky texture that work perfectly against the crunchy chocolate and creamy nut butter.

You can prepare it the same way as the banana bark:

• Break open your dates so each half is displayed.

• Flatten them into your chosen shape (tray, Tupperware, or just a flat layer).

• Top with nut butter, chocolate, and any extras you fancy.

• Freeze and then break into pieces.

For a grab-and-go option, try filled dates: stuff each date with nut or seed butter, coat with chocolate, and freeze. These are bite-sized and great to keep on hand.

Banana ice lollies

These are super easy and such a good way to use up old bananas. In fact, the riper the bananas, the sweeter the lollies will be.

All you need is:

• 1 banana

• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder

• 1 teaspoon nut or seed butter (A smooth one will work best for this recipe; my favourite to use is almond butter)

  
  

Blend it all together, adjust the flavour if you want a more chocolaty or nutty taste, then pour into an ice lolly mould. No mould? No problem—just use an ice cube tray and stick lolly sticks in the top. Freeze overnight, and they’re ready to go.

Roasted Nuts

This one's super easy and totally adaptable to your taste. I usually do mine in the air fryer, but they work just as well in the oven. They make the perfect prep-ahead, grab-and-go snack — just buy your favourite nuts in bulk and roast them with whatever flavours you’re in the mood for that week.

You can go sweet or savoury, and all you need is:

• Your choice of nuts

• A little oil

• Your flavorings

  
  

How to:

1. Mix everything in a bowl.

2. Spread in an even layer on a tray.

3. Roast in the oven or air fryer at 160°C (325°F) until golden (toss around 15 minutes in to make sure they roast evenly).

   
   

Sweet Nut Ideas:

• Honey-roasted cashews – Toss cashews with oil and honey.

• Maple-glazed pecans – Pecans with oil, maple syrup, and a touch of cinnamon.

• Spiced walnuts – Walnuts with oil, mixed spice, and brown sugar.

• Lemon roasted pistachios – Pistachios with oil, honey, lemon juice, and zest.

  
  

Savoury Nut Ideas:

• Salt and pepper cashews – Cashews with flaky salt, oil, and cracked black pepper.

• Paprika & cumin walnuts – Walnuts with oil, cumin seeds, and smoked paprika.

• Herby Brazil nuts – Brazil nuts with oil and Italian herbs.

• Zesty almonds – Almonds with lemon zest, oil, salt, and black pepper.

  
  

Date Ice Lollies

These are one of my favourite things to make in bulk and keep in the freezer — perfect when you're craving something sweet or need a quick energy boost. You can use dates, or swap them for raspberries, bananas, or strawberries if you don't like dates.

To make:

1. Split the dates (or your chosen fruit) just enough to open them (keep the sides intact).

2. Insert a lolly stick into the centre and press the fruit closed around it.

3. Add a spoonful of your favourite nut or seed butter on top.

4. Cover with your favourite melted chocolate.

5. You could finish with toppings like chocolate chips, dried berries, crushed nuts, or coconut flakes.

   
   

Freeze until solid and store in an airtight container in the freezer.

I hope this gave you some inspiration. If you want to keep up with what I'm making at uni or see when any of the other uni meals posts are posted, check out my Instagram @rubysgfkitchen.

Happy Baking,

Ruby x