Nut-Free Snack Ideas for Classroom & Team Celebrations

Thanks to SunButter® Sunflower Butter for this great guest post!

Fall is bursting with fun — from classroom parties and school Halloween events to team celebrations and weekend tournaments! 🎃🏈 But with about two kids in every classroom living with a food allergy, it’s extra important to plan snacks that everyone can safely enjoy. Whether you’re a room parent, coach, or volunteer, we’ve got you covered with nut-free snack ideas and allergy-friendly planning tips. Keep every kid included, every parent stress-free, and every fall festivity full of flavor and fun!

💡 Pro Tip: Download our free printable “Nut-free Classroom” sign to post on your teacher’s wall.

Nut-Free Snacks for Kids:

1. SunButter® Sunflower Butter: Delicious, filling and free from the top 8 food allergens including peanuts, SunButter is a must-have allergy-safe snack for schools and teams – and it’s available in convenient On the Go Single Cups. Spread it on rice cakes topped with fruit or chocolate chips, add it to healthy greek yogurt, dip pretzels in it and chomp down . . . the ideas are endless! Find more delicious and fun SunButter snack recipes here.

2. Popcorn & Sunny Chow: A top allergy-safe pick for parents and kids is popcorn! Versatile in flavor and easy for kids to eat, popcorn can also be jazzed up with melted chocolate and SunButter for an extra delicious treat. Get the recipe here.

Sunny Chow takes it to the next level with a nut-free take on the kid-favorite “Puppy Chow.” Rice Chex or Crispix cereal coated in creamy chocolate and SunButter and dusted with powdered sugar can easily become a class party must-have. Get the recipe! 

3. Mini Muffin Brownie Bites: A kid-approved favorite, nut-free brownie bites are an allergy-safe alternative to other go-to party pastries that are often processed in facilities that also process nuts. Ripe bananas, SunButter, vanilla and chocolate chips make this healthy, bite-sized treat perfect for handing out at classroom and team parties. Find this and more great recipes in the here.

Allergy-Safe Snack Planning:

For room parents, team parents, and teachers, getting the word out about food allergies and organizing events where there is food can be complicated. Save time, stress less and be safe with these top planning tips and best practices:

1. Disseminate allergy information and food guidelines: Does your child’s classroom only accept store-bought snacks? Are there nut allergies and dairy allergies among your team players? Ask the important questions from your teacher and coach at the start of the school year or season and make sure to include these reminders for parents on all communications – emails, newsletters, SignUps, social media, etc. Free, downloadable “Nut-free Classroom” sign here.

2. Coordinate snacks with SignUp: Whether it’s a team snack schedule or a class party SignUp sheet, SignUp.com makes it easy for parents to sign up to bring food to an activity or event, learn exactly what is needed and what foods to avoid, and get reminded of their commitment! Team parents and room parents can build snack schedules and SignUps in minutes and invite parents to sign up 24/7 from the convenience of their computer or smartphone – no passwords needed! Automated reminders and eCalendar sync keep everyone on track.

Get more ideas, tips, and printable resources in our Class Party Planning Center!

❓Frequently Asked Questions About Allergy-Safe Snacks & Fall Class Parties

Q: What are the best nut-free snacks for school parties?
A: Try fruit kabobs, veggie cups with hummus, cheese cubes with crackers, popcorn snack mixes, or store-bought nut-free cookies. Always check ingredient labels and avoid foods made in shared facilities with nuts.

Q: How can I plan a classroom party that’s safe for kids with food allergies?
A: Coordinate with the teacher or school nurse to learn about any class allergies. Use your SignUp to note safe food options and clearly label ingredients. Encourage parents to bring pre-packaged snacks with visible labels when possible.

Q: Are there fun, non-food ideas for fall or Halloween class parties?
A: Absolutely! Set up craft stations, pumpkin decorating, or a fall-themed photo booth. Kids love games like Fall Bingo, trivia, or a classroom scavenger hunt — no food required for the fun!

Q: What should I include in a SignUp for a nut-free class party or sports event?
A: Add spots for snacks, drinks, paper goods, decorations, and a few allergy-safe treat options. You can even include an “I’m bringing a non-food activity” slot to make it easy for volunteers to help in creative ways.

Q: How do I politely remind parents about allergy restrictions?
A: Include a friendly note in your SignUp: “Please choose snacks that are nut-free and allergy-safe for all students.” Most parents appreciate the heads-up and will happily bring something everyone can enjoy!