By Monica Bearden, RD and Shara Aaron, MS, RD

Making sure kids are eating a well-balanced diet full of nutrients can be a challenge, especially when following a gluten-free diet. Fortunately there are solutions. Read on to learn about Barbara’s variety of products that children will love and get the nutrition they need while following a gluten-free diet.

Getting the Nutrition They Need

As parents, we do our best to make sure we’re giving our kids the nourishment they need to grow and thrive. A well-balanced diet, as recommended by USDA’s MyPyramid, is one full of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, low-fat dairy and whole grains. Each of the food groups provides certain vitamins, minerals and other nutrients vital to healthy growth and development. However, many children fall short in consuming the recommended intake of some vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, vitamin D and iron, and fiber(1). When a child needs to follow a gluten-free diet, ensuring adequate nutrients from all of the food groups can be that much more challenging. Focusing on natural, wholesome foods and gluten-free foods that contain these shortfall nutrients can go a long way in making up the gap – and, of course, tasty and kid-friendly are a must.

Kid-Friendly Foods that are Gluten-Free

While a gluten-free diet, especially for kids, may feel like having to give up a lot of favorite foods, there are gluten-free foods that taste great and don’t feel like a sacrifice. Barbara’s Bakery has several cereals that are delicious, kid-friendly, AND gluten-free, including Multigrain and Honey Rice Puffins and Barbara’s Brown Rice Crisps. A nutrient-rich bowl of cereal and a piece of fruit for breakfast is a great way to start the day because it’s quick, delicious and full of nutrition. Cereal can also be a healthy after school snack. Try making a yummy trail mix with your favorite Barbara’s Bakery gluten-free cereal, raisins and nuts.

Helping Fill Nutrient Gaps

Studies show that a gluten-free diet is often missing important nutrients. These specialty foods are not typically enriched like other foods, which contain a variety of nutrients including vitamins and minerals often lacking in a child’s diet (2). By finding nutrient-enriched gluten-free foods, you can ensure your child is getting all the nutrition he needs to grow and develop. That is why Barbara’s Bakery gluten-free foods are excellent sources of vitamin C, calcium, iron and vitamin D –  nutrients often lacking in the diets of children.

Children Need More Fiber

Most American children do not get the amount of fiber they need for good health. On average, children are consuming 11-13 grams each day, which may be less than half of their needs. The recommended fiber intakes (Dietary Reference Intakes, DRIs) are:
Children ages 1-3 years: 19 grams of fiber
Children ages 4-8 years: 25 grams of fiber
Girls ages 9-19 years: 26 grams of fiber
Boys ages 9-13 years: 31 grams of fiber
Boys ages 14-19 years: 38 grams of fiber

Is your child getting enough? By starting the day with a nutrient-rich gluten-free cereal that contains fiber, your child can be on his way to getting the recommended amount. For example, a gluten-free breakfast with Barbara’s Bakery Multigrain Puffins, 8 oz low-fat milk and an apple provides 7 g fiber, 550 mg calcium, 217 IU Vit D, 5 mg iron, 590 mg potassium – all important for your child.
Each serving of Multigrain and Honey Rice Puffins provides 3 grams of fiber or 8-16% of needs. Fiber keeps digestion “running smoothly” in a natural and gentle way. It also takes care of the cardiovascular system, keeps them satisfied longer after a meal and may even help their immune system (3).

Teach Your Kids to be Gluten-Free

First, teach your child how important it is to get the vital nutrients he or she needs to grow and thrive to be their best. Teach them to look for fiber, calcium, vitamin D, and iron on the label.

1. Teach your child to look for certain ingredients on the label to avoid, including wheat, rye and barley as well as some hidden sources of gluten like flavorings, seasonings, edible starch, bran, glucose syrup, spelt, malt, and dextrin.
2. Teach your child to fill the plate with vegetables, fruits, and beans to ensure he or she is getting the proper nutrition necessary for optimal health.

1. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010.
2. J Hum Nutr Diet 2010 Jun;23(3):294-300.; JADA 2000 Nov;100(11):1389-96.
3. Pharmacol Res 2010 Mar;61(3):213-8.