As you prepare to send your child back to school, lunches and classroom safety for celiac disease are often top of mind. One area that can be overlooked is arts and crafts supplies. Many common craft materials contain gluten or are made with ingredients that can trigger allergies or cause cross-contact. This guide outlines common classroom art supplies that may contain gluten, offers safe alternatives, and suggests practical steps to keep arts activities inclusive and safe.
Common arts & crafts supplies that may contain gluten
Many traditional classroom materials use wheat or other gluten-containing ingredients. Below are the most commonly used supplies to watch for and easy substitutions that maintain creativity without the risk.
Play dough
Most commercial play doughs are made with wheat and are therefore not suitable for children with celiac disease or wheat allergy. Popular brands such as Play‑Doh and some modeling clays frequently contain wheat. Safer options include gluten-free modeling doughs and air-dry clay substitutes. Examples of alternatives teachers and parents can consider are soy-based or clearly labeled wheat-free modeling dough, Crayola Model Magic, and other labeled gluten-free dough products. Kinetic sand is another classroom sensory option that does not contain wheat.
Counting and sorting activities
Teachers often use small foods like pasta, jelly beans, or chocolate candies for counting, sorting, and color activities. Those items can contain gluten or be produced in facilities that risk cross-contact. If food items are used for group activities, discuss safe alternatives with the teacher—non-food manipulatives such as colored beads, buttons, pom-poms, plastic counters, or labeled gluten-free candies dedicated only to the student with celiac disease are good substitutes. If jelly beans or other candies are suggested, verify the product is labeled gluten-free before allowing them in the classroom, and address cross-contact concerns with the teacher and the class.
Finger paint
Some paints may include wheat, oats, or other plant-based thickeners. Always read product labels for allergens. Many major brands offer paints that are formulated without gluten, but label checking is essential. If in doubt, choose paints that explicitly state they are free from gluten or opt for washable tempera paints from reputable manufacturers that document allergen information.
Paper mache
Traditional paper mache recipes use wheat flour as a binder, which is not safe for gluten-free needs. A simple, safe alternative is a glue-and-water mixture (such as white school glue diluted with water) combined with torn paper strips. This glue-based version provides the same craft results without wheat flour and reduces allergy risk.
Macaroni and pasta crafts
Regular pasta contains wheat and sometimes egg. For pasta-based art, use commercially labeled gluten-free pastas made from rice, corn, quinoa, or legumes. These come in many shapes and can be painted, glued, or strung just like traditional pasta.
Craft paste and glue
Some craft pastes include wheat starch. Elmer’s white glue, glue sticks labeled as wheat-free, and other commercially available school glues that specify no wheat ingredient are safe substitutes. Read labels and, when possible, use products with clear allergen statements.
Practical tips for parents and teachers
- Provide a clear, print-friendly handout for the classroom that lists supplies to avoid and safe alternatives.
- Check manufacturer websites or contact manufacturers directly for current ingredient and allergen information—formulations can change.
- Discuss cross-contact procedures with the teacher before activities begin (for example, using separate bowls, tools, or designated workspaces).
- Offer to supply safe alternatives or replacements for classroom projects to reduce burden on teachers and ensure your child can fully participate.
- Label any personal supplies your child brings to school to avoid mix-ups.
Printable handout
Downloadable, printable handouts that summarize gluten-containing art supplies and safe substitutions can be a helpful resource to give to teachers or daycare providers. Prepare a short list with suggested brand names, clear alternative items, and a note to check labels before use. Keeping the handout concise and easy to reference helps teachers manage classroom activities while protecting children with celiac disease.
Note: This list highlights commonly used art supplies that may contain gluten but is not exhaustive. Always read product ingredient lists and verify current allergen statements from manufacturers before use.