The Best Gear for what to feed a picky 2 year old with egg and dairy allergies during a week in London

Shopping List

Buying Guide

Packing & Portability

Plastic Divided Toddler Plate – When eating out at London cafes or in a hotel room, a divided plate keeps foods separate (crucial for picky eaters). Choose one with a lid for easy transport. The sections help avoid cross-contamination from shared tables and provide visual structure your child already knows from home.

Bento Box (Leakproof, Toddler Size) – Essential for day trips to parks, museums, or the London Eye. A leakproof bento box lets you pack wet items (yogurt, fruit) alongside dry items (crackers, chicken) without mess. Look for silicone-sealed lids to prevent spills on packed Tube rides.

Breakfast & Quick Fixes

Egg-Free & Dairy-Free Pancake Mix – A lifesaver when your hotel room has a microwave or small stove. Just add water (or oat milk) and any safe toppings. Tip: Mix in mashed banana or pumpkin puree at the hotel for extra nutrients without eggs or dairy.

Coconut Yogurt (Unsweetened, Plain) – Most dairy-free yogurts in UK supermarkets contain added sugar or gums. Pre-buying unsweetened plain coconut yogurt gives you a safe, creamy base. Add your own freeze-dried fruit to control sweetness and avoid hidden allergens.

Freeze-Dried Strawberries (No Sugar Added) – These crush easily into a powder for sprinkling on pancakes, yogurt, or oatmeal. They’re lightweight, non-perishable, and add natural sweetness without requiring fresh fruit that might spoil quickly in a London hotel room.

Pre-Made Veggie & Bean Pouches (No Egg/Dairy) – When you’re stuck in a restaurant with no safe options, these pouches are a secret weapon. Look for ones with hidden veggie blends (sweet potato, carrot, lentil) to maintain nutrition when your child refuses the main meal.

Staple Carbohydrates & Spreads

Gluten-Free Oatmeal (Certified GF, No Egg/Dairy) – Pack a few instant oatmeal packets. Make it with hot water from a kettle, then stir in coconut milk and freeze-dried strawberries. Oats are filling, gentle on digestion, and easily customized.

SunButter (Sunflower Seed Butter, No Peanuts) – Many London nurseries and play areas are nut-free. SunButter is nut-free, safe for egg/dairy allergies, and provides protein. Spread on rice cakes or gluten-free bread for a quick, mess-free snack.

Gluten-Free Bread (Sliced, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free) – Hotel breakfast buffets rarely offer allergy-safe bread. Bring your own shelf-stable gluten-free loaf. Toast it in the hotel’s toaster (lined with foil) for crunchy toast with jam or SunButter.

Rice Cakes (Plain or Lightly Salted) – These are the ultimate “empty” vehicle for spreads. They’re sturdy, dry, and don’t require refrigeration. Spread with SunButter or dairy-free butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a snack your toddler will actually hold.

Cooking & Flavor Enhancers

Canned Full-Fat Coconut Milk (BPA-Free) – Use it to make creamy sauces for pasta (add a little liquid aminos and nutritional yeast) or to blend into oatmeal. Full-fat provides needed calories for a picky eater. Canned is shelf-stable, so you can carry it through London without refrigeration.

Dairy-Free Butter Substitute (Coconut or Avocado Oil Based) – Essential for greasing pans for pancakes or sautéing chicken sausage. Look for blocks or tubs that contain no soy or palm oil to avoid common secondary allergens. One tablespoon can make a whole meal more palatable.

Liquid Aminos (Tamari-Free, Low Sodium) – A few drops add savory umami to rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables. It mimics the flavor of soy sauce (which often contains eggs or gluten). A tiny bottle goes a long way in a week.

Proteins & On-the-Go Snacks

Pre-Cooked Chicken Sausage Links (No Nitrates, Egg-Free) – Fully cooked, so you can eat cold or quickly reheat. Pairs well with rice cakes and applesauce pouches for a complete meal. Check labels for “gluten-free” to ensure no hidden dairy or egg binders.

Applesauce Pouches (Unsweetened, No Additives) – A reliable, spill-proof source of fruit and fiber. Use them as a sweetener for pancakes or as a standalone snack during long museum queues. Choose pouches with a resealable cap for multiple snacking sessions.