Rice Krispies Treats are an American classic but, at 200 calories, 4.5 g of fat, and 230 mg of sodium per 1.7 oz serving, they aren't exactly the healthiest thing you could eat. Whether you enjoy pulling a snack apart and eating it in pieces, like the chewiness of Rice Krispies treats, you're craving something sweet, or you just want to revamp this classic concoction to make it a bit better for you, there are healthy alternatives available.
String Cheese
String cheese isn't sweet or chewy like a Rice Krispies Treats, but if you are one of those people whose primary enjoyment of the snack comes from pulling it apart and eating the pieces, string cheese is a viable alternative. "Fitness" magazine recommends string cheese because, as a good source of protien, it helps you maintain a sense of fullness and control your weight. Choose string cheese made from low-fat milk for the greatest nutritional benefit.
Granola Bars
Granola bars, especially those made with honey or agave nectar, offer you the same slightly-crunchy, slightly-chewy texture as Rice Krispies Treats. While some granola bars are little more than glorified candy bars, others pack high-octane nutrition in the form of whole grain oats, dried fruit, and nuts. Oats or another whole grain should be near the top of the ingredient list, with sugar or other sweeteners near the bottom. Better yet, you can make your own at home so you can control exactly what goes into your snacks.
Frozen Fruit Pops
If the reason you like Rice Krispies Treats is they are sweet, there are ways to satisfy your sweet tooth without blowing your diet. Nutritionist Ellie Krieger recommends dipping bananas in melted chocolate, topping them with nuts, and freezing them. That way, you get fiber and potassium from the banana, antioxidants from the chocolate, and protein from the nuts, without going overboard on sugar or calories.
Healthier Rice Krispies Treats
Sometimes, nothing but a Rice Krispies Treat will do. You don't have to give up Rice Krispies Treats altogether; you just have to modify the recipe a bit. You can, for example, make Rice Krispies Treats from puffed brown rice, which has more fiber than cereal. Chef Alton Brown recommends adding fiber-rich dried fruits and protien-packed nuts to turn Rice Krispies Treats into a snack you can be proud of (see Resources).
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