Chocolate Rice Crispy Squares

These rice crispy squares are so divine. They’re sweet, sticky and chocolatey all at the same time. Totally vegan and gluten free, and they’re perfect for making with kids! These are super easy to make and only require a few simple ingredients.

Make sure to tag me in your creations on Instagram: @ginabnutrition or hashtag #ginabnutrition – I love to see!

Are Rice Crispy Squares Good For You?

Rice Krispie squares can be a tasty treat, but they are not typically considered a health food. Here’s why:

1. High Sugar Content: Rice Krispie squares are often made with marshmallows (but mine aren’t) and sometimes additional sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. This results in a high sugar content, which can contribute to unhealthy spikes in blood sugar levels and may not align with a balanced diet.
   
2. Low Nutritional Value: While Rice Krispies cereal does provide some essential vitamins and minerals, the processing of the rice grains can strip away some of their nutritional value. Additionally, the marshmallows and added sugars contribute calories without providing much nutritional benefit.
   
3. Lack of Fiber and Protein: Rice Krispie squares generally lack dietary fiber and protein, which are important for promoting satiety, regulating blood sugar levels, and supporting overall health.
   
4. Calorie Density: Due to the combination of sugar, marshmallows, and potentially butter, Rice Krispie squares can be calorie-dense. This means they provide a significant number of calories for their serving size, which can contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess.
   
5. Additives and Preservatives: Depending on the specific recipe or store-bought version, Rice Krispie squares might contain additives, preservatives, and artificial flavors that are not ideal for overall health.

While Rice Krispie squares are not a nutritional powerhouse, they can still be enjoyed as an occasional treat or dessert. If you’re looking for a healthier version, you might consider making modifications to the recipe:

• Using whole grain cereal or cereals with higher fiber content.
• Using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup in moderation.
• Incorporating nuts, seeds, or dried fruits for added nutrients.
• Reducing the amount of added sugars and fats.

Ultimately, moderation is key. If you’re aiming for a balanced diet, it’s important to consume treats like Rice Krispie squares in moderation and focus on a variety of whole, nutrient-dense foods for your daily meals. If you’re looking for something a little more healthy, but still tasty, why not try these?

Are Rice Krispies Vegan?

Original Rice Krispies cereal is not considered vegan because it contains vitamin D3, which is derived from animal sources (specifically lanolin, a substance extracted from sheep’s wool). Additionally, some versions of Rice Krispies might also contain added vitamins that are not necessarily vegan.

However, there are vegan alternatives (which we use for these chocolate rice crispy squares) available in the market that are similar to Rice Krispies but are made without animal-derived ingredients. These alternatives are often made from whole grains, such as brown rice, and do not include vitamin D3 or other non-vegan additives.

When shopping for a vegan-friendly version of crispy rice cereal, be sure to check the ingredients list and any certifications on the packaging to ensure that it aligns with your dietary preferences. Look for options that explicitly state they are vegan or do not contain animal-derived ingredients.

How To Make My Chocolate Rice Crispy Squares

Here’s the ingredients you’ll need to make these chocolate rice crispy squares…

1. Crispy Rice Cereal: This provides the base and main texture of the bars. It’s low in fat and relatively low in sugar, making it a suitable option for creating the crispy element of the squares. Make sure you get vegan (if vegan!), as Rice Krispies aren’t technically vegan…
   
2. Smooth Almond Butter: Almond butter adds richness, creaminess, and nutty flavor to the bars. It also contributes healthy fats, protein, and some fiber, making the bars more satisfying.
   
3. Maple Syrup: Maple syrup serves as a natural sweetener, adding sweetness to the bars. It also contributes a depth of flavor. Compared to refined sugars, maple syrup contains some minerals and antioxidants.
   
4. Coconut Oil (odourless/refined): Coconut oil provides moisture and helps bind the ingredients together. The refined version avoids a strong coconut taste, ensuring that it doesn’t overpower the other flavors in the bars.
   
5. Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile of the bars, adding a warm and inviting aroma.
   
6. Salt: A pinch of salt balances and enhances the flavors in the bars, making them more complex and enjoyable.
   
7. Vegan Dark Chocolate Chips: Dark chocolate chips not only contribute a rich chocolate flavor but also provide antioxidants. They melt into the mixture, creating pockets of chocolate throughout the bars.
   
8. Vegan Dark Chocolate (for topping): The melted dark chocolate used for the topping adds a glossy finish and a decadent layer of chocolate. Dark chocolate is often lower in sugar than milk chocolate and contains beneficial antioxidants.
   
9. Coconut Oil (for topping): Similar to the coconut oil in the base, this helps create a smooth and glossy chocolate topping while contributing healthy fats.
   
10. Almonds (roughly chopped): Chopped almonds add crunch, texture, and a nutty flavor to the topping. They also provide healthy fats, protein, and some vitamins and minerals.
    
11. Cacao Nibs: Cacao nibs are small pieces of crushed cocoa beans and contribute a slightly bitter, intense chocolate flavor. They also provide texture and an extra boost of antioxidants and nutrients.