Brown Rice Crispy Treats

Who doesn’t love the delicious edible delight we call rice crispy treats? If you make them with health in mind, you will be thrilled with the results!

These little snacks are a staple in my kitchen. They are simple to make and packed with nutrients and protein. The best part about these treats is that they are made with brown rice cereal instead of its heavily processed counterpart. Unlike the store bought brand, this recipe uses brown rice syrup to hold the bars together. You can always use honey if you do not have brown rice syrup in your pantry.

Brown rice, unlike white, still has the hull and bran on it. This hull provides the rice grain with vitamins and fiber. Brown rice is also low on the glycemic rating which reduces insulin spikes. This is great for anyone trying to watch their figure or wanting to add more nutrients into their daily diet.

This recipe calls for almond butter because of its nutritional elements. Almond butter contains heart healthy fats and fiber. Almond butter is a higher fat food but it contains monounsaturated fats which helps reduce cholesterol levels and aids in weight loss. Switching from unhealthy fats such as trans fats found in fast food and junk food to monounsaturated fats such as almond butter, olive oil and avocados are a great way to reduce the mid line. Almond butter is also very high in protein, coming in at a whopping 7–8 grams of protein per 2 tablespoons. You can either make your own almond butter at home or purchase it at the store. Just be wary of any added sugars, salt and additives. Always read the labels and be aware of what you are buying.

If you do not like almond butter, don’t fret. You can sub this for any nut butter such as cashew, walnut, or even hazelnut.