This quick and easy Gluten-Free Protein Puppy Chow is just like the classic, but with a protein kick!
When unimaginable hunger strikes you down close to midnight, there’s nothing quite like a good ol’ bowl of Puppy Chow.
For those outside of America, Puppy Chow, often referred to as Muddy Buddies, is a classic snack in the States. It typically consists of gluten-free Chex cereal coated in a mixture of chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar, but this protein version also incorporates protein powder to enhance its nutritional profile. It’s called “Puppy Chow” because it kind of resembles dog food; it just tastes much better!
Not only is it quite literally the best snack you could possibly make, but it also lasts for up to two weeks when stored properly, so you can enjoy it as soon as the craving hits!
Is Gluten-Free Puppy Chow Healthy?
While this snack is certainly delicious, it’s unfortunately by no means healthy. I would recommend enjoying this treat in moderation with a balanced diet. However, compared to classic Puppy Chow recipes, this version is healthier! The honey is a natural sweetener, and high-quality peanut butter is a great source of plant-based protein.
To make this recipe even healthier, consider using dark chocolate as it contains less sugar and more antioxidants, and Stevia as it is a natural sweetener with fewer calories than honey. Also try to find natural, unsweetened peanut butter, and you can even swap the Chex for a whole-grain cereal high in fiber and nutrients.
Is Puppy Chow and Muddy Buddies the Same?
Puppy Chow and Muddy Buddies refer to the same delicious snack made from Chex cereal. The terms are often used interchangeably, with “Puppy Chow” being more common in the Midwest and “Muddy Buddies” being the name popularized by General Mills, which began marketing the snack under that name in 2002.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that variations of Puppy Chow existed long before this official branding by General Mills, especially as the name “Puppy Chow” likely stems from its resemblance to dog food, specifically kibble, which ties back to the original owner of Chex cereal: Ralston Purina Company, known for both their pet food and Chex cereal.
How to make ahead and store
Homemade Puppy Chow can last up to 2 weeks when stored properly. Make sure it is stored in an airtight container at room temperature, and avoid storing it in a humid environment as this can cause the chocolate to melt. If you want to keep it for longer, you can also freeze it in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months.
Serving Suggestions
While the dry, crunchy texture is often the main appeal for many Puppy Chow connoisseurs, I like to take my snack up a notch and serve it in a bowl with Creamsicle Cashew Milk. This Coconut-Milk Smoothie also goes great with it, and the chocolate melts into the milk to give you the best coconut chocolate milk at the end of the bowl.
However, I’m no purist; it’s traditional to enjoy it dry, so try it alone first and see if you need to add any type of milk.
Ingredients
- 3 oz semi-sweet chocolate
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 1/2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 1/2 cups Honey Nut Chex cereal
- 2/3 cup vanilla protein powder
Instructions
- In a large, microwave safe bowl, melt the chocolate, peanut butter, honey, and coconut oil. To do this I use 50% power and microwave in 20 second intervals, stirring between each interval, until everything is smooth and melted.
- Stir the vanilla extract into the melted chocolate mixture, followed by the Chex cereal. Stir the cereal until each piece is well coated in chocolate.
- Place the protein powder into a large, zip-loc bag and then scoop the cereal into the bag. Seal the bag and shake it until the protein powder has evenly coated every piece of cereal.
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
OMG! I made your puppy chow today and I’m going to to fight myself to stay out the container! Freaking delicious! I subbed in zero sugar chocolate chips other than followed the recipe to a tee. Many thanks!
So glad you enjoyed this recipe!
This looks amazing, do you have the macros info?
Glad you like it! It is at the bottom, below the recipe card.