We all know that our baby’s health and well-being is of top priority for any parent. Having said that, as a busy parent it’s not always possible to find the time (or energy for that matter) to provide healthy and nutritious meals for our children. This proves even more difficult for busy, on-the-go parents, which means it’s easy to resort to pre-packaged snacks for the kids.
I’ve been making this Homemade Cereal with Puffed Rice for my kids since they were babies. They’re now 2 1/2 and 4 years old but they still love this healthy, naturally sweetened, wholesome cereal.
Although many companies have jumped on the ‘all-natural’ and ‘organic’ bandwagon it’s important for parents to be aware of the ingredients that these products contain. One of the only ways to know what actually goes into your baby’s food is by making it yourself. In the last few years a variety of packaged finger foods have turned up on the market. Although they offer variety for baby they also contain a ton of hidden unhealthy ingredients and just aren’t as healthy as you might think. Here’s why;
- They are highly processed, which means they contain a variety of unhealthy ingredients as opposed to wholesome ones in their purest state.
- All of the contain sugar, which is definitely not necessary to feed baby from an early age.
- Baby finger foods are much more expensive than regular foods. Simple foods that can be made or prepared at home can cost more than double when purchased already made.
- Many contain high levels of sodium. Making your own finger foods means you can control the amount of sodium that goes in them.
My kids love this simple recipe but I often add other healthy ingredients, such as;
- ground flax seed, chia or hemp seeds
- shredded unsweetened coconut flakes
- crumbled nuts (babies 12+ months)
- dried fruit (chopped finely)
- chocolate or carob chips
- rolled oats
- raisins or cranraisins
This recipe looks so yummy for my little ones!! Thank you for sharing!! I was wondering what could we replace the coco oil with?!? Maybe olive oil?
That’s great! Olive oil may have too strong of a taste. I think avocado oil would be a great substitute!
Sounds like a great recipe however, you should change the name as it’s misleading. This isn’t actually a recipe for puffed rice.
Technically, you’re right. You’re not actually ‘making’ puffed rice. But it’s still puffed rice cereal, right? I’m up for name suggestions!! 😉
“Homemade Cereal Made With Puffed Rice,” would clear the ambiguity right up. Since the cereal is homemade, but the puffed rice is not
I too was looking for a recipe on how to make the actual puffed rice:( So since this is not how to make it, a better name might be “from Drab to Fab puffed rice cereal made new” also can you suggest where to purchase the puffed rice we just can not find it anywhere.
Love that name! Thanks for the suggestion 😉 I actually find puffed rice everywhere, ay any grocery store. If you can’t at your local grocery store you’re best bet would be at a bulk food store.
Would it be like rice krispies without the almond butter?
Yes, exactly! The almond butter, honey, and coconut oil add flavour!
They also add allergens. Since young babies may not have yet been exposed to tree nuts, it’s wise to be very careful using these nut oils and butters.
Of course, it’s always best to discuss with your doctor first!
Oh this is something I have to do. What a great recipe. I love puffed rice cereal but I would love to make it myself.
It’s so much healthier than store bought and you can personalize the recipe to suit your taste! 😉
I used to eat rice puffs everday as a kid..this is a great way to pass that tradition on in a homemade way…thanks so much for sharing!
I never had them until I started eating gluten-free 8 years ago! I love them!
I’m passing this along to my niece who has 2 little ones. She’s doing really healthy food and cooking for them.
Thanks for sharing the recipe…I hope her kids love these as much as mine do!
This recipe I am definitely going to be trying for sure. I have never thought to make homemade puffed rice cereal before. It would be an awesome thing for my son who is staying away from all wheat products. Thanks so much for sharing.
It would be perfect for him since puffed rice is gluten-free! You can also mix in some puffed millet too!
As a rice lover, I simply love this recipe. Awesome indeed.
Oh wow thanks so much for the recipe these look absolutely delicious, never thought about making rice cereal at home before
These looks so delicious and tasty. I would love to have this for breakfast as it helps build fiber for a better digestive cycle.
Omg this recipe sounds great!! I always prefer to make snacks homemade since most things on the grocery store shelves are filled with who knows what
I never thought about how much bad stuff is in processed puffed rice. I also didn’t know you could make them at home. Sounds like an easy recipe!
Yum! These look really good! I’ve never thought to make my own puffed rice cereal.
Oh wow! This is really great. I wish I had this recipe when my kids were little and needed finger foods. I’ll have to give it a try now.
I’m not sure that I’ve ever had puffed rice before but it looks like a great breakfast food and easy to make. I’ll have to give it a try.
This does sound like a great breakfast or midday snack. That flavor sounds really nice!
It’s mild yet flavourful enough and has just the right amount of sweetness…
OMg I didnt know you can make these yourself! This is so interesting!
Yes, you can..and they are so much healthier than store-bought 😉
This is a delicious and healthy snack or breakfast not just for babies, but for kids, too. I love that this is easy to make.
Yes, of course! My husband has eaten them too since he’s a big fan of cereal!
I love the look and sound of your very healthy recipe! I just ate, but I sure could go for a bowl of your puffed cereal right now!
Actually, I’ve eaten myself too! Puffed rice is gluten-free so it’s perfect for me!
I love making my own food for my babies – I had never thought of this though! I’ll trying it later this week. So much better for my boys.
That’s great! I’d love to hear how it turns out!
This does sound like a delicious breakfast or snack and definitely more healthy then what you buy in stores.
I was so sick of my kids constantly eating Cheerios for a snack. This is a great idea! And my kids approve too 🙂
Me too…and I think these taste way better than Cheerios! (My children have never had any other cereal, lol!). Glad the kids like it…and thanks for the feedback!
The is so great Lisa – especially with all the GMO’s in store bought cereals. You continue to inspire me!
Thanks…I’m still annoyed with myself that I was giving my kids cereal packed with GMO’s and didn’t do my research!