Whole Story

Just about everyone loves those kid-classic chewy, gooey rice treats, right? Well, one thing you may not love about them is the nutritional profile of the ingredients- margarine or butter, marshmallows and conventional white rice cereal. Jennifer, a Whole Story reader, sent us a request to make a more nutritious rice treat. With summertime upon us and kids out of school, it's a great time to tackle a new version of this recipe. In short, we replaced some of the usual suspects with healthier versions like almond butter, brown rice crisps and raisins. Check out our improved Crispy Rice Treats and head to the kitchen with your kids...but leave the guilt at the door! Want to know how we did it and why? Here's a quick rundown:

• We substituted brown rice crisps for conventional white rice cereal. Since whole grains are naturally higher in B vitamins, fiber, potassium, magnesium, vitamin E and iron than processed grains, this was a simple but very effective fix. One cup of brown rice cereal has about 2 grams more of fiber, 25 mg magnesium and 45 mg potassium when compared with a cup of the white stuff.
• We used almond butter instead of butter or margarine for added nutrition as well as great flavor. Almond butter adds protein, fiber, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium.
• We included raisins in this traditionally raisin-free recipe to add protein, fiber, phosphorus,potassium and iron. Raisins are also a great natural source of sugar.

Incorporating healthier ingredients into this recipe brings greater complexity in flavor and improved nutritional value. Get the full new recipe here. Got a recipe that needs a natural makeover? Post it in the comments section below! If we select your recipe for a healthy makeover and publish the improved version on our website, we'll send you a $25 Whole Foods Market gift card.