Healthy Christmas Puppy Chow (High Protein Reindeer Chow)

This Healthy Christmas Puppy Chow recipe is a high-protein, sugar-free version of the classic holiday reindeer muddy buddies. Made with protein pretzels, Rice Chex, and a protein white chocolate coating, it's the perfect macro-friendly festive snack!

Puppy chow is a holiday staple , but it's usually loaded with powdered sugar and butter. This Healthy Christmas Puppy Chow recipe changes the game by using protein powder not just in the "sugar" coating, but also in the white chocolate coating!

It's crunchy, sweet, and perfectly festive-plus, it's a great way to hit your protein goals while doing the mindless holiday snacking! Best of both worlds right? Haha.

NGL - I was very hesitant about the puppy chow concept because I wasn't sure if the powdered sugar coating would actually work, but man it did! I clearly waited too long to try this out!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• High Protein: 3x protein using both vanilla and unflavored protein powder gives this recipe a massive protein boost compared to traditional recipes.
  Its got protein powder not just as the sugar coating, but also in the chocolate mix that coats the cereal and pretzel!
• Sugar-Free: Between the sugar-free white chocolate, zero-calorie powdered sugar and stevia-sweetened protein powder, you get all the sweetness with none of the crash.
• Low Calorie: This festive muddy buddy is much lower in calories than classic recipes
• No Butter and No Peanut Butter needed in this puppy chow; Great for those avoiding the extra calories or with a peanut allergy.
• No Stove Top: You melt the chocolate in the microwave so there's no stovetop component.
• Festive & Fun: It's the perfect treat for holiday parties or gifting in little mason jars.

Ingredients for Healthy Christmas Muddy Buddies

This healthy Christmas muddy buddies recipe is made with low calorie but basic ingredients and is a low sugar, low fat and high protein treat. 

• Rice Chex Cereal: The classic!
• High Protein Pretzels: Provide the salty crunch while keeping the macros tight. I use the one from Kindling.
• Sugar-free White Chocolate: I use this one from Lily's
• Coconut Oil to melt the chocolate
• Almond Butter for a reindeer chow without peanut butter
• Vanilla Whey Protein Powder: To give the cream its sweetness and the protein! I recommend Legion Whey
• Unflavored Whey Protein Powder for an extra protein boost. I use the one from Isopure.
• Almond Milk
• Zero Calorie Powdered Sugar made with monkfruit; Like this one from Lakanto.

See recipe card at the bottom of the page for the measurements!

How to Make High Protein Christmas Puppy Chow without Peanut Butter

Step 1: Prep the Base

1. In a very large mixing bowl, combine the pretzels and Rice Chex cereal. Set aside.

Step 2: Melt and Mix the Chocolate Coating

1. In a medium microwave-safe bowl, add the sugar-free white chocolate chips and coconut oil.
2. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.
3. Add the almond butter and stir until smooth.
4. Add in the vanilla whey protein powder, unflavored whey protein powder, and unsweetened almond milk. Continue mixing until the mixture is uniform and creamy.
   Let cool to room temperature.

Step 3: Coat the Cereal

1. Pour the chocolate protein mixture over the cereal and pretzels in the large bowl.
2. Using a large spatula or spoon, gently fold and toss the mixture until every piece of cereal and pretzel is thoroughly and evenly coated.

Step 4: The "Sugar" Dusting

1. Transfer the chocolate-coated cereal into a large gallon-sized Ziplock bag, pour in the vanilla whey protein powder and zero-calorie powdered sugar, and shake vigorously until well-coated.
   OR
   In a small bowl, whisk together the vanilla whey protein powder and zero-calorie powdered sugar. Sprinkle this over the cereal mix and toss.

Step 5: Set and Serve

1. Spread the puppy chow out in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
2. Pop it in the freezer for 15-20 minutes or fridge for 40 minutes until the coating has set.
3. Enjoy your healthy puppy chow recipe with kids and the entire family!

Storage for Healthy Reindeer Chow

This healthy reindeer chow without peanut butter is a great prep snack for Christmas time.

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Keeping it cool helps the protein-chocolate coating stay firm and snappy.
• Freezer: I recommend keeping in freezer-safe bag (for up to 3 months) for extra crunch.

Did you try this recipe? I'd LOVE to know!
 Tag @hayls.kitchen on Instagram & leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review below!