You’re going to cereal-sly love today’s recipe. A great snack for breakfast, pre or post-workout, or any time you need a little treat, these easy-to-make Cereal Bars have an edge over store-bought snacks because they’re packed with probiotics from our Lifeway Organic Plain Whole Milk Kefir. And thanks to the kefir and peanut butter combination, they also pack a double dose of energizing protein! We topped off this recipe with dried fruit for added fiber and flavor, so these delicious bars are destined to become one of your favorite snacks. Dried fruit is also a great way to add natural sweetness to your foods and works perfectly in these cereal bars.
Cultured Dairy: The Nutrition Benefits You Actually Need to Know
With increasing research linking the correlation between probiotics, gut health, and immunity, it’s no secret that the integrity of our gut is vital to our health. Although additional factors such as stress, antibiotic usage, and individual health conditions can contribute to the condition of our gut, a focus on healthy food choices is one of the easiest ways to support the microbiome.
Several studies have shown a strong association between the gut-brain-microbiota. Probiotics introduced to the gut have been found to support immunity, improve allergies, and improve digestion.
Studies have shown that reduced diversity of healthy gut bacteria during early years is associated with an increase in food allergies during school-age years. In addition, kefir made from whole milk helps absorb key nutrients such as Vitamins A, D, E, and K. Vitamin K is important because it helps your bones absorb calcium. It’s important to know that kefir contains a special trio: vitamin D, K, and calcium – all three crucial elements to support bone health.
Prebiotics + Probiotics = a Healthy You
Prebiotics are non-living, non-digestible carbohydrates naturally found in a variety of foods. Your body actually can’t digest prebiotics, so they’re what probiotics feed off of to remain actively working in your digestive system. They help the digestive system by promoting the growth of good bacteria. Prebiotics and probiotics work together in balance to make sure our digestive system stays on track and regular. Research has found that consuming a variety of prebiotic and probiotic food sources may improve your body’s natural functions, including both your immune and digestive systems.
Ingredients
- Cheerio bars:
- 3 cups of Cheerios cereal
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup honey ( or use brown rice syrup if vegan)
- Icing + Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar - more if needed
- 1 1/2 tbsp Organic Plain Whole Milk Kefir
- **to make vegan, substitute Kefir for
Directions
- Line an 8"x 8" pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, pour in Cheerios.
- Combine peanut butter and honey in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Heat until mixture starts to simmer (about 2-3 minutes) stirring constantly - DO NOT BOIL.
- Remove from heat and our over cereal until evenly coated - mix together to coat well.
- Pour mixture into prepared pan and refrigerate 1-4 hours.
- Once the bars are chilled, cut bars evenly.
- Mix together icing ingredients.
- Dip one side of the bars into the icing, flip the icing side up on a cooling rack - immediately top with dried fruit.
