I don’t know about you, but growing up, I was pretty much addicted to cereal. My all-time faves were Cocoa Puffs and Cinnamon Toast Crunch.
Obviously, as I got older and understood what crap actually goes into those cereals, I cut them out of my diet. But, that doesn’t mean I stopped eating cereal, muahaha.
I’ve got a little obsession with re-creating cereals in a much healthier way. Today, it’s COCOA PUFFS. This recipe is made with only 4 ingredients total. Who can resist that? Better yet, who would want to resist that?
But first, let’s talk about the traditional General Mills Cocoa Puffs.
How unhealthy are cocoa puffs?
Here is the list of ingredients in General Mills Cocoa Puffs:
Whole grain corn, sugar, corn meal, corn syrup, cocoa processed with alkali, canola oil, fructose, salt, caramel color, refiner’s syrup, baking soda, natural flavor. Vitamins and minerals: tricalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, zinc and iron (mineral nutrients), vitamin C (sodim ascorbate), a B vitamin (niacinamide), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B1 (thiamin mononitrate), vitamin A (palmitate), a B vitamin (folic acid), vitamin B12, vitamin D3. (1)
Judging from that ingredient list, it’s safe to say this cereal is definitely not the healthiest option. And to think, we ate this regularly as children?
Are cocoa puffs vegan?
Cocoa Puffs are not vegan because the vitamins and minerals used in the cereal are derived from animals.
For example, it turns out most vitamin D3 supplements come from two animal sources: fish oils (from the skin of fatty fish) or sheep lanolin (the waxy substance secreted by the glands in sheep skin). (2)
This healthier version of cocoa puffs, on the other hand, is completely vegan.
Are cocoa puffs gluten-free?
Cocoa Puffs are not gluten-free. They’re made with wheat ingredients and are made in a facility that produces other wheat products!
This healthier version of Cocoa Puffs is naturally gluten-free, as it’s made of quinoa puffs.
How to make cocoa puffs 
I’ve made this very popular cereal healthier by swapping out those not-so-good-for-you ingredients with only 4 much healthier ingredients – quinoa puffs, maple syrup, coconut oil, and cocoa powder. I’ve also added an option to make it entirely sugar-free! See below.
This recipe is also incredibly easy and quick to make! It really couldn’t get any easier.
All you need is a mixing bowl, a baking sheet, an oven, and 10-15 minutes of free time.
If you try this recipe, let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag your photos with @healthiir on Instagram! I’d love to see your creation. Now, let’s eat!
Healthy Cocoa Puffs
Course: BreakfastDifficulty: Easy5
minutes5
minutesIngredients
3 Tbsp coconut oil
3 Tbsp maple syrup (you can make this recipe sugar-free by using Lakanto’s sugar-free maple syrup)
3 Tbsp cocoa powder
3 cups quinoa puffs
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350F. To a mixing bowl, add coconut oil, maple syrup, and cacao powder, and mix well.
- Add the quinoa cereal and mix. Make sure the cereal is coated well with the chocolate mixture.
- Transfer the cereal to a baking sheet and bake on 350F for 5-10 minutes.
- Set aside and allow to cool for 5 minutes. You may need to use your hands to separate whatever pieces stuck together. Serve with fresh almond milk!
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