Ants on a Log: A Fun and Healthy Snack for Kids
Jump to RecipeLooking for a quick, fun, and nutritious snack that kids will love? Ants on a Log is a classic childhood favorite that’s not only easy to make but also packed with nutrients!
This simple snack encourages kids to get creative in the kitchen, practice fine motor skills and enjoy healthy ingredients in a fun way.
When I first introduced Ants on a Log to my kids, they weren’t sure about the celery. But once I let them pick their own “ants” (chocolate chips, dried fruit, or even sunflower seeds), they loved it!
This snack has been a go-to for busy days when we need something quick and healthy.
In this post, we’ll walk you through how to make traditional Ants on a Log, plus fun variations to suit different tastes and dietary needs!
Table of Contents
Why Kids Love Ants on a Log
Hands-on and interactive – Kids love spreading and topping their own snack.
Quick & easy – Takes just 5 minutes to prepare!
Healthy & nutritious – Packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
Customizable – So many fun variations for different dietary needs!
This snack isn’t just fun—it’s a great learning experience! Kids practice fine motor skills when they spread the peanut butter and place the toppings.
It also turns snack time into a mini math lesson: ‘How many ants should go on each log?’ Younger kids love counting their toppings while assembling their snack!”
Ingredients
- 3 celery stalks, cut into 3-inch pieces
- ½ cup peanut butter (or alternative spread, see variations below)
- ¼ cup raisins or chocolate chips
How to Make Ants on a Log
1. Prepare the celery – Wash and cut celery stalks into 3-inch pieces.
2. Spread the peanut butter – Use a butter knife or spoon to fill the celery groove with peanut butter.
3. Add the ants! – Top with raisins to create the “ants.”
4. Enjoy! Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for later.
If your child isn’t a fan of celery, try peeling the outer strings with a vegetable peeler to make it softer. Alternatively, swap the celery for sliced apples or whole-grain crackers for a fun twist!
Fun Variations
Ants on a Log is easy to customize! Try these fun twists to mix things up:
Nut-Free Version: Swap peanut butter for sunflower butter or cream cheese.
Sweet Treat: Use chocolate chips instead of raisins for a fun twist.
Fruity Ants: Replace raisins with chopped dried fruit like cranberries or banana chips.
Savory Ants: Try hummus and cherry tomatoes for a non-sweet version!
Let your child choose their toppings to make it extra fun!
Tips for Making Ants on a Log with Kids
Let kids spread the peanut butter using a plastic or butter knife.
Turn it into a counting game – Count the number of “ants” on each log!
Make a snack tray with different toppings so kids can create their own versions.
Hosting a playdate? Set up an ‘Ants on a Log Bar’ where kids can pick their own toppings like shredded coconut, sunflower seeds, or mini pretzels!
You can even create a themed snack plate—pair the logs with banana slices and animal crackers for a fun jungle-inspired treat!”
Nutritional Benefits
Ants on a Log is a kid-approved, nutritious snack packed with:
- Fiber (from celery & raisins) – Supports digestion.
- Protein & healthy fats (from peanut butter) – Keeps kids full longer.
- Natural sweetness (from raisins) – No added sugar needed!
This snack is the perfect balance of fiber, protein, and healthy fats, which help keep kids full longer.
Celery provides fiber for digestion, peanut butter adds protein and healthy fats for energy, and raisins offer natural sweetness without processed sugar. It’s a great after-school snack that won’t lead to a sugar crash!
Final Thoughts
Ants on a Log is the perfect quick and healthy snack for kids. Whether you make the classic version or get creative with fun variations, it’s a snack that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
Which variation will you try first? Let us know in the comments!
Looking for more easy snack ideas? Check out 5 Quick & Healthy Snacks for Kids
More Fun Recipes Kids Can Make
- Mini Pizzas for Kids: A Fun & Easy Cooking Activity
- No-Bake Energy Bites: A Healthy Snack Kids Can Make Themselves
- 5-Minute Yogurt Parfaits: A Simple & Nutritious Treat
Happy Snacking!
Ants on a Log for Kids
Ingredients
- 4 celery stalks cut into small log pieces
- ¼ cup peanut butter or alternative spread
- ¼ cup raisins or other toppings
Instructions
- Wash and trim the celery stalks.
- Spread peanut butter (or chosen spread) onto the celery pieces.
- Add toppings like raisins, blueberries, or sunflower seeds.
- Serve and enjoy!
