What is the difference between puppy chow and muddy buddies?

There's sort of an ongoing debate about the name of this chocolate-covered cereal treat. Some people call it puppy chow, while others know it by different names: muddy munch, monkey munch, or muddy buddies. Muddy Buddies is actually the official name of the recipe marketed by General Mills, the maker of Chex cereal .

Why is puppy chow call puppy chow?

How Puppy Chow Got Its Name. Chex cereal, originally made by the Ralston Purina Company, debuted in grocery stores in 1937. Because the company referred to their dog food as “dog chow” and cat food as “cat chow,” they jokingly called their new cereal line “human chow,” according to Taste .

What is puppy chow called in the south?

This quick, no-bake puppy snack mix will also answer to other names such as Muddy Buddies, Muddy Munch, Monkey Munch, or Reindeer Chow . Think of it as sweet chocolate and peanut butter Chex mix.

Can adults eat puppy chow?

Because puppy foods are formulated to deliver higher amounts of protein and fat, along with other nutrients needed for a puppy's rapid initial growth, feeding puppy food regularly to a healthy adult can cause unwanted weight gain, among other health problems .

Why is chex mix called puppy chow?

Named after its resemblance to actual puppy chow (and perhaps the launch of Chex cereal, known by some as “human chow,” from the Purina company back in 1937), human puppy chow became a household staple in the Midwest by the 1960s.

Is puppy chow a Midwest thing?

Puppy chow is a party staple in the Midwest, but not everywhere else . Puppy chow — a snack mix made of Chex cereal covered in melted chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar — is often a fixture at parties. People outside of the Midwest have often never heard of it, and they don't know what they're missing.

What came first, puppy chow or muddy buddies?

In 2002 General Mills developed Muddy Buddies , the same recipe as Puppy Chow. But it can't be said that General Mills invented the recipe since Midwesterners recall seeing it and eating it long before the early 2000s.

What is a puppy chow snack made of?

What Is Puppy Chow? “Puppy chow” (a.k.a. muddy buddies) is the name for a homemade candy or snack that's made with cereal, chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar . General Mills sells their own version of the popular treat, but it's easy to make at home with just a few ingredients.

What is the difference between puppy chow and regular dog food?

Puppy food does have more calories than dog food , because puppies need more calories to support growth. AAFCO recommends a minimum of 8.5% for dry puppy food versus only 5.5% for adult dog food. More calcium in puppy formulas. Growing teeth and bones need extra support.

What is the difference between puppy chow and dog chow?

Puppy food also has more amino acids, fat, and minerals than adult dog food . Some brands even add extra omega-3 fatty acids to puppy food to help with brain and eye development. On top of all of this, large-breed puppies have additional special needs.

White Chocolate Matcha Puppy Chow Recipe (2024)

By Laura

Posted Mar 01, 2018, Updated Oct 05, 2021

5 from 1 vote

4 Comments

Jump to Recipe

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This white chocolate matcha puppy chow is an easy and fun dessert recipe! Made with only 4 ingredients, its’ a unique spin on on a classic!

White Chocolate Matcha Puppy Chow Recipe (2)

ThisWhite Chocolate Matcha Puppy Chow is a simple, four-ingredient recipe that makes a great St. Patty’s Day or Christmas treat because of it’s color! It comes together in minutes and is naturally green, thanks to the matcha green tea powder.

ThisWhite Chocolate Matcha Puppy Chow has just the right amount of sweet, green tea flavor and natural green color making it a festive treat for any and every green holiday!

White Chocolate Matcha Puppy Chow Recipe (3)

White Chocolate Matcha Puppy Chow: Substitutions

Let’s chat about the 4 ingredients in this recipe!

White chocolate.Bars, chips or discs work well in this recipe. Just be sure to use 10 oz. But do not use “white baking chips.” Buyreal white chocolate that contains ingredients like cocoa butter, sugar and vanilla. Read the ingredients and be aware!
Powdered sugar.I use regular powdered sugar here. You can make your own (follow this method) from your favorite unrefined sugar. If you use a darker sweetener like coconut sugar your end result will look brown and not pretty & light green!
Rice Squares Cereal.I use Chex (or generic equivalent). Crispex also works really well!
Matcha Green Tea Powder. This is the variety

White Chocolate Matcha Puppy Chow Recipe (4)

How to make White Chocolate Matcha Puppy Chow

This recipe isso simple to make, but I thought I’d share a few tips to ensure you have great matcha success!

First and foremost, take great care not to use too much cereal! You want a nice white chocolate coating on every square!

White Chocolate Matcha Puppy Chow Recipe (5)

Mix the powders first.

To ensure that the matcha and powdered sugar are evenly distributed in the puppy chow, be sure to mix them thoroughly before adding them to the white-chocolate-coated cereal! Start with 1/2 TBS of matcha powder and increase to your liking. Save a little to sprinkle over the top for presentation!

White Chocolate Matcha Puppy Chow Recipe (6)

Chill

I have two other puppy chow recipes on this site (because it’s the best), which also emphasize the importance of letting the white chocolate coating cool off a bit before adding the powdered sugar/matcha mixture. If you don’t, the powdered sugar will simply soak into the chocolate instead of doing its job of separating and coating the cereal pieces.

Another note on chilling: white chocolate cools of faster than the dark chocolate/peanut butter mixture used in traditional puppy chow, so watch it carefully. If it hardens too much it will be difficult to mix! I recommend using a bowl with a lid so you can shake the cereal and powdered sugar together easily.

Store/freeze

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 1 month.

White Chocolate Matcha Puppy Chow Recipe (7)

Recipe FAQs

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can double this recipe and make a larger batch.

Can I make this gluten-free?

More rice square cereals are gluten-free, so yes! Just choose a cereal that doesn’t contain gluten.

How long does this recipe last?

Up to 1 week at room temperature or 1 month in the freezer.

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White Chocolate Matcha Puppy Chow

Laura

This White Chocolate Matcha Puppy Chow is an easy and fun dessert recipe! Made with only 4 ingredients, its’ a unique spin on on a classic! Plus it’s naturally green, which makes it the perfect treat for St. Patrick’s Day!

5 from 1 vote

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 16 Servings

Calories 156.3

Prep Time5 minutes minutes

Cook Time15 minutes minutes

chilling time15 minutes minutes

Total Time20 minutes minutes

Ingredients

▢ 10 oz white chocolate (1 ½ cups chopped or chips)
▢ 4 cups rice squares cereal
▢ 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
▢ ½ – 1 TBS matcha green tea powder* plus more for sprinkling on top

Instructions

In a microwave-safe bowl or in a double boiler on the stovetop, melt white chocolate.
Add ½ of the rice cereal to a large mixing bowl with a lid.
Pour half of the melted white chocolate over the cereal.
Pour the remaining cereal and white chocolate into the mixing bowl and stir to combine.
Let cool to room temperature.
In a separate bowl, mix together powdered sugar and matcha powder.
Pour half of the powdered sugar/matcha mixture over the cooled white chocolate/cereal mixture. Cover the bowl with the lid and shake to combine.
Add more powdered sugar mixture until the cereal is evenly coated.
Sift a little bit of extra matcha powder on just before serving for a greener look!

Notes

*I used 1 TBS, if you are not used to the green tea flavor I suggest starting with ½ TBS and adding more if desired!

Ingredient Substitutions

White chocolate.Bars, chips or discs work well in this recipe. Just be sure to use 10 oz. But do not use “white baking chips.” Buyreal white chocolate that contains ingredients like cocoa butter, sugar and vanilla. Read the ingredients and be aware!
Powdered sugar.I use regular powdered sugar here. You can make your own (follow this method) from your favorite unrefined sugar. If you use a darker sweetener like coconut sugar your end result will look brown and not pretty & light green!
Rice Squares Cereal.I use Chex (or generic equivalent). Crispex also works really well!
Matcha Green Tea Powder. This is the variety

Store/freeze

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 1 month.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you enjoy this recipe? Have a question? Leave a comment below!

I honestly am not really into St. Patricks Day, but I know my kids will love having a day full of green foods! If you’re looking for some other great treats to make here are a few suggestions!

Healthy Shamrock shake
Baked Spinach Donuts
Spinach banana pancakes or spinach banana muffins!
Pesto pasta for a yummy main dish.
The best green smoothie!

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White Chocolate Matcha Puppy Chow Recipe (2024)

White Chocolate Matcha Puppy Chow: Substitutions

How to make White Chocolate Matcha Puppy Chow

Mix the powders first.

Chill

Store/freeze

Recipe FAQs

White Chocolate Matcha Puppy Chow

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Ingredient Substitutions

Store/freeze

Nutrition

FAQs

What is the difference between puppy chow and muddy buddies? ›

What is the difference between puppy chow and dog chow? ›