Ants on a Log

Who says healthy snacks have to be boring? This childhood classic is the perfect blend of crunchy, creamy, and sweet – all in one adorable little package! Ants on a Log is that rare snack that’s both nutritionist-approved AND something kids actually beg for (but let’s be honest, adults love them just as much).

The beauty of Ants on a Log lies in its perfect simplicity. The crisp celery provides a satisfying crunch, while the creamy peanut butter adds protein and healthy fats. And those sweet little raisin “ants” marching along the top? They’re not just cute – they add the perfect burst of natural sweetness that makes this snack absolutely irresistible!

Ingredients

For the base:

• 6 ribs celery
• 6 tablespoons peanut butter, softened
• ¼ cup raisins, organic

Steps

1. Prepare the celery. Rinse your celery very well under cold running water. Chop off any browning or dried ends. You can keep or discard any leaves, but the best ribs will be the thick and sturdy ones with deep centers for the peanut butter. Dry your celery very well with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel – this crucial step helps the peanut butter stick properly instead of sliding off.
2. Cut into serving pieces. Chop your celery ribs into two pieces each – usually 5-6 inches in length. This creates the perfect snack-sized portions that are easy to handle and eat. Make sure to cut with a sharp knife for clean edges.
3. Add the peanut butter filling. Spread peanut butter down the center of each celery piece – avoiding the edges of the celery to keep things clean. Use approximately ½ tablespoon per celery stick, creating a smooth, even layer. If your peanut butter is too firm, microwave it for 10-15 seconds to make it easier to spread without tearing the celery.
4. Add the “ants.” Top with raisins, pressing them gently into the peanut butter so they stay in place. Space them evenly along the celery stick for the best visual effect. Tip: If your raisins are a bit dry or hard, you can microwave them for 10 seconds or soak them in warm water for 1 minute to plump up. Dry well before adding to peanut butter.
5. Serve and enjoy! These can be enjoyed immediately or covered and chilled in the fridge until ready to serve. You can make this snack up to a day ahead of time for best flavor and freshness. If refrigerating, cover with plastic wrap to prevent the celery from drying out.

Smart Swaps

• Almond butter or sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter (1:1 ratio) for those with peanut allergies
• Dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots instead of raisins for different flavor profiles
• Cream cheese instead of peanut butter for a tangier, protein-rich option
• Dark chocolate chips instead of raisins for an occasional sweet treat version

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

• Use natural peanut butter with no added sugar (saves approximately 1-2g carbs per tablespoon)
• Replace raisins with fresh blueberries (reduces carbs from 22g to 10g per ¼ cup)
• For an ultra-low carb version, substitute raisins with chopped almonds (reduces carb count to under 3g per serving)
• Serve with a small protein source (like 1 oz cheese) to further reduce glycemic impact
• Limit portion to 2 sticks (approximately 10g net carbs total) for better blood sugar management

Pro Tips

• Pat celery completely dry before adding peanut butter – moisture is the enemy of a good stick!
• If serving to young children, remove any stringy fibers from the celery first
• For parties, create a “build your own” station with different fillings and toppings
• Sprinkle with a tiny pinch of sea salt just before serving to enhance all flavors
• Store assembled logs with damp paper towels to keep celery crisp if making ahead