Rice cakes and peanut butter can make a tasty and satisfying snack. However, many people wonder just how many calories this snack contains. The number of calories in rice cakes with peanut butter depends on the specific ingredients and serving sizes. By reviewing the nutrition facts for rice cakes and peanut butter, you can get a good estimate of the total calories.
Calories In Rice Cakes
Rice cakes are low calorie, crispy snacks made from puffed rice. A single rice cake contains between 35-45 calories, depending on the brand. Here are the nutrition facts for some popular brands of plain rice cakes:
| Brand | Serving Size | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Quaker Rice Cakes | 1 cake (17g) | 45 |
| Lundberg Rice Cakes | 1 cake (14g) | 35 |
| Kirkland Rice Cakes | 1 cake (15g) | 40 |
As you can see, most plain rice cakes have 35-45 calories per cake. The calorie count may be slightly higher for rice cakes with added flavors like caramel, chocolate or apple cinnamon.
Calories In Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is high in protein and healthy fats, but it also contains a significant number of calories. The exact calorie count depends on the brand and serving size.
| Brand | Serving Size | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Skippy Creamy Peanut Butter | 2 Tbsp (32g) | 190 |
| Jif Creamy Peanut Butter | 2 Tbsp (32g) | 190 |
| Smucker’s Natural Peanut Butter | 2 Tbsp (32g) | 200 |
Most peanut butter has around 190 calories per 2 tablespoon serving. Natural or organic peanut butter may be slightly higher at 200 calories for 2 tablespoons.
Calories In Rice Cakes With Peanut Butter
To determine the total calories in a rice cake with peanut butter, you need to add up the calories from each ingredient.
For example, let’s say you have:
- 1 Quaker rice cake (45 calories)
- 1 Tbsp Skippy peanut butter (95 calories)
The total calories would be:
- Rice cake calories: 45
- Peanut butter calories: 95
- Total Calories: 140
As another example, here are the calories for 1 Lundberg rice cake with 2 Tbsp Jif peanut butter:
- Rice cake calories: 35
- Peanut butter calories: 190
- Total Calories: 225
In summary, you can expect the total calories in a rice cake with peanut butter to range from:
- 140-160 calories (1 rice cake with 1 Tbsp peanut butter)
- 210-250 calories (1 rice cake with 2 Tbsp peanut butter)
The exact amount will depend on the brands and serving sizes of the rice cake and peanut butter.
Tips For Reducing Calories
If you’re looking to reduce the calorie count of this snack, here are some tips:
- Choose rice cakes with fewer calories. Most are 35-45 calories, but some brands have mini rice cakes with around 20-25 calories per cake.
- Stick to 1 tablespoon of peanut butter instead of 2 tablespoons to cut almost 100 calories.
- Look for reduced-fat peanut butter options to save about 25-40 calories per serving.
- Use powdered peanut butter instead of regular peanut butter to save about 45 calories per tablespoon.
- Substitute jam, banana slices, or nut butter for peanut butter for more variety and different calorie amounts.
The Nutritional Benefits
Despite the calorie count, rice cakes with peanut butter can be a nutritious choice.
Here are some of the health benefits of this snack combination:
- Protein – Peanut butter provides plant-based protein to help you feel full.
- Healthy fats – Peanut butter contains monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that are good for your heart.
- Fiber – Rice cakes and peanut butter each provide some dietary fiber.
- Vitamins and minerals – Peanut butter contains biotin, copper, niacin, folate, manganese, vitamin E and more.
- Low glycemic index – The combination of rice cakes and peanut butter prevent spikes in blood sugar.
- Gluten-free – Rice cakes made from rice and peanut butter are naturally gluten-free.
Making Your Own Rice Cake and Peanut Butter Snack
It’s easy to make this snack at home. Here is a simple recipe:
Ingredients
- 1-2 rice cakes
- 1-2 Tbsp peanut butter
- Optional add-ins: raisins, chia seeds, coconut flakes, cinnamon
Instructions
- Toast rice cake until lightly crispy.
- Spread desired amount of peanut butter evenly on rice cake.
- Top with any additional mix-ins if desired.
- Place second rice cake on top for a sandwich style if wanted.
- Cut in half or quarters and enjoy!
Some other serving ideas include spreading peanut butter on rice cakes and topping with banana slices or drizzling with honey. The options are endless for customizing this simple, tasty snack!
Storing Your Rice Cakes and Peanut Butter
To maintain freshness and texture, store rice cakes and peanut butter properly:
- Rice cakes – Keep rice cakes in an airtight container or bag. They will stay fresh for 1-2 weeks. You can store in the pantry or extend their shelf life by keeping in the fridge or freezer.
- Peanut butter – After opening, peanut butter can be stored in a cool, dry place like the pantry for 2-3 months. For longer shelf life, store peanut butter in the refrigerator for up to 9 months after opening.
Avoid letting rice cakes get stale or peanut butter spoil. Use freshly opened products and tightly seal packages for the best taste and nutrition.
Pre-Packaged Snack Options
For a grab-and-go snack, you can also find pre-packaged rice cakes with peanut butter:
- Smucker’s Uncrustables – These sandwiches contain 1 rice cake with peanut butter and jelly for around 210 calories.
- MadeGood Crunchy Rice Snack Bars – These contain rice cereal, peanut butter, and chocolate chips for 190 calories per bar.
- Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Treats Minis – The peanut butter and jelly flavor has rice cereal, marshmallows, peanut butter and jelly for 130 calories per pouch.
Check the nutrition label when buying pre-made rice cake and peanut butter snacks to get an accurate calorie count.
Common Questions
Are rice cakes healthy?
Plain rice cakes are relatively healthy with few calories and carbs. They provide some B vitamins and iron. Flavored rice cakes may be higher in sugar and less healthy.
Is peanut butter fattening?
Peanut butter is high in calories and fat. However, it contains healthy fats that are good in moderation. Peanut butter can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
Do rice cakes fill you up?
Despite being low in calories, rice cakes provide filling fiber to help satisfy hunger. Topping rice cakes with peanut butter adds protein and healthy fats for a more filling snack.
Is peanut butter a good snack?
Peanut butter is nutritious in small servings with protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Pair it with rice cakes or apples for a balanced snack with fiber, complex carbs, and protein.
The Bottom Line
Rice cakes with peanut butter can make a tasty snack that provides protein, fiber and various nutrients. Depending on the brands and serving sizes, you can expect this snack to range from 140-250 calories.
Monitor your portions, read labels, and balance rice cakes with other whole foods for the healthiest snack. Rice cakes with nut butter offer nutrition benefits and can be part of an overall balanced diet.