Reindeer Food — The Ultimate Guide to Festive Sprinkles and Snack Mixes

Published on: December 6, 2025

A festive bowl of homemade reindeer food with oats and sparkles for Christmas

Reindeer Food: two words that conjure snow-dusted porches, excited children, and bowls of crunchy, sweet treats left out for Santa’s team. Whether you’re making a biodegradable “magical” mix to scatter on the lawn for Santa’s arrival or a rich, snackable “Reindeer Chow” (also called Puppy Chow) for holiday parties, this guide gives you everything a home cook needs: clear recipes, kitchen logic, ingredient science, safety and storage, plus creative variations for diets and occasions.

In this article you’ll find:

Two tested recipes: a kid-friendly outdoor “Magical Reindeer Food” and an edible Reindeer Chow party mix with a polished recipe card.
Ingredient breakdowns explaining why each component works and how to swap for allergies or diets.
Step-by-step technique with pro tips and mistakes to avoid.
Storage, nutrition, and FAQ section for quick answers.

If you’re thinking about making something seasonal and wholesome that also ties into health-conscious choices, it’s useful to understand how base ingredients — like oats and seeds — fit into broader eating patterns. For broader guidance on nutrient-forward ingredients, see this anti-inflammatory foods list for ideas you can pair with snacks and holiday treats.

Image prompt: A rustic wooden bowl filled with colorful Reindeer Chow (powdered sugar dusting, red and green M&Ms), with a small handwritten tag that reads “For the Reindeer” — soft, warm holiday lighting.

Table of Contents

What is Reindeer Food? Two common meanings

“Reindeer Food” commonly refers to two different things:

The non-edible, decorative mix kids sprinkle on lawns to “guide” Santa’s reindeer. Traditionally made from oats, glitter or colored sugar, and sometimes birdseed. If you make this version, prioritize safety — use biodegradable, edible or plant-based decor so wildlife isn’t harmed.
The edible party snack also called Reindeer Chow or Puppy Chow: crunchy cereal coated in chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar, often with festive add-ins (M&Ms, pretzels, dried fruit). This is what most adults serve at holiday gatherings.

We’ll cover both: a safe, eco-friendly outdoor “Magical Reindeer Food” kids can scatter, and an elevated Reindeer Chow recipe perfect for holiday snacking.

Why make homemade Reindeer Food? (Value for cooks and families)

Control ingredients: homemade mixes avoid industrial additives and allow swaps for allergies.
Cost-effective: basic pantry ingredients (cereal, oats, chocolate) make large batches inexpensively.
Family activity: mixing, decorating, and packaging Reindeer Food is a simple craft-for-food project kids can help with.
Seasonal versatility: adjust flavors and add-ins to fit vegan, gluten-free, or low-sugar preferences.
Gifting: small jars or bags make approachable homemade gifts.

For cozy make-ahead snack ideas during the holidays, this aligns with the same category as many crowd-pleasing treats you’ll find in the site’s comfort recipes — browse seasonal treats in the comfort food collection for pairing ideas.

Safety first: what to avoid when making outdoor Reindeer Food

If you plan to leave a mix outside for children’s traditions, consider the local wildlife. Never use plastic glitter or any substance that can injure animals if ingested. Avoid large amounts of sugar or chocolate in mixes intended to be consumed by wildlife. Instead, choose edible, biodegradable decorations:

Use plain oats or quick-cook oats (rolled oats) and birdseed as the base.
Use natural, biodegradable colored sugar or mica-based edible glitter — explicitly labeled as edible.
Avoid non-biodegradable craft glitter, metallic confetti, or plastic sprinkles.
If you want to attract birds instead of deer, choose a birdseed mix. For safety, do not intentionally feed large wildlife such as deer with processed human candies.

Image prompt: A child and parent sprinkling a bowl of biodegradable Reindeer Food (oats, dried cranberries, edible glitter) over a snowy lawn — soft focus, joyful expressions.

Recipe 1 — Magical Reindeer Food (outdoor-safe, kid-friendly)

This recipe produces a festive, biodegradable mix to sprinkle on the lawn and is purposely formulated to be wildlife-friendly.

Recipe card (Magical Reindeer Food)

Yield: about 6 cups
Prep time: 10 minutes
No cooking required

Ingredients:

3 cups rolled oats (good for texture and wildlife-safe)
1 cup birdseed (optional — use locally appropriate seed)
1/2 cup dried cranberries or chopped dried apples (no added sugar variety if possible)
1/4 cup chopped unsalted nuts or seeds (sunflower or pumpkin seeds) — optional
2 tablespoons edible colored sanding sugar or natural mica-based edible glitter
1 tablespoon cinnamon (optional for scent)
1 tablespoon ground flaxseed (optional — holds mix together)
Small jars or cellophane bags for gifting

Method:

Combine rolled oats and birdseed in a large mixing bowl.
Add dried fruit and seeds; toss gently to combine.
Stir in cinnamon, flaxseed, and the edible sanding sugar or edible glitter. Use the glitter sparingly for a gentle shimmer.
Portion into small jars or bags. Label with a note: “Scatter on your lawn for Santa’s reindeer — biodegradable and wildlife-safe.”

Notes and safety:

If you live in a region where birdseed or added sugary fruit will attract pests, choose oats-only or use sealed gift packaging.
For young children who might eat the mix, ensure all ingredients are labeled as edible and age-appropriate.

Why these ingredients?

Rolled oats mimic deer-favored grasses; they are safe and degrade naturally.
Dried fruit adds scent and visual appeal without relying on harmful sugary candies.
Edible mica-based glitters are safe alternatives to craft glitter; check packaging.

Recipe 2 — Reindeer Chow (Edible Party Mix / Puppy Chow)

This classic snack mix is the adult-friendly Reindeer Food: crunchy, chocolatey, and ideal for party bowls or treat jars. The method below is refined for even coating and clean flavor.

Recipe card (Reindeer Chow — Festive Version)

Yield: About 10 cups (serves 10–12 as a snack)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time (melting): 5 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

9 cups rice or corn Chex cereal (or gluten-free Chex for gluten-free)
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or dairy-free chips for vegan)
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter (sub sunflower seed butter for nut-free)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 cups powdered sugar
1 cup mini M&Ms (or festive chocolate candies)
1/2 cup chopped pretzels (optional, for salt and crunch)
1/2 cup dried cranberries (optional)
1 teaspoon flaky sea salt (optional, for finishing)

Method:

Place the cereal in a large heatproof bowl and set aside.
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt butter, chocolate chips, and peanut butter, stirring constantly until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
- Alternatively, melt in a microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring each time to avoid burning.
Pour the chocolate-peanut mixture over the cereal. Gently fold with a spatula to coat evenly. Work quickly to minimize chocolate seizing.
Transfer the coated cereal into a large freezer bag (use two bags if needed). Add powdered sugar, seal tightly, and shake until all pieces are evenly dusted.
Spread the coated cereal on a parchment-lined sheet to cool and set for 5–10 minutes. Add M&Ms, pretzels, and dried cranberries and toss gently — do this after dusting so candies don’t melt.
Finish with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt for contrast, if desired. Store in an airtight container.

Pro tip: If you like very even coverage but less powdered sugar, toss half the cereal with powdered sugar and reserve the rest plain, then mix; you’ll get pockets of sweetness rather than uniform dusting.

Image prompt: A close-up overhead shot of a wooden board with a pile of Reindeer Chow, mini M&Ms scattered, powdered sugar dust visible — holiday napkin peeking under the board.

Ingredient breakdown — the science and benefits (and alternatives)

Understanding why each ingredient matters helps you swap intelligently.

Cereal (Chex): Neutral base with lots of surface area to hold coating. Rice Chex is lighter; corn Chex offers a sweeter base. For gluten-free needs, choose certified gluten-free Chex.
Chocolate chips: Meltable, emulsifiable fat + cocoa solids that form the binding matrix when combined with peanut butter. Use higher-quality chocolate for depth. For vegan versions, choose dairy-free chips.
Peanut butter: Adds flavor, creaminess, and binding fat. Swap sunflower seed butter (for nut-free) or almond butter (for flavor). Be aware that sunflower butter can be slightly oily; reduce butter/coconut oil by 1–2 tbsp if mixture becomes too wet.
Butter or coconut oil: Helps thin the chocolate and improves mouthfeel. Coconut oil gives a slight coconut note; it firms up at cooler temperatures.
Powdered sugar: Dusts and sweetens. It also dries to a crisp coating that prevents pieces from sticking. For lower-sugar options, reduce powdered sugar and add a pinch of salt to balance.
M&Ms and dried fruit: Provide bursts of color and flavor; add texture. If you want a healthier profile, trade candies for dried blueberries or chopped roasted nuts.
Edible glitter and sanding sugar (for outdoor version): Opt for edible, biodegradable options. Regular craft glitters are not food-safe and can harm wildlife.

Nutrition note: This is a treat. Chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar mean moderate-high calories. We’ll provide a nutrition snapshot later and options to make lighter versions.

Step-by-step technique with professional insights

Measure carefully: Large bowls make mixing easier and reduce breakage of cereal. Use a wide, shallow bowl so you can fold without crushing.
Slow, even melting: Melt chocolate and butter gently over low heat or in short microwave bursts to avoid seizing (when chocolate becomes grainy). Stir constantly.
Emulsify: Adding a small amount of butter or oil to melted chocolate helps it remain fluid and glossy, improving coverage on cereal.
Work quickly, but not frantically: Chocolate cools and thickens as it sets; pour it over the cereal in one go and fold with a wide spatula. If the chocolate sets too fast, briefly warm the bowl for 5–10 seconds in the microwave (if microwave-safe) to loosen.
Powdered sugar trick: Use a large zip-top bag for shaking — less messy than trying to toss in a bowl.
Add fragile candies after dusting: If you add M&Ms before dusting, they can melt and discolor. Add them after the powdered sugar coats the cereal.

Common mistake: Using overly warm chocolate that “floods” the cereal and leaves big clumps. The right texture is a thin, even coat — not syrupy pools.

Tips, pro advice, and mistakes to avoid

For even coating: Warm your butter slightly but don’t overheat the chocolate. Aim for fluid, glossy chocolate that pours like thick syrup.
Crunch preservation: If you want maximum crunch, cool the finished product completely before sealing in jars. Heat or humidity will soften it.
Prevent clumping: If you must store in one container, layer parchment between portions, or use small snack bags so you can open and serve small amounts without exposing the whole batch to humidity.
Kid participation: Let kids measure cereal and sprinkle mix-ins. Handle the hot chocolate mixture yourself.
Allergies: Label jars clearly if giving as gifts. For nut-free gifts, make a sunflower-butter version and mark “Nut-Free.”
Scaling: This recipe scales linearly. For very large batches, melt chocolate in a double boiler to maintain even heat.
Avoid powdered-sugar mess: Dust in a sealed bag or shaker to keep your workspace clean.
Flavor balance: Consider adding a pinch of salt — even a tiny amount enhances the chocolate-peanut profile.

For more savory and cozy seasonal dishes to pair with sweet snacks at your holiday table, consider a warm bowl of seasonal curry or soup. If you’re exploring vegan comfort options, see this savory pumpkin curry with chickpeas guide for side-dish inspiration: savory pumpkin curry with chickpeas.

Variations + swaps

Make the recipe your own. Here are tested swaps and why they work.

Nut-free Reindeer Chow:

Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter.
Use dairy-free chocolate and coconut oil for vegan/dairy-free.

Gluten-free:

Use certified gluten-free Chex or a puffed rice cereal.

Healthier / lower-sugar:

Reduce powdered sugar by 30–50% and toss with a mix of cinnamon and a little coconut sugar for flavor.
Swap half the M&Ms for roasted chickpeas or lightly salted nuts for protein.

Vegan:

Use dairy-free chocolate chips, coconut oil for butter, and almond or sunflower butter.

Spice-forward:

Add 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne to the melted chocolate for depth and warmth.

Savory-sweet:

Swap some M&Ms for crushed pretzels and a light dusting of smoked paprika for complexity.

Gild-the-lily holiday edition:

Fold in peppermint chips or crushed candy canes (add after coating to avoid melting).
Replace M&Ms with red and green mini chocolate-coated candies for a traditional look.

Gift packaging:

Layer in a jar with parchment: cereal base, a middle layer of candies, top with pretzels — decorative and functional.

Storage & reheating

Storage:

Keep Reindeer Chow in an airtight container at room temperature up to two weeks. If your kitchen is humid or very warm, store in the refrigerator for up to a month — bring to room temp before serving to regain full flavor.
The outdoor Magical Reindeer Food (oats and birdseed mix) should be stored in a dry container; humidity will cause clumping and mold if mixed with dried fruit.

Reheating:

No reheating necessary. If the chocolate firms too hard after refrigeration, let the mix rest at room temperature for 15–30 minutes before serving.
If your coating becomes sticky from humidity, spread on a tray and cool in a dry, cool spot until set; then re-dust lightly with powdered sugar if needed.

Freezing:

You can freeze Reindeer Chow in a sealed freezer bag up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and then bring to room temp before opening.

Labeling for gifts:

Include storage instructions and an ingredients list to help people with allergies.

Nutrition insights

Below is a general nutrition snapshot for one cup (~100 g) of classic Reindeer Chow (approximate — homemade recipes vary):

Calories: ~480 kcal
Fat: 22–28 g (depending on peanut butter + butter)
Saturated fat: 7–10 g (from butter, chocolate)
Carbohydrates: 65–75 g
Sugar: 30–45 g (powdered sugar + candies)
Protein: 8–12 g (from peanut butter and cereal)
Fiber: 3–6 g

If you use sunflower butter and dairy-free chocolate, micronutrient profiles shift slightly (sunflower butter provides vitamin E). For a lighter snack, reduce powdered sugar by half and replace candies with dried fruit or roasted chickpeas.

If weight management or lower-sugar options are a priority, portion control is the most effective approach: pre-portion Reindeer Chow into small snack bags (about 1/2 cup each) and label serving size.

For general healthy snack pairing ideas and portion-friendly recipes, see our tips for quick, healthy recipes and snack swaps on the site.

Packaging & gifting ideas

Mason jars: Fill with Reindeer Chow, attach a ribbon and tag with ingredients and storage instructions.
Cellophane treat bags: Tie with twine and a printed label. Include a small spoon for scooping.
Tin gift sets: Layer inside with wax paper; add a small ribbon and holiday ornament.

Label suggestion:

“Reindeer Chow — Keep sealed. Store at room temperature up to 2 weeks. Allergens: contains peanuts/wheat/dairy (modify as needed).”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) — Schema-ready style

Q: Is Reindeer Food harmful to real reindeer or wildlife?
A: The edible party version (Reindeer Chow with chocolate) should not be intentionally left outside for wildlife. Chocolate and candies can be harmful to many animals. If you want to leave a mix outside, use our Magical Reindeer Food (oats, birdseed, edible glitter) and ensure all materials are edible/biodegradable. Always avoid craft glitter and non-biodegradable decorations.

Q: Can I make Reindeer Chow nut-free?
A: Yes. Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter and confirm chocolate is made in a nut-free facility if needed. Note sunflower butter can be slightly oilier; adjust fat (butter/coconut oil) accordingly.

Q: How long does Reindeer Chow last?
A: Stored airtight at room temperature, it lasts about 2 weeks. Refrigerate in warm/humid climates for up to a month.

Q: Can I use other types of cereal?
A: Yes. Rice Chex or corn Chex are traditional for their neutral flavor and texture. Puffed rice or corn flakes can work but may become soggy more easily.

Q: What is the best way to get even powdered sugar coverage?
A: Use a large zip-top bag. Place the coated cereal inside, add powdered sugar, seal tightly, and shake until evenly coated. For less mess, use two bags and do the first dusting outside or over a tray.

Q: Can I make Reindeer Chow ahead of time for parties?
A: Absolutely. Make it up to 2 weeks ahead and store in airtight containers. For gatherings, pre-portion into small bowls or cups for easy grab-and-go servings.

Q: Is there a healthy version of Reindeer Chow?
A: Yes. Reduce powdered sugar, use dark chocolate (higher cocoa, less sugar), add roasted nuts or chickpeas, and substitute some candy with dried fruit for fiber.

Q: My chocolate seized — is it ruined?
A: Not necessarily. Seized chocolate becomes grainy when it encounters water, overheating, or rapid cooling. Try adding a small amount of warm neutral oil (vegetable or coconut) and gently stir to re-smooth. If it’s beyond repair, start with fresh chocolate and melt more gently.

Final presentation tips

Serve Reindeer Chow in festive bowls lined with parchment for aesthetics and easy cleanup.
Pair with warm beverages (hot cocoa, spiced cider) for balanced indulgence.
Offer small scoops or single-serving cups to control portions and reduce cross-contamination if allergies are in the party.

Conclusion

Reindeer Food can be whatever you want it to be: a whimsical, biodegradable mix to scatter on the lawn for children’s holiday magic, or a deeply satisfying party snack that’s easy to scale, customize, and gift. Both versions reward thoughtful ingredient choices — favor edible, wildlife-safe materials for outdoor mixes and choose thoughtful swaps for the edible versions to fit allergies and diets.

If you want a step-by-step kid-friendly outdoor version from a trusted food blog, see this take on Magical Reindeer Food by Fountain Avenue Kitchen: Magical Reindeer Food – Fountain Avenue Kitchen. For another classic Reindeer Chow/Puppy Chow recipe with alternate mix-in ideas, check out JoyFoodSunshine’s Reindeer Food Recipe (Christmas Puppy Chow): Reindeer Food Recipe (Christmas Puppy Chow) – JoyFoodSunshine.

Happy mixing — make a batch, share jars with neighbors, and keep safety and labeling top of mind so everyone (two-legged and four-legged) enjoys the season.

Author

Joudia Elise
I'm a recipe developer and wellness enthusiast at We Cook Recipe, where I share practical, family-friendly recipes that support real life not restrictive diets. My approach combines traditional cooking wisdom with modern nutritional understanding, always prioritizing sustainable habits over quick fixes. When I'm not in the kitchen, you'll find me testing wellness trends (like this one!) to separate fact from hype for our community.