Pimped Up Protein Cacao Pops

Pimped Up Protein Cacao Pops

(As a child, coco pops was not a staple in our household but I do remember having them at buffet breakfasts and on holidays and i’m not going to lie - it was a CORE nostalgic memory.

The crunchiness… the chocolate milk leftover in the bowl all while watching RAGE and video hits. Well…my kids tried Coco Pops for the first time at a hotel buffet breakfast and now of course they can’t stop talking about them.

So…these are my pimped up choc pops. I added cashew butter, ghee, oats and Immune protein (which is loaded with zinc, vitamin D, magnesium, and tryptophan).  I still prioritise whole foods but these are a fun protein packed backup for those mornings when you need a win.

Your children will ABSOLUTELY Love them and i also often add hemp seeds into the mix but didn’t have any in the cupboard for this batch. 

Perfect for lunchboxes, after‑school snacks, or a quick afternoon pick‑me‑up.


🛒 Ingredients

  • 3 ½ cups organic brown rice puffs
  • 3 tbsp ghee
  • 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • ¼ cup cashew butter
  • 1 cup organic oats
  • 4 tbsp Kid’s Immune Protein (cacao) (note* I am yet to trial a substitute but you could try 1 tbsp collagen + 2.5 tbsp cacao or cocoa powder + 1 tbsp maple syrup for extra sweetness. Taste the mixture once adding and see if it needs more cacao or sweetener)

👩🍳 Method

  1. Preheat oven to 170 °C. Line a large baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Mix the dry: In a large bowl, combine rice puffs, oats and Kid’s Immune Protein.
  3. Melt the wet: In a small saucepan over low heat, whisk together ghee, maple syrup and cashew butter until smooth. (Microwave option: heat in a microwave‑safe bowl in short bursts, then whisk.)
  4. Combine: Pour the warm mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until evenly coated. Mixture shouldn't be saturated but lightly coated. Add more wet mixture if needed or more rice puffs if mixture appears too wet. Adjust to taste (more maple if you have a sweet tooth, more cashew butter & rice puffs if it's too sweet). 
  5. Bake: Spread the mixture in an even layer on the prepared tray. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
  6. Cool & store: Allow to cool completely. Store in an airtight container for 3–7 days (if they last that long!).

Tips: Sprinkle over cacao nibs, hemp seeds or shredded coconut before baking for extra crunch. Nut‑free swap: use sunflower seed butter. Gluten‑free: choose certified GF oats.

Made these? Tag us — we love seeing your creations!

Our Ingredients

  • Pasture-raised Collagen

    Collagen is a natural structural protein that makes up approximately 30% of the total protein in the human body. Collagen can support your child’s joint health, help maintain muscle mass and aid in bone health. Sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle, with the highest standards of care, our collagen has been produced using a hydrolyzed process that breaks it down into smaller, more easily digestible peptides ensuring superior bioavailability and easy absorption. Our Immune Protein contains a complete essential amino acid profile, due to the addition of L-Tryptophan, the only essential amino acid missing in natural bovine collagen.

  • B Vitamins derived from Organic Quinoa Sprouts

    The B Vitamins in Immune Protein are a proprietary blend of ACTIVE B vitamins obtained from Organic Quinoa Sprouts. Unlike synthetic B vitamins which can be poorly absorbed (and sometimes upset little tummies), PANMOL® B-Complex is derived from a whole food source and contains Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12 in their biologically active (natural) form for maximum absorption. Nutrients derived from a whole food source are said to be more readily recognised by the body than synthetic nutrients, making them more bioavailable for better absorption. We chose this form to also ensure the B vitamins are gentle on little tummies!

  • Vitamin D derived from Organic Shiitake Mushrooms

    Vitamin D is essential for several important functions in children, including bone growth and development (it helps the body to absorb calcium) and immune system support. The Vitamin D in our Kid’s Immune Protein is a plant-based source of Vitamin D extracted from Organic Shiitake Mushrooms. After harvesting, shiitake mushrooms are exposed to UV-B light (similar to sunlight) for a certain period of time. This exposure triggers a natural process in the mushrooms where ergosterol, a compound found in the cell membranes of fungi, is converted into vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol). This is the same process that occurs in human skin when exposed to sunlight, converting cholesterol into vitamin D3.

  • Camu Camu

    Camu camu is a small, tart fruit native to the Amazon rainforest, renowned for its exceptional potency as a source of vitamin C. In fact, camu camu contains up to 60 times more vitamin C than an orange, making it one of the most concentrated natural sources of this vital nutrient. Vitamin C plays a key role in supporting a healthy immune system, helping the body fight off infections, reduce inflammation, and promote overall wellness. For growing children, this powerful antioxidant is especially important in boosting immune defense and promoting healthy skin, tissues, and gums. Camu camu provides a natural, highly bioavailable form of vitamin C, helping ensure your child receives optimal support for their immune system in a gentle and effective way.

  • Zinc Gluconate

    Zinc is an essential mineral and particularly important for children as adequate zinc intake is crucial for proper growth, immune function, and development, especially in cases where picky eating may limit the variety of foods consumed. Since zinc is not stored in the body, it must be replenished regularly through diet or supplements. Some studies have also shown a correlation between zinc deficiency and reduced appetite, often contributing to picky eating behaviours. For example, a 2021 study found that 37.4% of picky eaters had lower zinc levels than non-picky eaters! Many multivitamins combine zinc and iron, but because these two minerals compete for absorption, we’ve chosen to exclude iron from our blends to ensure your child gets the full benefit of the zinc included!

  • Pre & Probiotics

    Prebiotics and probiotics play a key role in supporting a child's gut health, which is closely linked to digestion, immunity, and overall development. Our Immune Protein contains Queensland grown green banana resistant starch, which is a natural prebiotic that feeds good gut bacteria and promotes regular bowel movements. We've also included the specific probiotic, Bacillus coagulans as it can survive stomach acid, is heat resistant and can help to balance gut flora while reducing digestive discomfort. When used together, these two ingredients create a synbiotic effect, enhancing each other's benefits and supporting long-term gut flora balance, a resilient immune system and better nutrient absorption for thriving children.