What is Ants on a Log?

Ants on a log is a snack food which is especially popular among American children, although various versions are made in other regions of the world as well. This snack is easy to make, and it can be a good introduction to the kitchen for young children who are just learning to prepare food. In addition to being popular with some kids and adults, ants on a log is also viewed as a healthy snack by many nutritionists, making it a favorite among some parents.

The basic ants on a log recipe starts with celery sticks which have been washed and dried. Peanut butter is spread onto the celery, and then raisins are perched on top of the peanut butter; if the imagination is stretched for a moment, one could think that the raisins were large ants sitting on a small log. Ants on a log is usually eaten as a finger food, although fastidious eaters could theoretically use a knife and a fork.

This basic recipe has a number of variations. The peanut butter may be chunky or creamy, or another type of nut butter altogether could be used, such as cashew or almond butter. Cream cheese and other soft cheeses might replace the peanut butter, or adventurous cooks could use jams and chutneys. Other dried fruits such as cranberries, chopped apricots, or apples could be used instead of raisins, or things like chocolate chips, fresh fruit, and nuts could stand in for the “ants.” Some cooks replace the celery sticks with pretzels, for picky eaters who don't like celery. In “ants on vacation,” the raisins are left off altogether, leaving celery sticks and filling.

This snack food is generally considered healthy because peanut and nut butters are high in protein, while dried fruits are rich in vitamins and minerals, and celery is a largely calorie-neutral food. When ingredients like cream cheese and chocolate chips are used, ants on a log is a bit less healthy, but it's still better than cookies, potato chips, and many other packaged snack foods, making it a sound choice for a children's snack.

Ants on a log can potentially be packed in a lunch, ideally wrapped in plastic or packaged in a small reusable container so that the peanut butter doesn't smear everywhere. More commonly, it's served on a plate after school or at recess.