Fruity Pebbles contains inflammatory seed oils (canola/soybean oil), artificial colors (Red 40, Yellow 6, Yellow 5, Blue 1), artificial flavors, and chemical preservatives (BHT, BHA). This DIY version replaces seed oils with coconut oil, uses natural fruit powders for colors and flavors, and eliminates all synthetic additives while maintaining the fun fruity taste and crunch.
Based on: Fruity Pebbles
· Makes approximately 30 servings
· Serving: 36g (about 1.25 cups)
Why This Recipe is Seed Oil Free
Commercial Fruity Pebbles from Post often contains inflammatory seed oils like canola, soybean, or sunflower oil. This homemade version replaces them with healthier fats like butter, ghee, coconut oil, or avocado oil — giving you the same great taste without the processed oils.
The original Fruity Pebbles may also contain artificial dyes. Check it on DyeFreeCheck to find out.
5ml (1 teaspoon) · Simply Organic Pure Vanilla Extract
Natural flavor enhancer that rounds out the fruit flavors
Redmond Real Salt
4g (3/4 teaspoon) · Redmond Real Salt Fine Sea Salt
Enhances sweetness and balances flavors
Organic vitamin C powder
2g (1/2 teaspoon) · Pure Encapsulations Ascorbic Acid Powder
Natural preservative and vitamin fortification
Instructions
Step 1. Prepare your workspace by lining two large baking sheets with parchment paper and preheating your oven to 200°F (93°C). Measure out the puffed rice (900g) into a very large mixing bowl. The low oven temperature will help set the coating without burning the delicate rice.
Step 2. In a small saucepan, gently melt the coconut oil (60g) over low heat until just liquified, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in the vanilla extract (5ml). This creates your binding base that replaces the inflammatory seed oils in the original.
Step 3. In a separate medium bowl, thoroughly combine the coconut sugar (300g), salt (4g), and vitamin C powder (2g). Whisk for 30 seconds to break up any clumps. The vitamin C acts as a natural preservative and adds nutritional value.
Step 4. Create your color stations by dividing the sugar mixture into 4 equal portions (about 75g each) in separate bowls. Mix strawberry powder into the first bowl, orange peel powder into the second, turmeric into the third, and blueberry powder into the fourth. Whisk each thoroughly - fruit powders tend to clump, so spend 1-2 minutes per bowl ensuring even distribution.
Step 5. Working quickly while the coconut oil is still warm (but not hot), drizzle it evenly over the puffed rice while stirring constantly with a large spoon. Continue mixing for 2-3 minutes until every piece is lightly coated. The oil should coat but not saturate the rice.
Step 6. Add each colored sugar mixture one at a time to different sections of the rice, mixing gently to distribute colors throughout. You want a rainbow effect, not uniform coloring. Toss gently but thoroughly for 3-4 minutes until the coating is evenly distributed and the cereal pieces are separated, not clumped.
Step 7. Spread the coated cereal evenly across the prepared baking sheets in a single layer. Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even crisping. The cereal is done when it feels dry to the touch and the coating is set.
Step 8. Allow to cool completely on the baking sheets, about 30 minutes. The cereal will become crispier as it cools. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks at room temperature, or freeze portions in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Serve with your favorite milk - the natural fruit flavors really shine with cold organic whole milk or unsweetened almond milk.
Storage
Store in airtight glass containers at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Without chemical preservatives, this cereal has a shorter shelf life than commercial versions but maintains better nutritional value. Freeze individual portions for longer storage.
Cost Comparison
Cost per serving (homemade)$0.72
Cost per serving (store-bought)$0.35
SavingsDIY costs 106% more
The upfront cost is significantly higher due to buying organic, high-quality ingredients in bulk. However, you're getting superior nutrition, no inflammatory oils, no artificial additives, and the bulk ingredients will make 15+ batches, bringing the true long-term cost down to about $0.40 per serving.