What’s a “Rat Snack”?
Updated: Mar. 13, 2023
Weird food combinations that aren't quite a recipe have mass appeal online and are driving food trends. Welcome to the era of the "rat snack."
Once upon a time, people looked to food media for complicated recipes, chef’s secrets and advanced kitchen techniques. But lately, if you’ve been following food trends on social media—as I do—you know that something has changed. More and more, you see food trends that are something slightly less than you would call a “recipe.” The viral food you’re likely seeing now is more like a guilty pleasure. It’s something like a cheese-wrapped pickle, or caviar spooned on top of a Dorito, or maybe TikToker Ken Eurich’s so-called “chip soup“—chips crushed up in a bowl and mixed with vinegar. Welcome to the era of the “rat snack.”
What Is a Rat Snack?
To be clear, the term “rat snack” is one used lovingly, not insultingly. A rat snack is one of those snack combos you throw together when no one else is around. More than just a so-called “guilty pleasure,” the rat snack is the kind of go-to food mashup that calls to you from the fridge or pantry, something you’ll eat over the sink. Some credit dietician and TikTok creator Abbey Sharp with popularizing the term. She recently posted a video of an “unhinged snack” that involves apple slices, butter, brown sugar and walnuts—which are then microwaved and put on toast with a slice of processed cheddar cheese over the mixture. You get the idea: Anything goes.
@abbeyskitchen When your InstaCart shopper throws in an unexpected pack of processed cheese, you turn it into a budget friendly “rat snack” with whatever else you have in the fridge. 🧀 😮😮😮😮😮😮 #ratsnack #unhinged #snackideas #budgetfriendly #budgetmeals #budgetsnack #frugal #applepie #cheesetoast ♬ Beat Automotivo Tan Tan Tan Viral – WZ Beat
How Do I Know a Rat Snack When I See One?
The hallmarks of the rat snack are simple. It must be immediate, it must be uncomplicated, and it must be somewhat impulsive. I think it also must be something you might eat standing up over the sink. Judgment is prohibited. What is a rat snack for you may not be a rat snack for me.
For me, a perfect rat snack is vodka butter slathered on toast with pickles on top. Or perhaps a kimchi grilled cheese. The definition is really wide open. Embrace your inner vermin and experiment.
Easy Snacks You Have to Try
Easy Puppy ChowThis easy puppy chow recipe uses whole packages so there are no fussy leftovers. Plus, it makes enough to feed a hungry crowd. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Psst! Did you know you can also make puppy chow without peanut butter?
Easy HummusYou'll need just five ingredients to blend together this easy hummus recipe. It's delicious and quick to make. —Kris Capener, Ogden, Utah
Peanut Butter, Apple and Raisin SandwichTart, sweet and crunchy, these open-faced sammies are a perfect after-school (or after-work) snack. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
Savory Cracker Snack MixA Taste of Home recipe inspired this one! Because I love everything bagel seasoning, I decided to give this a try. A friend later suggested I make the mix more versatile with something other than oyster crackers, and now it's a deliciously addictive snack! —Cyndy Gerken, Naples, Florida—Cyndy Gerken, Naples, Florida
Chocolate Mocha Dusted AlmondsI love to make recipes with nuts. These are chocolaty with a hint of coffee—elegant and addictive! I give them away as gifts; I've even made them for wedding favors. —Annette Scholz, Medaryville, Indiana
Quick Tortilla PinwheelsPrepare these easy, cheesy pinwheels several days in advance if desired. Serve them with your choice of mild or hot salsa or picante sauce. —Barbara Keith, Faucett, Missouri
Mini Cheese BallsThese mini cheese balls are the perfect quick appetizer for any party. Roll them in toasted sesame seeds, fresh rosemary and/or paprika to add even more flavor. —J. Spivey, Ennice, North Carolina
Nuts and Seeds Trail MixA filling blend of nuts, seeds, chocolate chips and dried fruit keeps you healthy by the handful. —Kristin Rimkus, Snohomish, Washington
Herbed Cheese WafersThese bite-sized snacks are rich, buttery and full of flavor. You can serve them alone or with a dip.—Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas
Chewy Honey Granola BarsThere's sweetness from the honey, chewiness from the raisins, hints of chocolate and cinnamon, and a bit of crunch. To save a few for later, wrap individual bars and place in a resealable freezer container. When you want a satisfying treat on short notice, just grab one and let it thaw for a few minutes. —Tasha Lehman, Williston, Vermont
Peanut Butter S'Mores SandwichFavorite flavors from s'mores come together in this tasty peanut butter sandwich—no campfire required. —James Schend, Dairy Freed
Sugar N Spice PopcornOur family can't get enough of this light, cinnamon-sweet popcorn. The baked kernels are wonderfully crunchy and coated just right. Try mixing some to have on hand as an anytime nibble.
Peanut Butter Granola PinwheelsI came across this easy and tasty snack while searching online for healthy munchies for kids. Great for after school, it's really quick to make and filling enough to hold the kids until dinner. To satisfy heftier appetites or to serve as a power lunch, cut each tortilla into fewer pieces or provide one per child. The recipe is easy to increase as needed. —Mary Haluch, Ludlow, Massachusetts
Fast Fruit SalsaWe like this refreshing and colorful salsa served with tortilla chips or spooned over grilled chicken. For another fruity option, try stirring in some diced cantaloupe or peaches when they're in season. —Eileen Miller, Woodridge, Illinois
Originally Published: March 10, 2023
