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These simple additions boost fiber, protein and antioxidants while preserving the gooey, nostalgic flavors that make s’mores a delicious summertime tradition.

Reviewed by Dietitian Mandy Enright, M.S., RDN, RYT

Key Points

• Small additions can make classic s’mores more nutritious.
• Add bananas, berries or tart cherries for extra flavor, fiber and nutrients.
• Nut butter and chopped nuts add protein, healthy fats and satisfying crunch.

There’s something very comforting and nostalgic about s’mores. Whether you’re gathered around a campfire or making them in the oven on a rainy evening, the combination of gooey marshmallows, melty chocolate and crisp graham crackers has been bringing people together for generations. And while the classic recipe is delicious as is, that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for a little creativity.

If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s possible to make a s’more a bit more nutritious without sacrificing the flavors and textures that make it so memorable, the answer is yes. According to dietitians, the key isn’t replacing the classic ingredients, it’s thinking about what you can add. Here are five surprising ingredients experts recommend trying at your next campfire.

1. Bananas

Sliced bananas are a great addition to the classic s’more recipe. “Banana slices bring natural sweetness, which pairs well with the rich chocolate and roasted marshmallow,” says Amy Brownstein, M.S., RDN. Adding banana to a s’more also provides potassium, an important mineral for healthy blood pressure and muscle function, she says. Brownstein recommends choosing less-ripe bananas because they provide more resistant starch, a type of fiber that may help slow the rise in blood sugar that can accompany eating s’mores.

2. Nut Butter

A thin layer of peanut or almond butter may be one of the easiest ways to make a s’more feel more satisfying. “Spread some peanut or almond butter on the graham cracker for some creaminess and a slight salty flavor that pairs nicely with chocolate,” Brownstein says. “Nut butters contribute protein and healthy fats, which can make the dessert feel a bit more satisfying.”

Nut butters, such as peanut and almond butters, provide heart-healthy unsaturated fats, plant protein and vitamin E. According to the American Heart Association, replacing foods high in saturated fat with those rich in unsaturated fats is associated with better cardiovascular health.

3. Fresh Berries

Chocolate-covered strawberries are always a big hit, so it’s no surprise that berries work just as well in a s’more. Johannah Katz, M.A., RDsays one of her favorite additions is fresh strawberries or raspberries: “They still pair beautifully with chocolate and marshmallow, but they add fiber, vitamin C, water content and natural sweetness.”

Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C and provide about 3 grams of fiber per cup, while raspberries provide about 8 grams of fiber and are also a good source of vitamin C, making both berries an easy way to add nutrients without taking away from the dessert itself.

According to Courtney Green Jackson, M.S.berries or other fruits are one of the easiest upgrades because they pair naturally with the classic format. “Healthy doesn’t have to mean boring. The goal isn’t to completely reinvent a campfire favorite, but to make small, realistic changes that add nutritional value while preserving the flavors people love,” says Jackson.

4. Chopped Nuts

If you want to add more texture to your s’more, chopped nuts are an easy solution. Sharniquia White, RDNmentions that one of her favorite additions to a s’more is a sprinkle of chopped pecans or pistachios. “They add a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the gooey marshmallow and melted chocolate while providing heart-healthy unsaturated fats, fiber and plant-based protein,” adds White.

Nuts, such as pistachios and pecans, provide several important minerals, including magnesium, along with naturally occurring antioxidants such as polyphenols and vitamin E that help to protect cells from oxidative stress. Their slightly savory flavor creates the perfect sweet-and-salty combination that complements the dessert without overwhelming it. “Adding texture is just as important as adding nutrition,” White says. “It creates a more satisfying bite without taking away from what makes a classic s’more special.”

5. Dried Tart Cherries

If you’ve never added dried fruit to a s’more, tart cherries are a great place to start. “Dried tart cherries add a chewy texture and a sweet-tart flavor that cuts through the richness of the chocolate and marshmallow,” Brownstein says. “They also contain antioxidants that support overall health.”

Tart cherries are rich in polyphenols and anthocyanins, which are plant compounds that help to protect cells from oxidative stress. Some research also suggests that tart cherries may support healthy sleep, making them a fun and tasty addition to an evening treat.

Expert Tips for Building a Better S’more

Building a more nutritious s’more doesn’t have to be complicated. These simple, dietitian-approved tips can help you add more nutrition while keeping that classic s’more taste.

• Pick great chocolate. Rather than eliminating the chocolate, choose one that has a higher percentage of cacao, ideally over 70%, to add some health benefits.
• Keep the classic ingredients. “Making a s’more ‘healthier’ doesn’t have to mean taking away the chocolate, marshmallow or graham crackers that make the s’more fun, delicious and nostalgic,” Brownstein says. “These additions often make the s’more taste even better by bringing more flavor and texture.”
• Practice mindful eating. Brownstein encourages slowing down and enjoying every bite. “Focus on what else the s’more experience is providing you, such as the opportunity to connect with friends and family, spend time outdoors and create new memories.”
• Remember that dessert has a place in a balanced eating pattern. “S’mores are a dessert,” Brownstein says. “The key is eating them mindfully and in moderation as part of a balanced meal.”

Our Expert Take

S’mores don’t need a complete makeover to fit into a healthy lifestyle. In fact, the experts agree that preserving the nostalgic combination of the graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallows is part of what makes them so special. Instead of thinking about making s’mores “healthy,” think about making them a little more nourishing. Adding fruit, nut butter or nuts can help boost fiber, protein, healthy fats and antioxidants while making every bite even more satisfying.