Plain rice cakes on their own are light, crunchy — and gone in 10 minutes. The secret to making them actually satisfying is simple: always add a protein or healthy fat on top. That one rule transforms a 40-calorie cardboard disk into a genuinely filling snack.
Here are 25 of the best things to put on rice cakes, organized by goal — whether you want something sweet, savory, high-protein, or ultra low-calorie. For a complete flavor breakdown, see our Drizzilicious review →
Quick Guide: Best Toppings by Goal
| Goal | Best topping |
|---|---|
| Highest protein | Cottage cheese + cucumber |
| Lowest calorie | Smashed avocado + chili flakes |
| Most filling | Tuna + lemon + capers |
| Best sweet option | Peanut butter + banana + honey |
| Best for meal prep | Hummus + roasted veggies |
| Kids favorite | Cream cheese + strawberry slices |
High-Protein Rice Cake Toppings (Stay Full Longer)
These toppings add enough protein to turn a rice cake into a real snack — not just a placeholder.
1. Cottage Cheese + Cucumber + Dill
The highest-protein topping on this list. Two tablespoons of cottage cheese adds around 4g of protein, keeps the calorie count low, and pairs perfectly with the neutral flavor of plain rice cakes. Add cucumber slices and a pinch of dill for freshness.
Calories per rice cake: ~70 kcal · Protein: ~5g
2. Tuna + Lemon + Capers
Canned tuna is one of the most protein-dense toppings you can add. Mix a tablespoon of tuna with a squeeze of lemon and a few capers — ready in under 2 minutes.
Calories per rice cake: ~65 kcal · Protein: ~8g
3. Hard-Boiled Egg Slices + Mustard
Slice half a hard-boiled egg over a rice cake and add a thin spread of Dijon mustard. Simple, filling, and works as a quick breakfast or post-workout snack.
Calories per rice cake: ~80 kcal · Protein: ~4g
4. Greek Yogurt + Berries + Honey
Thick Greek yogurt (2 tbsp) adds around 3g of protein with a creamy texture that works well on rice cakes. Top with a few blueberries or raspberries and a small drizzle of honey.
Calories per rice cake: ~75 kcal · Protein: ~3g
5. Turkey Slice + Avocado + Mustard
Layer one slice of deli turkey with a few thin avocado slices and a dot of mustard. Protein + healthy fat in one bite — keeps you full for hours.
Calories per rice cake: ~90 kcal · Protein: ~5g
6. Smoked Salmon + Cream Cheese + Capers
A classic combination that works just as well on rice cakes as it does on bagels — at a fraction of the calories. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein.
Calories per rice cake: ~95 kcal · Protein: ~5g
Savory Rice Cake Toppings
7. Avocado + Chili Flakes + Sea Salt
The easiest savory topping. Mash a quarter of an avocado, spread it on the rice cake, and add chili flakes and a pinch of sea salt. Healthy fat keeps you satisfied, and the chili flakes add flavor without calories.
Calories per rice cake: ~80 kcal
8. Hummus + Roasted Red Pepper
A generous spread of hummus adds fiber and plant protein. Top with a strip of roasted red pepper for sweetness and color. Works well for meal prep — batch-prepare several at once.
Calories per rice cake: ~75 kcal
9. Cream Cheese + Cucumber + Everything Bagel Seasoning
Spread a thin layer of cream cheese (regular or light) and top with cucumber slices. Finish with everything bagel seasoning for maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Calories per rice cake: ~80 kcal
10. Pesto + Cherry Tomatoes + Mozzarella
A mini bruschetta-style rice cake. Spread a teaspoon of pesto, add halved cherry tomatoes and a small slice of mozzarella. Works as a light lunch or appetizer.
Calories per rice cake: ~95 kcal
11. Whipped Feta + Cherry Tomatoes + Olive Oil
Whipped feta has a lighter texture than regular cream cheese and pairs beautifully with cherry tomatoes and a tiny drizzle of olive oil. Mediterranean-inspired and genuinely delicious.
Calories per rice cake: ~90 kcal
12. Mashed Chickpeas + Lemon + Herbs
Mash a few chickpeas with lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh herbs (parsley or basil). A vegan protein topping that’s also rich in fiber.
Calories per rice cake: ~85 kcal
13. Guacamole + Corn + Black Beans
Turn your rice cake into a mini tostada. A tablespoon of guacamole topped with a few black beans and corn kernels makes a satisfying savory snack with good fiber content.
Calories per rice cake: ~100 kcal
Sweet Rice Cake Toppings
14. Peanut Butter + Banana + Honey
The most popular sweet rice cake topping. Spread a tablespoon of peanut butter, add 3–4 banana slices, and finish with a tiny drizzle of honey. The peanut butter adds healthy fat and protein to slow digestion.
Calories per rice cake: ~120 kcal · Protein: ~4g
15. Almond Butter + Apple Slices + Cinnamon
A lighter alternative to peanut butter. Almond butter has a slightly more delicate flavor that pairs perfectly with thin apple slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Great for an afternoon snack.
Calories per rice cake: ~110 kcal
16. Ricotta + Honey + Walnuts
Spread a tablespoon of ricotta cheese, drizzle with honey, and top with a few crushed walnuts. Feels indulgent but stays under 120 calories. Works as a light dessert alternative.
Calories per rice cake: ~115 kcal
17. Dark Chocolate Spread + Sea Salt
A thin spread of dark chocolate (70%+) or a quality chocolate hazelnut spread with a pinch of sea salt. Satisfies chocolate cravings at a fraction of the calories of a chocolate bar.
Calories per rice cake: ~100 kcal
18. Cream Cheese + Strawberry Slices + Maple Syrup
Light cream cheese topped with fresh strawberry slices and a tiny drizzle of maple syrup. Kid-friendly and genuinely satisfying as a sweet snack.
Calories per rice cake: ~90 kcal
19. Peanut Butter + Blueberries + Chia Seeds
A nutritional upgrade on the classic PB topping. The chia seeds add fiber and omega-3s, and blueberries are one of the lowest-sugar fruit options.
Calories per rice cake: ~120 kcal · Protein: ~4g
Ultra Low-Calorie Toppings (Under 60 kcal total)
For anyone in a strict calorie deficit — these toppings keep the total under 60 kcal per rice cake.
20. Salsa + A Pinch of Cheese
One tablespoon of fresh salsa adds virtually no calories and loads of flavor. A light sprinkle of grated cheese adds just enough richness.
Total calories: ~50 kcal
21. Mustard + Cucumber + Dill
Zero-fat option. Spread yellow or Dijon mustard, layer cucumber slices, and add dried dill. Crispy, tangy, and under 50 calories total.
Total calories: ~45 kcal
22. Marmite + Butter (thin spread)
A UK classic. A thin scrape of butter and a tiny amount of Marmite is one of the most flavorful low-calorie toppings available. High in B vitamins.
Total calories: ~55 kcal
Rice Cake Topping Combinations for Weight Loss
If you’re using rice cakes specifically for weight loss, these combinations follow the golden rule — protein + healthy fat + low sugar:
| Combination | Calories | Protein | Why it works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cottage cheese + cucumber | ~70 kcal | 5g | High protein, very low fat |
| Tuna + lemon | ~65 kcal | 8g | Highest protein option |
| Avocado + chili flakes | ~80 kcal | 1g | Healthy fat slows digestion |
| Greek yogurt + berries | ~75 kcal | 3g | Protein + antioxidants |
| Hummus + pepper | ~75 kcal | 2g | Fiber + plant protein |
For more on whether rice cakes actually help with weight loss, see our complete guide: are rice cakes good for weight loss →
Tips for Making Rice Cakes More Filling
1. Always add protein or fat first A plain rice cake digests in minutes. Adding any protein (cottage cheese, tuna, egg) or healthy fat (avocado, nut butter) slows digestion significantly and keeps you full 2–3x longer.
2. Use thick toppings Thin toppings (plain butter, light jam) don’t add enough substance. Aim for at least 1–2 tablespoons of something dense.
3. Stack two rice cakes Two rice cakes with a filling in between (like a sandwich) is more satisfying than one rice cake with topping. Total still under 150 calories.
4. Add texture contrast The best rice cake toppings combine soft + crunchy or creamy + fresh — cottage cheese + cucumber, avocado + chili flakes, ricotta + walnuts. The texture variety makes each bite more satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to put on rice cakes for weight loss?
The best toppings for weight loss are high in protein or healthy fat: cottage cheese, tuna, Greek yogurt, avocado, or nut butter. These additions keep you full longer and prevent the blood sugar spike that plain rice cakes can cause.
What tastes good on plain rice cakes?
Savory options: avocado + sea salt, hummus + roasted pepper, cream cheese + cucumber. Sweet options: peanut butter + banana, ricotta + honey, dark chocolate spread + sea salt.
Are rice cakes with peanut butter healthy?
Yes — peanut butter adds healthy fat and protein that makes rice cakes much more filling. One rice cake with one tablespoon of peanut butter is around 130 calories and contains 4g of protein, making it a genuinely satisfying snack.
What to put on rice cakes for breakfast?
For breakfast: Greek yogurt + berries, almond butter + banana, or smoked salmon + cream cheese. These combinations provide enough protein and energy to last until lunch.
Can you put avocado on rice cakes?
Yes — avocado is one of the best rice cake toppings. Mash a quarter of an avocado with a pinch of sea salt and chili flakes. It adds healthy monounsaturated fat and keeps you full longer than most other toppings.
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Disclaimer: Calorie counts are approximate and based on standard serving sizes. Individual products may vary.