These amazing, simple protein balls are super easy to make – all you need is 5 ingredients, 5 minutes and a food processor! They are vegan, full of protein and other super nutritious ingredients. The best thing about these energy bites is that they can be stored in the fridge for up to 10 days with no problems!
These cashew-dates energy bites are an absolute lifesaver sometimes. I always make two batches and eat them all week long, it saves me from eating chocolates or other bad sweets when I am craving something sweet. They taste so much better as well! Can’t describe how soft and crunchy they are at the same time. They not only help with sugar cravings but also give you energy and a very good dose of protein. Perfect as a pre-workout snack (or any-time snack)!
To make them you need your favourite nuts, you can use almonds, cashews or for example walnuts. You also need some good quality dates. The best dates to use are Medjool Dates as they are large and plump and have a very soft texture that helps the whole mixture stick together. Dry, regular dates might not work well and your mixture might be falling apart. The key word to look for is “fresh” even if they are not medjool. I buy regular, fresh Iranian dates in a box from my local Asian fruit and vegetables shop. If you are in London, I am sure you have one close to you as well.
If you are looking to include more protein in your diet, it is very likely that you are already using some sort of protein powder. If you aren’t, get one! But be careful as most protein powders (especially whey) are full of artificial flavours, animal ingredients, GMO products and other things that you probably won’t be able to pronounce. Steer clear from all those types of protein powder. I always use hemp protein powder – 50 % protein and 100 % vegan. Why use animal protein when there are plant-based options? You will see only one ingredient on the package and that’s hemp, absolutely natural and very nutritious. I add it to my everyday smoothie and of course these delicious energy balls.
Once you get into the habit of making these energy bites on a regular basis, you will always have something healthy to snack and you can add all sorts of other ingredients of your choice! I add chia seeds and cacao powder to make them the perfect healthy energy balls!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup cashews (or other nuts)
- 1 cup pitted medjool dates
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tbsp cacao powder
- 1 tbsp hemp protein powder (or other powder)
- 1 tbsp chia seeds (optional but highly recommended)
Instructions
- Put all of the ingredients in a food processor (nuts first) and blend until you get a smooth mixture.
- Roll into little balls and store in the fridge
Notes
I suggest you double the recipe as they can be stored in the fridge for a long time!
