I love a good snack. It’s something I am always thinking about, but when you have a toddler around sometimes the snacking options are not something we want to overindulge on (eg. Goldfish Crackers, gummy treats, cookies, fruit leathers, cheese, fruit and more fruit). While these are all great snacks for kids and some are truly my favourite too (I mean who doesn’t LOVE Goldfish crackers?!) they are not necessarily the most nutrition dense options to overconsume as an adult and they can be somewhat high in calories!

These energy bites are a staple in my pantry now and are perfect for a quick snack before a workout, or as you run out the door with your family. They are also incredibly easy to create, make little to no mess and barely any dishes!

I try to use organic products where I can, but financially that isn’t always an option, so a person clearly needs to do what’s right for them and their needs. My goal when cooking/baking is NOT to break the bank, so I am rather strategic with my grocery purchases. Alright enough about me, let’s make the things.

You’ll start off by measuring and adding all ingredients into a food processor together. Add in the unsweetened shredded coconut, dates, coconut oil, vanilla protein powder and natural peanut butter (normally I’d recommend a cashew or almond butter because the flavour is incredible, but I also am completely obsessed with peanut butter in everything and find it works just as well!). Give this a few pulses to breakdown the dates more easily and then continue to add your other ingredients.

Now, you can play around with some of these measurements as I have, add or omit, to get the perfect flavour, consistency and texture for you. I always add hemp seeds, organic Matcha powder, vanilla extract, almond flour, spirulina and collagen. The health benefits that most of these ingredients contain are incredible. A few of my favourites are Spirulina (strengthens immune system, supports cardiovascular health, boosts energy levels), Collagen (it’s tasteless and is the most abundant protein found in body, helps improve skin elasticity, supports joint health).
** Side note: I rarely measure anything… mostly I guesstimate, you can also play around with measurements.
**Obviously, if you’d like to make this recipe vegan, just remove the Collagen. All other ingredients make it a Vegan snack!
**If you want to make a larger batch, consider doing this in two sessions unless you have a massive food processor. Then rock it out.

You will pulse and blend this batter, constantly scraping the sides it ensure it’s fully mixed. it should look crumbly by now, but everything should be blended well.

Test out the consistency by grabbing a tablespoon full and try to roll it into a ball. I like them a nice bite size, but you could try a little larger or smaller if you prefer. The batter should roll in your hands nicely and create a firm ball. I usually squeeze it as I form the ball to ensure it doesn’t fall apart when I bite it.

*** If it’s too sticky, add more flour, if it’s too dry and falls apart, add a little water or another date or more peanut butter. I found these measurements worked perfectly.***

Continue rolling balls until all batter is used up. After you roll them all you can do an additional roll in matcha powder for an extra coating or roll in coconut flakes or hemp seeds for more texture. Again, it’s all based on your personal preference here! Regardless of what you do, the flavour should be on point.

Matcha Energy Bites

• 1 cup unsweetened organic coconut flakes
• 1/4 cup coconut oil melted
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (I can recommend a great one)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened natural smooth peanut butter (or any nut butter)
• 6-8 Dates (depending on size and sweetening preference; if dry soak in water for a few minutes first)
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 2 tsp Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts
• 1-2 tsp Organic Matcha Powder (depending on bitterness you may use more dates)
• 1 tsp Natural Vanilla Extract
• 1 tbsp Collagen (**omit to make Vegan**)
• 1 tsp Spirulina (very strong flavour so adjust according to preference)

Mix all ingredients in the food processor until good consistency for forming into balls. Once balls are formed, you may do an additional roll into more matcha powder, shredded coconut, or anything else you are fond of. Then, please on plate or cookie tray and refrigerate for 30 minutes to set them. Store in an airtight container.

This batter should have the same consistency as a cookie batter. If mixture is too thick or crumbly, add additional nut butter, another date or a teaspoon of water. If too wet, add more almond flour. You should be able to scoop and form a ball easily.

Recipe makes 18-22 bites depending on size. These can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week, or in the freezer for up to a month.
**Approx. 140 calories per serving / Sugars 4.7 g / Protein 4.5 g**

If you have any comments, feedback or questions, please don’t hesitate to let me know! Enjoy ❤