Protein Power Bites
Andrea Potischman
Apr 20, 2017
Power bars, protein snacks, and energy drinks are all some of the products you see on store shelves selling “power” and “energy.” Don’t be deceived: most don’t have either; many are not healthy; and most of us avoid equating sugar with energy. A good friend of mine from college, a marathon runner, a mom of three, and a fellow blogger, recently introduced me to the world of power bites. She makes them often and her kids (all athletes) eat them as well. I have managed to hook myself.
These little bites are easy to make, store well, and are a healthy protein alternative or pick-me-up that you can munch during the day. Good protein-rich options can be filling and give an energy boost that lasts. Is there anyone who does not need a boost around 3 p.m.? Power bites, or protein bites, have limitless recipe options; you can truly make them out of almost anything and adjust them to your likes.
Sweeter, saltier, nuttier, crunchier–you name it, it’s possible. Power bites are very easy to make and don’t typically involve cooking, making them a relatively easy and less expensive alternative to the junk you see in the grocery store. I kept these on hand recently while skiing. What I found so appealing is that they are a quick, easy, healthier snack alternative, and they gave me energy!
The first recipe for Oatmeal + Almond Butter Power Bites is one I developed after playing around in the kitchen for a bit with some of my favorite ingredients. The second recipe for Cocoa + Coconut Power Bites is one my friend sent me and I adapted slightly from Mark Sisson’s Cocoa and Coconut Snack Recipe on his blog, Mark’s Daily Apple. Sisson, a former elite endurance athlete, is also a health and fitness nut who talks about healthy snacking on his blog. My friend said Sisson’s recipe is a go-to for her, and a perfect snack after a long run.
Protein Power Bites
Ingredients:
For the Oatmeal + Almond Butter Power Bite:
- 1 1/4 cups whole rolled oats, toasted
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons warm water
- 1/4 cup roasted almond butter
- 1 Tablespoon blue agave
- 4 dates, pitted
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 cup raw almonds
- 1/4 cup walnuts
- 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
For the Cocoa + Coconut Power Bites:
- 1/2 cup raw almonds
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 1/2 cup pecans
- 1/2 cup hazelnuts
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
- 7 dates, pitted
- 4 tablespoons coconut oil
- 2 teaspoons blue agave
- 1 1/2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- Dash of salt
- 1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut, plus more for coating
Directions:
- For the Oatmeal + Almond Butter Power Bites: Place the oats in a large saucepan and lightly toast over low heat until just browned around the edges. Set aside to cool.
- Combine the flaxseed and warm water in a small mixing bowl and set aside.
- In a food processor, such as a Cuisinart, fitted with a blade attachment, add the almond butter, agave, dates, coconut oil, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well to incorporate. Add the flaxseed mixture and blend until smooth. Add the almonds and walnuts and gently pulse to incorporate. Add the toasted oats, coconut, and chocolate chips and pulse just until evenly incorporated. Chill the mixture for 20 minutes to firm.
- Using your hands, roll the mixture into bite-size (~20) balls. Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.
- For the Cocoa + Coconut Power Bites: Using a food processor, such as a Cuisinart, fitted with a metal blade, blend the almonds, walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, and pumpkins into fine flour. Place in a medium mixing bowl and set aside. Put the dates, 1/4 cup shredded coconut, and salt in the food processor and blend till smooth. Add to the nut flour, and stir in the cocoa. add the coconut oil and agave and mix well to incorporate.Chill mixture for 30 minutes to firm.
- Using your hands, roll the mixture into bite-size (~20) balls. Roll each ball in coconut to cover. Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator
This recipe pushed me to finally purchase a food processor. The little extra steps like toasting the oats and processing them together with the other ingredients make these sooo much better than the recipes I’ve pinned on Pinterest. Thanks for the yummy snack which my entire family enjoys!
That is awesome Beth. Love, love, love it! Thank you for telling me this, made my day 🙂
Can’t wait to try out your recipes for the protein bites slightly tweaked, Dre! And completely perfect for a ski vacation. Beware, addicting as well!!