These Coconut Energy Balls are a no bake, satisfying, protein-packed snack to boost you until the next healthy meal.  They are also gluten free and vegan!

Why I love making energy bites

• easy to control portions
• no oven necessary – great for hot days
• good for nutritious snack planning

Are energy bites good for you?

I love this question.  The answer is ‘ish.  My hubby Bob asked me this question last night as he was planning his office lunch and snacks for the next day.  I’m used to addressing it as I’m often asked similar questions in my coaching practice.  Although these energy bites are better for you than a piece of chocolate cake with frosting on top, they are still a calorically dense food.  Nuts and coconut contain fats and oils. 

I would lean towards saying that Coconut Almond Butter Energy Bites contain a healthier type of fat than an animal butter, however it does contribute towards its calorie count.  In addition, although there is no added refined sugar (still better than chocolate cake!) I do add maple syrup.  Maple syrup and honey are registered and digested and processed in the body as sugar, thus also increasing the caloric density factor.

The short answer is yes, they are healthy-ish with emphasis on the ‘ish.  The great thing is that they are loaded with good, filling protein so one or two energy balls is satiating and is enough.

Nutrional benefits of energy bites:

• plant/nut based protein
• no added refined, white sugar
• healthy fats
• fiberful
• gluten-sensitive friendly

Bob’s culinary review:

“I love the energy bites!  There is just a hint of coconut flavor – it is not overpowering.  I ate two after lunch and put the rest away.”

If you like this recipe be sure to check out 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Energy Balls as well as Miss Shobha’s Raw Fruit and Nut Balls.

Yield: 15-20 bites

Coconut Energy Balls

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These Coconut Energy Balls are a no bake, satisfying, protein-packed snack to boost you until the next healthy meal.  They are also gluten free and vegan!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup old fashioned rolled oats
• 3/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1/4 cup chopped raw almonds
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup favorite almond butter
• 1/4 pure maple syrup

Instructions

1. Measure out all the dry ingredients (oats, coconut, nuts and chocolate chips) in a large bowl
2. Measure out nut butter and maple syrup into a small microwave-safe bowl or ramekin. Heath in microwave about 20 to 30 seconds. Stir until smooth and creamy
3. Line a small tray or baking sheet with parchment paper
4. Add almond butter/syrup mixture to dry ingredients - scrape it out with a rubber scraper/spatula
5. Squeeze and combine with your hands until all of the oats and coconut is incorporated
6. Shape the dough into small balls about an inch or so in diameter
7. Place the balls on the parchment-lined tray
8. Refrigerate for firmer balls for about 30 minutes

Notes

Honey may be substituted for maple syrup in equal proportions.

Unsweetened coconut flakes may be substituted for shredded coconut.

Almond butter comes in many varieties. I like the taste of chunky almond butter however the creamier oiler almond nut butters work best for this recipe. If you are at the bottom of the jar or your almond butter seems too dry, measure it out and add the maple syrup or honey to it in a microwave-safe ramekin or bowl. Microwave the almond butter and syrup/honey for about 25 seconds. Stir until smooth. Then add to the dry ingredients.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

15

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 146Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 3mgCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 3gSugar: 3gProtein: 4g