Superfood Chocolate Chip Energy Balls for Kids-No Bake

Move over granola bars!  We’ve got a healthy snack that’s tastier and more nutritious than any granola bar on the shelf!  These no-bake energy balls are packed with superfoods like ground flaxseed and chia seed.  They also bring the protein in the form of nut butter and protein powder.  And healthy fats are accounted for in the coconut oil.  

These little bites are a powerhouse of nutrition, and your kids will absolutely love them!  Serve the for a quick snack, throw them in lunchboxes, or serve for breakfast!  This is one of those delicious recipes that you are definitely going to want to keep in your arsenal.  In fact, dare I say, I think this is the most-used, most-popular recipe in my house!

Ready for a confession?  I actually don’t use a recipe when I make these.  That’s good news!  They are so flexible you can add whatever you want, and they still turn out to be delicious!  But, just in case you need a recipe for your first time making them, I wrote down roughly what I use.  BUT, feel free to make adjustments.

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• 6 cups organic oats: The base of our energy bites, providing fiber and a satisfying texture.  My favorite brand is One Degree (available at Costco!). Theirs are even sprouted! Here’s my favorite brand of oats.
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (or more!): Adds a delightful sweetness and that irresistible chocolatey goodness. Here’s my favorite brand of chocolate chips.
• 1 cup unsweetened almond butter: A creamy binder that’s loaded with healthy fats (you could use any kind of nut butter here, even sunflower butter if you need to stay nut-free)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened peanut butter: Complements the almond butter and adds a rich, nutty flavor.
• 1/4 cup organic, unrefined coconut oil: Helps to hold everything together while adding a subtle coconut flavor.
• 1 tbsp organic chia seeds: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. Chia seeds can even help balance blood sugar and support heart health! (source)
• 2 tbsp flax seed meal (sometimes called flax meal, but is simply ground flax seeds: Adds more fiber, more omega-2 fatty acids, and a nutty taste.  They are also a fabulous source of the antioxidant lignans. (source)
• 2 tbsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet, aromatic touch.
• 1/4 cup chocolate protein powder: Boosts the protein content and chocolate flavor, making these bites even more satisfying. I use Orgain brand (available at Costco!). Here’s my favorite affordable protein powder.
• 1/4 cup honey: A natural sweetener that helps to bind the ingredients together.
• 1 tsp organic Stevia: Adds a touch of extra sweetness without the sugar.  Here’s my favorite brand of Stevia.

Making these energy bites is as simple as it gets! The eye-ball it method rather than precise measurements works really well.

1. Mix All Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, chocolate chips, almond butter, peanut butter, coconut oil, chia seeds, flax seed meal, vanilla extract, chocolate protein powder, honey, and Stevia. Mix until everything is well incorporated. (A Kitchen-Aid mixer makes this job so easy.)
2. Form the Bites: Roll the mixture into balls that are about the size of a golf ball. Pro tip: If the mixture is too sticky, add a bit more oats. If it’s too crumbly, add a bit more almond butter.
3. Chill: Place the energy bites on a baking sheet or in a container and refrigerate them. They’ll be ready to eat in about 15 minutes and can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.

• Refrigerate: Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for about a week.
• But they are also perfectly safe to keep at room temperature, which makes them great for lunch boxes.

Variations on Chocolate Chip Protein Balls

There are endless different ways to switch out basic ingredients in these easy energy bites to make a delicious snack that will satisfy your sweet tooth.  Here are some ideas to get you thinking…

• You could add hemp seeds or sunflower seeds.
• Use gluten free oats
• Add cocoa powder for more chocolatey flavor.
• Use sunflower seed butter to stay nut-free.
• Try mini chocolate chips in different flavors: dark chocolate, milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, etc. 
• Use pure maple syrup in place of honey.
• Try cashew butter.
• Add coconut flakes.
• Sprinkle in some cinnamon.

These are the perfect make-ahead snack, but it’s a good idea to make a big batch!  They’ll disappear fast! These Chocolate Chip Energy Balls are such a great way to pack some portable nutrition into your kids’ diet.

Looking for more nutrient-dense, kid-friendly recipes? Hop on my Nourish with Diligence page!