10+ Energy Bites and Balls

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For the ultimate portable healthy snack, whip up a batch of No-Bake Energy Balls! They are perfect to pack in a lunch box for work, school, or travel, or just keep some on hand to grab when you need a little boost. All of these easy energy bites recipes are gluten free, and most can be made vegan too!

What are Energy Balls?

Energy balls (also sometimes called energy bites) are easy no-bake snacks that you can whip up in minutes and customize with your favorite flavors and superfood ingredients, and they can meet any of your allergy needs. You just need to toss a few ingredients in a food processor or stir them together, and then roll the sticky mixture into balls. They are quick to make and are perfect for packing to take to school, work, or on a road trip.

Are Energy Balls Healthy?

Because they typically contain a combination of good carbs, healthy fat, protein, and fiber energy bites are a healthy way to fuel you during any busy day. And it’s an easy way to pack in wholesome ingredients like fruit, whole grains, nuts or seeds, and even superfoods.

Common ingredients in energy balls:

Energy bites usually only have a few ingredients, but by choosing the right ones, you still get that perfect mix of macronutrients to keep you satisfied. And by switching them up, you can make any number of different flavor combinations depending on what you like.

• Dried fruit – dried dates are a common base for many energy ball recipes as they are sticky and form a paste that can be rolled, but they can also include raisins, dried cranberries, dried apricots, figs, and even coconut.
• Fresh or thawed frozen fruit – bananas, pineapple, and even thawed and drained frozen berries are sometimes mixed in, but then typically require more grains or something else for binding the bites.
• Grains – oats or even cooked quinoa are often found in energy bites to add fiber and bulk, but some recipes are grain free and paleo-friendly.
• Nuts and nut butter – a great source of healthy fat and protein, peanut butter or almond butter or another nut or sunflower seed butter are great for making them stick together, and nuts like walnuts or pecans also add some texture and crunch. Almond meal can be a grain-free alternative to bulk up those balls.
• Seeds – flax, hemp, chia, and other seeds sneak in some extra superfood nutrition.
• Protein powder – while I typically don’t add this to my energy ball recipes, some like to boost the protein with whey, collagen, pea, or other protein powders.
• Flavors and mix-ins – have some fun and make them extra tasty with spices, extracts, or even cocoa powder. And fun mix-ins like mini chocolate chips or even a few sprinkles never hurt!

How To Make Energy Balls

The ingredients are either stirred together with something sticky like honey to bind them together. Or, particularly if made with dried fruit that is already sticky on its own, broken down to a thick paste in a food processor. You can also use a high-powered blender. I like to use my Blendtec with the Twister Jar, which has a lid that allows you to scrape down the sides while it blends.

This mixture is then scooped up into portions of about one tablespoon and rolled into balls.

How to Store Them

• Most can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for several days.
• If they contain fresh fruit or other perishable ingredients, keep the container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Those made with dried fruit and grains last in the fridge for a couple of weeks.
• You can also put your energy balls in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to six months. Just pull out a few at a time at least a few hours before you plan to eat them.

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10+ Recipes for No-Bake Energy Balls

Get ready to try these recipes and find your favorite energy bites to snack on!