I am always looking for new snack ideas! I have been making energy bites a lot lately. I have also been wanting chocolate mint EVERYTHING, so decided to channel that craving into a fun snack!
When I make these energy bites, I make a couple swaps to the ingredients to decrease the added sugar and increase the protein- making them a more balanced snack. I generally sub out unsweetened applesauce for most of the honey. The consistency of the applesauce helps bind the ingredients- which is one of the purposes of the honey. I also generally add protein powder. Protein powder is tricky and usually I am not a huge fan, but I do tend to use it in snacks like this and smoothies. I don’t have a favorite kind, but I do look for brands that don’t have a lot of added ingredients. And for instances like this, getting a powder that doesn’t have a sweetener or flavor is good too. This time, I used Trader Joe’s Pea Powder.
I morphed this recipe from a recipe I already make for chocolate coconut pistachio energy bites, so you can totally take the basics of this recipe and make it your own too!
Chocolate Mint Energy Bites
Ingredients:
1 cup almonds
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
1/3 cup oats ground to make 1/4 cup oat flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
3/4 cup almond butter
2 TBSP honey
6 TBSP unsweetened applesauce
1 tsp mint extract
1/4 cup protein powder
How to:
Grind oats in a food processor until they become a flour like consistency. Place in a large bowl.
In the food processor, pulse almonds to chop into small-ish chunks (you can also hand chop)
Mix everything in a large bowl. I usually mix with my hands, because without fail, every time I don’t believe it is going to mix fully. Just keep mixing, and everything will eventually stick together.
Make into bite sized balls. I try to make 24 per batch.
Store in fridge for a couple days or freezer if you’ll have them around longer.
