Enjoy a delicious boost of sustained energy without the crash.
When you’re looking for energy bars at the grocery store, it’s easy to be disappointed. The shelves are packed with mass-produced, overpriced options that are full of artificial ingredients, high-fructose corn syrup, and enough preservatives to last a nuclear winter. And, to add insult to injury, they usually still taste like cardboard.
Well, I have a pretty easy fix for your post-shopping disappointment. These homemade date energy balls allow you to skip all that nonsense and get straight down to business. They’re simple, wholesome, and have serious potential to be addictive. The dates are sweet and caramel-like, providing just the right amount of chewiness, while the cashews and coconut flakes are a nutritious textural delight. You can toss them in a bag on your way out the door, keep a container of them in the fridge, or stash them in your desk drawer for easy snacking. Let’s get rolling!
Are Date Energy Balls Healthy?
Energy balls are, by design, calorie-dense. They’re intended to be a compact source of sustained energy by offering a blend of carbs, fiber, protein, and fats. That’s exactly what these date energy balls provide.
Dates contain a lot of natural sugar, but they are considered to be a low-glycemic-index food, meaning they are less likely to spike your blood sugar. Dates are also full of fiber, potassium, copper, and other vital minerals, making them one of the most nutritious options when a sweet craving hits.
Cashews are a nutritional powerhouse, containing fiber, protein, healthy fats, and a wide array of vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, zinc, and iron. Coconut meat shares many of the same nutrients as cashews, though it does contain more saturated fat, which is one thing to consider.
Steering Clear Of High-Fructose Corn Syrup
Many store-bought energy and protein bars contain high-fructose corn syrup, effectively rendering them no more healthy than a candy bar. But what’s the big deal about this ingredient, and why should you strive to avoid it?
High-fructose corn syrup is a type of artificial sugar. It’s made of corn and has a high glycemic index that causes a blood sugar spike. It’s also very inexpensive, which is why you’ll find it in so many processed foods.
Excessive consumption of high-fructose corn syrup has been tied to numerous health issues, including weight gain, diabetes, chronic inflammation, and other very serious conditions. This ingredient can help provide you with an instant hit of energy (aka, a “sugar rush”), but that’s ultimately followed by a crash, leaving you feeling drained. All in all, the negative health effects of high-fructose corn syrup mean it’s something best consumed in very limited quantities. Definitely not something you want to rely on for regular energy.
How To Make Ahead And Store
Keep your date energy balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, they will keep 6 months in the freezer.
Serving Suggestions
Transfer the date energy balls onto a plate and enjoy with tea or coffee! You can also make yourself an assortment of energy balls to keep in the fridge for more variety throughout your week. Try these Coconut Rum Raisin, Tahini Chocolate Chip, and Cranberry Pistachio energy bites.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dates pitted
- 1/4 cup cashew nuts
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut flakes
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of cinnamon
Instructions
- Add the dates and cashew nuts to a food processor and process until the mixture is sticking together. Add the shredded coconut flakes and season the mixture with a pinch of salt and cinnamon.
- Form the mixture into balls. Scoop the dough with your hands and form into small balls using your hands. Place on a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Transfer the date energy balls onto a plate and enjoy with tea or coffee!
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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