These Vegan No Bake Date Energy Protein Balls with Matcha are quick, easy and gluten/grain/dairy free and paleo friendly! A healthy, protein packed snack!
PIN Vegan No Bake Date Energy Protein Balls
(Originally posted May/2014. Photos updated April/18 – narration not changed.)
How do you guys feel about trying new things?
Are you an I-eat-cookie-dough-overnight oats-for-breakfast-every-day-forever-and-don’t-you-even-try-to-put-that-piece-of-toast-in-front-of-my-face kind of person?
Or do you not even remember what you had for breakfast because it was so DIFFERENT and WILD and CA-RAY-ZAY?
Me? I LOVE to try new things. (however, I do eat overnight oats for breakfast almost every day. Unless paleo banana pancakes with coconut flour are an option. But that’s a different story.)
Considering we’ve had some INTERESTING recipes on here (green cashew curry chicken bowls with watermelon and spicy tuna rice casserole, I am looking at you!) you probably know this about me already.
So, when I saw matcha green tea flavored foods, vegan banana matcha smoothies and lattes popping up EVERYWHERE – Pinterest, Starbucks, Instagram, I got PRETTY EXCITED. I mean, it’s NEW and ALL THE COOL KIDS are drinking it which means it has to be, liiiike, SUPER YUMMY.
Plus, the health benefits:
- All day energy with increased focus. I can’t confirm or deny that I’m really bad at that whole “sleeping” thing. So, I really like this point. Lots.
- Metabolism boost. Um, yes please!
- TONS of antioxidants AND improved skin health. So I can eat yummy things AND look good doing it? I’m in,
Who does NOT want all those good things?
Having not tried Matcha Powder before, I really wasn’t too sure what to expect.
I started in my matcha journey by subbing out my usual morning cup of green tea with it. I didn’t get fancy and make these Vegan No Bake Date Energy Protein Balls with Matcha just yet!
At first, I wasn’t really sure what to think about it. Truth be told: I found it to be a little bit GRASSY, and Earthy and kind of tasted like SUPER DUPER DUPER STRONG GREEN TEA. But, I foraged on and kept trying it out.
And, you know what you guys? I am now SERIOUSLY in love with it. Not only does it taste really good, it actually helps calm my stomach in the morning and get it ready for the day!
Mr. FFF joined me and he ALSO now loves this stuff too. We’re a morning-matcha-sipping family YO. Sometimes in the form of this this Chia Matcha Overnight Breakfast Smoothie from Cotter Crunch!
The next adventure was to start using Matcha BEYOND THE CUP, like in these vegan no bake date energy protein balls!
How do you make No Bake Protein Balls?
Making no bake protein balls could literally not be any easier. All you need to do is add all the ingredients into your food processor and blend them all together. If the protein powder doesn’t “stick” right away, use your hands to knead it in! Then, roll them in balls and eat!
What kind of protein powder should I use to make this protein ball recipe?
You can use any chocolate protein powder you like – whey, pea, egg white, quinoa etc. I used a dairy-free, plant-based blend so that Mr. FFF could eat them. But, if you’re on a paleo diet, you could use grass-fed whey or egg white!
If you’re into matcha, then you are going to fall hard for these little protein balls with protein powder. <–Especially since they don’t’ have any sugar added, have PROTEIN, are RIDICULOUSLY EASY and only have 5 ingredients.
One hands worth of ingredients to nom-a-licious energy? I don’t think it can get better.
Just kidding. I dipped them in chocolate for you.
Crunchy and sweet on the outside with a surprise, soft, green tea center that is protein PACKED? NOW these homemade protein balls can’t get any better.
These Matcha Green Tea Bites are a perfect way to get an extra energy boost to start the day, or make a great snack before you tear ‘er up in the gym.
If you like green tea, chocolate and trying new things, these are for you!
If not, I’ll GLADLY eat your share.
Other Recipes You Might Like:
No Bake Whole30 Apple Almond Butter Bars
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Dates roughly chopped (260g)
- 2 Tbsp Ceremonial Grade Matcha Green Tea Powder
- 5-6 Tbsp Chocolate Protein Powder, * of choice (I used plant based)
- 1 Tbsp Coconut oil, melted and divided
- 5 Oz Dairy free chocolate **
Instructions
- Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside
- Add the roughly chopped dates into a food processor and process until the dates break down and begin to form a ball.
- Using a spatula, break the date ball up a little bit and add the Matcha Green Tea Powder, chocolate protein powder and 2 tsp of the melted coconut oil into the food processor, reserving the rest for later.
- Process until all mixed up, and a ball forms.
- Take the ball out of the food processor and knead it around with your hands if any of the powders did not get well incorporated. Place the ball in the refrigerator while you melt the chocolate.
- In a small, microwave safe bowl, melt the chocolate and remaining coconut oil in the microwave using 20 second intervals, stirring between each interval, until smooth and melted.
- Take the date mixture out of the refrigerator and roll into Tablespoon sized balls. Place one ball into the melted chocolate, using a spoon to drizzle chocolate over the top until it is coated. Use a fork to scoop out the bite and lightly shake and scrape off any excess chocolate on the side of the bowl. Transfer to the prepared cookie sheet (I find that using a toothpick to slide it off the fork works great!) and repeat with remaining bites. ***
- Transfer the chocolate covered bites to the refrigerator until the chocolate hardens and DEVOUR.
Tips & Notes:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
FOR THIS RECIPE, I RECOMMEND:
Weight Watchers Points Per Serving: Freestyle SmartPoints: 7 Points+: 4. Old Points: 2
(per bite, could vary slightly based on protein powder used)
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Suzy | The Mediterranean Dish says
These look amazing!
Jennifer Blake says
Matcha is so big in the health world now. Love the mixture and the chocolate coating!!!
Cookin Canuck says
Jumping on the matcha train, which means I need to make these, stat!
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts says
Love how easy these come together! Great snack!
Liz says
Such a delicious way to get a protein boost! I just love a healthy chocolate treat 🙂
Taylor Kiser says
Thank ya!
Katie | Healthy Seasonal Recipes says
I need to get into making matcha in the morning. Glad to know it settles your stomach. That may be just what I need! Love these energy bites and the glossy chocolate coating! Gorgeous Taylor!
Taylor Kiser says
You totally need to try it! you would love! <3
email qa says
I love chocolate and matcha flavor but have never tried to combine them. Gotta try this energy bite. Thank you for sharing the recipe!
Taylor Kiser says
You HAVE to try it! Such a good combo!