So yummy, so easy! These healthy little bites are packed with great ingredients and ready in minutes.
Better snacking? Yes, please! A healthy, portable treat you can make at home in minutes? Sign me up! These amazing energy bites are simple to put together, no baking required, and the bowl of your food processor is just about the only dish you’ll need to wash. And while they’re based on the flavors of trail mix, when the ingredients are all blended together and soft and moist, it’s more like eating a ball of cookie dough studded with nuts and seeds—it’s that good!
When’s the best time to pop an energy bite? You can think of them as morning fuel (step away from that third cup of coffee!), as a pre- or post-workout snack, or turn to them anytime you need a quick pick-me-up that’ll sustain you for hours. They’re excellent as an after-school snack as well—sweet and tasty, but with no refined sugar—or as a nosh while you’re watching TV.
If you’re new to making your own energy snacks, then you’re in for a treat. It takes just minutes, and you’ll not only get a generous batch at a price almost certainly less than store-bought equivalents, but you’ll also be able to control exactly what’s in them. This version leans into dried fruits, seeds, and nuts. And while you might have a lot of these ingredients already in your pantry, you can also adapt them to what you’ve got or what you like. You can replace the puffed brown rice cereal with your own crunchy extras, like cereal leftovers or pretzel pieces. You can swap out dried cranberries for dried cherries or raisins and replace almonds with another nut. But do keep the dates called for: You’ll need a sticky base to hold everything together—dates are brilliant at that!
Are Trail Mix Energy Bites Healthy?
You betcha! These bites provide a good combination of healthy fats, protein, fiber, and natural sugars. But don’t go mindlessly popping these tasty treats into your mouth; portion control matters, especially considering that each bite contains a fair amount of fat and sugar. That being said, they should keep you going (and feeling satisfied) for hours thanks to a healthy amount of protein and carbohydrates. And our bites are vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free—perfect for just about everyone.
What Are Medjool Dates?
There are lots of varieties of dates, but Medjools are prized for their caramel-like taste, large size, and soft, fudgy texture. Although the date palms that produce them originated in the Middle East and North Africa, today the arid regions of California and Arizona are major producers. You’ll find Medjool dates at most supermarkets, or you can order them online. In this recipe, it’s their sticky quality that helps hold the treats together. If you use regular dates, which are drier, you should soak them in hot water for five minutes before using, then drain them well.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Make a batch of these bites, and you’ll have enough for the whole week! Refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 7 days. They can also be frozen for up to 6 months. Thaw frozen bites in the fridge, or pop a few frozen ones in a lunch cooler to eat later in the day after they’ve thawed (they’ll keep everything cold to boot!).
Serving Suggestions
Love this style of treat? FFF has more great recipes you can make just as quickly. Check out Chocolate No-Bake Energy Bites, Oatmeal Protein Balls, No-Bake Energy Bites, and Tahini-Chocolate Chip Energy Bites.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup almonds
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
- 2 cups Medjool dates
- 1 cup puffed brown rice
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup coconut flakes
Instructions
- Place the almonds and pumpkin seeds into the bowl of a food processor and blend until they form a coarse crumb.
- Add in the rest of the ingredients and blend until it all forms a sticky coarse mixture.
- Use your hands to divide the mix into 20 equal portions. Squeeze the portions together and then roll them into neat balls.
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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