Almond Poppyseed Energy Bites
Almond poppyseed and lemon poppyseed are some of our favorite flavors. We love these Almond Poppyseed Pancakes and Lemon Poppyseed Steel Cut Oats. These whole food plant-based Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins are on my list to try, too!
Nutrient-Dense Treats
Nutrient density is one of the most important factors of good health. Although energy bites have a lot of calories, they are nutrient-dense calories with lots of fiber, healthy fats, omega-3 fatty acids, and minerals. They are a satisfying treat that are quick and easy to make. Children especially could benefit from the nutrient-density in these balls since they tend to eat treats like this more than they would eat a handful of almonds or put flax seed on their oatmeal.
What Kinds of Dates are Best for Energy Bites?
The best dates for making treats like energy bites are soft dates, which can be a variety of dates. I find the biggest and softest to usually be Medjool dates, which I get at Costco, Walmart, or most any grocery store. The most common brand, which is fantastic, is Natural Delights. They are pictured in the photos in this post. However, deglet noor dates are much cheaper. They are smaller and more dry, but can work if you soften them in water for a few minutes then drain the water off.
Other dates we love are the bahri dates that I get from Azure Standard. Their flavor is truly like caramel! They are small but delicious and would be a great option in treats like these almond poppyseed energy bites.
Dates are the healthiest sweetener since they are a whole food, complete with fiber and nutrients. Unlike syrups and granulated sugar, dates don’t spike your blood glucose as quickly, thus requiring less insulin to be released. When a lot of insulin in required to maintain blood sugar levels, it can cause weight gain and other complications. Choose dates and fruits as your dessert or main sweetener of choice, and you’ll see the benenfits!
I absolutely love no-bake treats that I make in my food processor (this is the food processor I have and it’s a machine that has lasted me nearly a decade). I also love nice creams that I make in my blender. While it’s fun to bake cookies, too, it’s just so convenient to make no-bake treats that only dirty one dish and are ready to eat in 5 minutes. Treats like these energy balls and nice cream are usually fruit-sweetened and raw, as well, making them healthier than baked treats.
So, pop the ingredients into your food processor and enjoy this new flavor energy ball when you want a sweet treat that will nourish your body and give you the pick-me-up you need!
Other no-bake treat recipes
Watch my YouTube video to see me make My Very Favorite Treat!
Sunflower Chocolate Bliss Balls (nut-free)
Secret-Ingredient Cookie Dough
Almond Poppyseed Energy Bites
Equipment
- food processor
Ingredients
- 8 large, soft dates (or about 1 cup of dates, not packed down)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 TBSP ground flax seed
- 2 TBSP hemp seeds
- 2 TBSP chia seeds (these are the "poppyseeds" but you can add real poppyseeds if you prefer)
- 1/4 cup runny almond butter
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 1/4 tsp salt (heaping)
Instructions
- Put all the ingredients into a food processor. Process until a fine crumble appears. If it does not stick, add 1 tablespoon of water and process some more, until it start to stick together when you press it between your fingers.
- Form 1-inch balls and roll smooth between your hands. Coat in shredded coconut or hemp seeds if you'd like. They are ready to eat!
- Keep in the fridge, in an airtight container, and enjoy within 1 week.
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