A fun way to use matcha, these matcha protein balls are a cinch to make! They're packed with protein, healthy fats and make the perfect on-the-go snack!
I've been majorly getting into matcha lately. For the past six months, my morning routine has consisted of walks with Trevi and my Energizing Matcha Latte. It's one of my favorite ways to start the day; the matcha gives me a nice kick of caffeine, the MCT oil helps fuel up my brain and the frothy consistency makes me feel like I'm sipping a $5 artisan coffee drink (except I'm in my PJs, in my living room).
I've started to incorporate matcha into other breakfast foods. I have my Matcha Quinoa Breakfast Cookies and my Creamy Coconut Matcha Oatmeal here on SQ, but I've also added it into smoothies, pancakes, and muffins.
Come to find out, it's a pretty versatile little ingredient!
Now, we're moving into snack territory and we're coming in hot with these Matcha Protein Balls!
Energy balls are certainly one of my favorite snack options. I love simple they are to make, how customizable they are and how much nutrition you can pack into one little bite.
Rather than just your standard chocolate energy bite, which is what I tend to make 99% of the time, today I decided to change things up and not only add matcha to the recipe, but also protein powder. This makes them energizing, filling and a great option for fueling up pre- or post-workout.
Since I know matcha powder can be on the pricey side, I'm actually using the Culinary Matcha from MatchaLOVE in today's recipe! What I love about this culinary matcha powder is that still has all the amazing nutritional benefits, it's just a bit on the cheaper side.
If you're curious about the difference between culinary grade and ceremonial grade matcha, check out this post, but essentially culinary matcha (like the one from MatchaLOVE) is perfect for cooking and baking. I like their ceremonial matcha for my lattes, but this is perfect for these matcha energy balls, my matcha oatmeal, matcha breakfast cookies and generally anything aside from a latte!
To help ensure the vibrant green color of the matcha powder, I used lighter colored ingredients for the base. We've got raw cashews that are high in healthy fats and packed with vitamins and minerals, as well as shelled (unsalted) pistachios.
As always, the binder is made up of gooey Medjool dates, along with a touch of almond butter, some water, and a little maple syrup.
Then the other add-ins: matcha and protein powder.
Less than 10 ingredients, 5 minutes to make and all you need is a food processor. Done and done.
More Energy Ball Recipes to try:
- No-Bake Healthy Pumpkin Spice Truffles
- 5-Ingredient Lemon Blueberry Energy Balls
- Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Energy Balls
- Easy Cherry Pie Energy Balls
- Mango Coconut Energy Balls
- No-Bake Lemon Protein Balls
Vegan Matcha Protein Balls
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup raw cashews
- 1/4 cup shelled unsalted pistachios
- 10 - 12 medjool dates
- 2 tablespoons almond butter or nut butter of choice
- 1 scoop vegan vanilla protein powder
- 2 teaspoons matcha powder
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup optional, sub for water
- 1 - 2 tablespoons water as needed
Instructions
- Add nuts and dates to a food processor and process on high until finely ground. Add almond butter, protein and matcha and process again until a dough begins to form.
- If the mixture is too dry, add maple syrup and/or water until the mixture comes together into a sticky dough.
- Form mixture into balls and repeat until no dough remains. Store balls in the fridge or freezer.
Video
Nutrition
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This recipe is brought to you in partnership with MatchaLOVE. As always, all opinions are my own. I only share companies I love and trust, so thank you for continuing to support Simply Quinoa!
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