These quinoa bites are the perfect grab-and-go snack, with warm chai spices and a hint of coconut in every bite. They also happen to be vegan and gluten-free.
Ever since those sea salt + dark chocolate energy bites took off, I've been scheming about more energy bite flavors to share with you.
I wasn't quiteĀ sure how you would react to those chocolate balls, but now that I know we're on the same page, I don't feel like I have to keep my energy bite obsession under wraps.Ā Bring on the new flavors!
Over the past few weeks, I've been in this weird food rut. Maybe I'm just out of my usual routine. Maybe it's the fact that I was visiting my parents for 10 days and when that happens, I haven't been having my afternoon snack of things like energy bites. You know, it could also be the fact that I've spent the last week fighting a cold.
Whatever it is, Iām feeling the urge to shake things up. Which really just means paying more attention to what snacks are around and what Iām actually grabbing throughout the day.
One way I handle this is by keeping raw nuts or energy bites handy – they are my favorite.Ā Or for dessert, Iāll go for a square or two of dark chocolate or some energy bites. And after yoga, rather than going straight for the hummus before dinner, Iāll reach for an energy bite or energy ball instead.
See a theme? Energy bites are a constant in my snack lineup.
While I love having the chocolate ones on hand at all times, sometimes they're a bit too decadent for me. My newest love has been this coconut chai variety.
I'm calling these ones “protein quinoa energy bites” because instead of loading them up with nuts like I normally do, I actually used some plant-based protein powder. The protein powder gives them a touch more sweetness and they taste so satisfying.
These ones also don't have to be refrigerated which is awesome. You can take them with you if you're headed to a workout or just want to snack while you're at the office or on-the-go. I like that they're bite-sized too, so you can control the portions better. While I love energy bars, sometimes they're just too much!
All I want is a just little bite š
When you make these for yourself, you can feel free to use any protein powder you like. I went with a chai flavored one, but vanilla would also be delish. There are loads of vegan protein powders out there, so just do a little research and find one that works for you. My fave brands are Bob's Red Mill, Vega, Garden of LifeĀ and Sun Warrior (all of which have a chai flavor except for SW).
Also, I personally think the quinoa crispies make them SO much tastier! Remember how easy it is to make quinoa crispies at home? These have become a staple in all of my energy bites!
Your turn…
What's your favorite snack? If you have a go-to product or recipe, please share! And if you haven't jumped on the ball wagon yet (ha!), these ones are perfect. So simple and SO tasty!
xox A
p.s. don't forget if you make this recipe to tag @simplyquinoa on Instagram or send me a snap! I wanna see your creations!
More Amazing Energy Bite Recipes to try:
- Mango Coconut Energy Balls
- Cake Batter Energy Bites
- Apple Pie Energy Bites
- Chocolate Brownie Energy Bites
- 5-Ingredient Lemon Blueberry Energy Balls
- Raw & Vegan Carrot Cake Bites
Coconut Chai Protein Quinoa Energy Bites
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups medjool dates about 12 - 15
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 2 tablespoons almond butter or nut butter of choice
- 3 tablespoons chai flavored protein powder
- 2 tablespoons hemp seeds
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 cup quinoa crispies
- Water if needed
Instructions
- To the food processor, add the dates. Process until broken apart and sticky, about 30 seconds. Add coconut and process until evenly distributed in the dates.
- With the food processor running, add the remaining ingredients (minus the crispies and water) and process until a dough begins to form. You should be able to pinch it between your fingers and it will stay together. If the dough feels dry pulse in some water 1 teaspoon at a time until it comes together. Pulse in the quinoa crispies.
- Form the dough into golf ball-sized truffles (you should get 14 - 16 balls). Place the ball on a parchment lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 5 days.
Nutrition
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