Story of my life: I come home from work ravenous, needing to eat, but want to do a workout before dinner. Enter, these Vegan Protein Energy Balls. A quick bite that gives a boost of energy before you workout. Exactly what I needed.

WHAT ARE PROTEIN BALLS?

Protein Balls are a grab-and-go snack that have enough protein and fibre to fill you up between meals. They are usually vegan (like these ones!) and made with natural ingredients that carry a number of health benefits.

HEALTH BENEFITS

These particular protein balls include a number of healthy ingredients that deliver essential nutrients to the body. Protein helps to repair muscle and improve skin, hair and nails. Fibre, from the Medjool Dates, helps relieve constipation. Dates are also known to be full of antioxidants, can reduce cholesterol and make you feel full, longer.

THE INGREDIENTS

To make this recipe, you will need:

• dates
• your favourite nut butter
• protein powder
• almond flour
• vanilla extract
• maca powder (optional)
• dark, vegan chocolate

TOOLS NEEDED TO MAKE VEGAN PROTEIN ENERGY BALLS

The main tool needed for this recipe is a high-powered food processor. It breaks down the dates and takes minutes to incorporate everything together.

OTHER VEGAN SNACK IDEAS

Are you vegan or going vegan? Check out these other snack ideas that fulfill cravings:

• Vegan Ice Cream Bars
• Dark Chocolate Protein Nuggets
• Vegan Power Muffins
• Vegan Chocolate Bars (my favourite)

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Vegan Protein Energy Balls

Serving size: Makes 15 balls

Prep time: 10 minutes

Soak time: 1 hour

Ingredients

• 10 Medjool dates, pitted and soaked in water for 1 hour
• 1/4 cup almond butter
• 1 cup almond flour
• 1 scoop (28 g) vanilla protein powder
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp maca powder (optional)
• 1/2 tbsp vanilla extract
• pinch of salt
• 1 cup vegan chocolate
• 1 tbsp coconut oil

Instructions

1. Drain the dates and add them to a food processor with the almond butter, flour, protein powder, cinnamon, maca, vanilla and salt. Pulse until the mixture comes together. Use a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop to scoop the mixture out and roll into balls. Place the protein balls onto a cookie sheet and refrigerate while preparing the chocolate coating.
2. Over a double broiler, melt the chocolate and coconut oil until smooth. You can also do this in the microwave in 20 second increments, stirring the chocolate after each session.
3. Coat the protein balls in the chocolate and place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Refrigerate until solid, approximately 30 minutes, and then transfer to an airtight container to store in the fridge for up to 10 days.