When craving a salty, sweet snack, skip the junk food and grab a Fruit and Nut Energy Bite.
An energy snack is a snack that contains protein, healthy fats, and carbs. These types of nutrients help boost your energy when you hit that midday slump. So, forget the afternoon candy bar and enjoy a healthy snack that tastes so good you will forget it is good for you.
It’s so easy to reach for some chips or unhealthy sweets, thinking that will give us the pick-me-up we need. But the reality is that the short burst of energy from empty calories quickly becomes another slump. I love these energy bites because they are quick and easy, and you can make a whole bunch ahead of time (and avoid vending machine temptations).The mix of salty, sweet, crunchy, and chewy makes any energy bites with fruit and nuts the perfect snack. I am not sure what more one could ask for. However, there is one more perk — there is no baking required.
Are Mixed Fruit and Nut Energy Bites Healthy?
Mixed Fruit and Nut Energy Bites are a super healthy snack, packed with vitamins, protein, and iron, that will encourage you to avoid processed foods. They are suitable for many diets, including vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free. Still, some people are allergic to nuts, which require some alterations.
If you must avoid nuts, try oats and flax meal with the fruit instead. And if you aren’t a fan of coconut (believe it or not, some people aren’t), you can roll the bites in chia seeds or sea salt.
Our Secret to the Healthiest Energy Bites
The secret is in the food processor. Most energy-bite recipes call for something sticky to hold everything together, such as peanut butter or maple syrup. Those ingredients aren’t too bad, and feel free to add them; however, when you avoid the need for a binder, you can more easily avoid unnecessary sugar and fat. The food processor grinds up the fruit and nuts enough so that they become one and the dried fruits are enough to make it all stick together as you roll the bites into balls.
FAQs & Tips
HOW TO MAKE AHEAD AND STORE
The best part of energy bites is making them ahead, so you have them on hand when snack cravings hit. You can store energy bites in an airtight container on the counter for a few days, then move them to the refrigerator, where they will last for a couple of weeks. For extended storage, keep the container in the freezer for up to three months.
WHEN SHOULD I EAT ENERGY BITES?
You can eat energy bites anytime, but they are incredibly effective shortly before you exercise or any time of the day when you need an energy boost. I even grab a few when I need a quick breakfast or bring them in the car so I am not tempted to eat fast food.
CAN I PACK ENERGY BITES IN MY LUNCH?
Yes, you can pack energy bites in your lunch or your child’s lunch. They don’t need refrigeration unless they sit in the lunchbox for over three days. However, if you change the ingredients to add something perishable, ensure the lunch is in a cooler or refrigerated.
CAN I ADD CHOCOLATE TO MY ENERGY BITES?
If chocolate is what you crave, you are better off adding a small amount to your energy bites rather than grabbing an entire chocolate bar to eat. If you like dark chocolate, there are healthy dark chocolate pieces that turn an energy bite into a healthy dessert. You can also try our chocolate energy bars for a chocolate fix.
Serving Suggestions
Energy bites are great any time of day, so keep them on hand for a quick snack. They also are the perfect complement to breakfast. Add a couple of energy bites alongside a high protein breakfast, and you will be full of energy for the day. If you are like me, you might feel that midday slump we mentioned earlier. To help me push through that time of day, I enjoy an energy bite with lunch, especially after my favorite chicken salad or a light cucumber salad. I tend to crave something sweet after my midday meal, and the energy bite feels like dessert while giving me the spark I need.
Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup raw almonds
- 1 cup dried apricots
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup pumpkin seeds
- ¾ cup shredded coconut divided
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Add the almonds and apricots into the food processor and blend until it forms a coarse crumb.
- Add in the cranberries, pumpkin seeds, ½ cup coconut, cinnamon, and salt, then blend until it forms a fine crumb.
- Use your hands to break off pieces and roll them into balls.
- Roll the balls in the remaining shredded coconut until coated. Place the balls on a cookie sheet and refrigerate for 10 minutes until firm.
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