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Energy Balls recipe: nutritious, delicious and healthy!

November 12, 20243 min read

If you click on these links and purchase these products I may receive a small commission. Not enough to buy a house but maybe enough to buy a coffee! Thanks for helping keep the lights on!

OK, so the name doesn't exactly convey how yummy these round delicious bite-size morsels really are! Packed with nutrition (and energy), these healthy portable snacks are enjoyed by all ages, from toddler to adult. These incredibly delicious balls are now pretty much a permanent feature in the fridge at home.

"These Energy Balls are rich and chocolaty and taste suspiciously like they are naughtier than they actually are. And they are easy to make! Make a big batch and keep them in an airtight container in the fridge to grab on the go." - from a client

Now if I could only come up with a better name for them...suggestions??

energy balls

Energy Balls

Recipe adapted from and originally found on the Haelan Centre website (the recipe is not posted anymore). 

Ingredients

  • 1 cup tahini

  • 1/2 cup raisins

  • 1/2 cup desiccated coconut

  • 1/2 cup ground flax seeds

  • 1/2 cup fresh dates (you can used dried but you need to soak them for about eight hours first)

  • 6 Tbsp raw cacao powder

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 Tbsp coconut oil, melted

  • 1 handful desiccated coconut or ground almonds to coat the balls (don't use almonds if you need these to be "nut-free")

Instructions

  1. Put all of the ingredients in a food blender (I use the Cuisinart 14-Cup  Food Processor) and mix on the maximum speed. The mixture should turn into a firm, play-dough type consistency.  

  2. Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls then roll the balls on a board covered with shredded coconut or ground almonds until they are coated.

  3. Chill the Energy Balls in the fridge for a couple of hours before serving. Will keep in the fridge for 2-3 weeks. You can also freeze for up to 3 months.

TIP: If you don’t have time to make “balls” simply press mixture into a 9x13 pan and sprinkle with shredded coconut and/or ground almonds and press into bars. Cut into pieces after chilling in fridge.

Energy Balls in 9x13


Energy Balls packed in lunchbox

Energy Balls packed in lunchbox

Nutrient-dense, "safe" for school lunches (nut-free) and great for those days when you need a little "movement" down there...

TIP: don't use almonds if you need these Energy Balls to be "nut-free"

This is definitely a food item my kids have loved since they were toddlers, and I feel no guilt in giving them more when they ask. "Oh, you want more "chocolate balls"? Sure thing!" as I chuckle on the inside knowing they are getting a mega-dose of nutrition in these little dense balls. Above you can see them packed in a lunchbox.

Of course, due to the high amount of prune content, you may want to consider that a BM may be on the near horizon. That being said, these tasty treats are a great addition to the diet for anyone experiencing chronic or acute constipation. I hope I haven't scared you away because they are so delectable, healthy and really don't alter most people's bowels...at least not in a bad way. ;-)

Energy Balls are actually for moms too!

Really though, this is one of those snacks that I think is great for busy moms to have on hand. When you get a craving for something sweet or chocolatey, try this instead. It may take a while to warm up your taste buds to the idea of not having that really sweet thing you were thinking about, but over time your waistline will thank you.

If you make these let me know how you like them in the comments below. Or tag me with a pic on Instagram @leahvachani!

Products we love and used in this recipe can be found in my Amazon Storefront.

If you click on these links and purchase these products I may receive a small commission. Not enough to buy a house but maybe enough to buy a coffee! Thanks for helping keep the lights on!

Leah Vachani

Leah Vachani

Certified Nutritionist & Menopause Expert, Metabolism Coach

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A quick note from me: I'm a certified nutritionist and menopause specialist, but I'm not your doctor — and this podcast isn't a substitute for personalized medical care. The information here is meant to inform and empower you, not replace a conversation with your healthcare provider. Always check in with your team before making changes to your diet, supplements, or lifestyle. Take what serves you, leave what doesn't, and trust yourself.

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