Fig, Date and Cacao Protein Balls

SnacksDairy FreeGluten FreeVegan
Written By Amelia Belich

Do you like a little something sweet with your cup of coffee? Or do you feel like you need a little afternoon snack? I know I do! If you eat breakfast early or like an early morning workout it can seem a long way from breakfast to lunch! A morning snack can fill that gap. Equally, having a snack between lunch and dinner can help mindless snacking, or feeling ravenous before dinner.

Often I find pre-made protein balls are just too sweet and have lots of unnecessary ingredients. I had the idea of adding in some dried figs rather than just using dates. This also helps to add additional plant points which we know are beneficial for gut health. You can read more on that here in our blog on why gut health matters.

These balls are a great grab and go snack - perfect if you’re on the way to the gym for a workout, or need a little afternoon pick me up. Interested in our other snack recipes? Have a look at our other recipes here.

A blue and white ceramic plate filled with homemade chocolate protein balls rolled in shredded coconut, resting on a wooden table.

Makes: 10 balls

Prep time: 5 mins

Cooking time: nil

Special equipment: Food processor or powerful blender


Ingredients:

  • 30g unsweetened peanut butter or any alternative nut butter

  • 135g mixed raw nuts (I like to use a mix of almonds and walnuts)

  • 30g chocolate/unflavoured protein powder

  • 7 pitted medjool dates

  • 3 dried figs (soak in boiling water while you are doing the first step and use the water from the soak in the recipe)

  • 1.5 heaped tablespoons cacao powder

  • ½ teaspoon natural vanilla paste

  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 3 tablespoons boiling water

  • Pinch flaked salt

  • Optional: desiccated coconut to coat


Instructions:

1.     Put nuts, cinnamon, protein powder and cacao in a high powered food processor/blender and pulse in bursts until the mix looks crumbly.

2.     Add the peanut butter, drained figs, dates and vanilla extract then process again until the mix starts to come together.

3.     Add the water tablespoon by tablespoon

4.     Roll into even balls
5.     Coat in desiccated coconut
6.     Store in the fridge until you feel like a snack

Amelia is a university qualified Dietitian registered in both Australia and the UK. If you’re ready to get personalised dietetic support, you can book a consultation. Take a look at our other pages, to find more delicious recipes and you can read our blogs here. Stay Connected: Join our community for gut health tips on Facebook and Instagram

Amelia Belich
Next

Low FODMAP Tomato Sugo Pasta Sauce