It may not be strawberry season yet, but freeze-dried strawberries are here to stay. Enter: strawberry coconut energy bites. They’re the perfect afternoon pick-me-up! Plus, they’re easy to make and are nourishing for life on the go. Best of all, picky eaters love them. The strawberry flavor shines through, and the dates make them soft and chewy. These bites are naturally gluten-free and vegan.
Are energy bites healthy?
When it comes to prioritizing wellness, nutrition is key. However, you don’t need expensive powders or a pantry stocked with superfoods to be well. Wellness is ultimately about simplifying. It’s about finding what works best for you and your body. Enter: Trendy energy bites. Energy bites (also known as energy balls) are typically packed with healthy fats, fiber, and protein. In turn, making them an excellent, healthy snack. However, keep an eye out for packaged energy bites that contain refined sugar. Instead, make them at home!
Ingredients in strawberry coconut energy bites
Dates: Dates are a fruit, filled with potassium, slow-digesting carbohydrates, and fiber. They’re nature’s candy. An unrefined sugar, they add a delicious sweetness to these energy bites. They also help bind the ingredients.
Nuts: A source of health fats, the cashews and almonds aid in satiation and regulating blood sugar. They also provide a crunchy texture.
Freeze-dried strawberries: Freeze-drying strawberries helps preserve nutrients and flavor. Without adding any artificial coloring or ingredients, freeze-dried strawberries provide a natural alternative to strawberry flavoring.
Shredded coconut: Another source of nourishing fats, shredded coconut is naturally sweet and rich in fiber.
Chia seeds: Chia seeds contain fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, plenty of high-quality protein, and several essential minerals and antioxidants. They may improve digestive health and lower risk factors for heart disease and diabetes.
HEalthy gluten-free snacks
In need or other snack ideas? Whether you’re gluten-free or not, my applesauce blender muffins are packed with fiber and healthy fats, my pumpkin bars taste just like pumpkin pie filling, and my raw banana bread energy bites are the answer to your spotty bananas. If you love energy bites, add my cake batter protein bites to your list. After all, who doesn’t love sprinkles?
Strawberry Coconut Energy Bites
Ingredients
- 7-8 dates, pitted
- 1/2 cup raw cashews
- 1/2 cup raw almonds
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries
- 1/4 cup unsweetened, shredded coconut
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon water (see notes below)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- In your food processor, add your cashews and almonds and pulse until they resemble a coarse-like sand.
- Add in the rest of the ingredients, except the water. Pulse until the ingredients are well-combined (about 1-2 minutes).
- . If the mixture feels too dry (it should stick together when you press it between your fingers), add in one tablespoon of water. Pulse until evenly distributed. If the mixture forms a dough ball, great! Your energy bites will be chewy and smooth. If it doesn’t form into a dough ball, your bites will have more texture. They’re delicious either way.
- Scoop out one tablespoon of the mixture, roll into balls, and stick in the fridge for 20 minutes. Enjoy!
- These will keep, in the fridge, for up to five days. They can also be eaten on the go, unrefrigerated.
Any tips on finding freeze dried strawberries that don’t come packaged in plastic? These look delish!
Hi, Kelsey! Not yet…but they’re super easy to make at home (they just require a bit of time). See this recipe: https://www.yummytoddlerfood.com/recipes/snacks-recipes/easy-oven-dried-strawberries/
Otherwise, the Natierra packaging might be eco-friendly, and you can find them on Amazon and Thrive Market: https://www.natierra.com/product/natierra-organic-freeze-dried-strawberries-1-2oz/
xx
Thanks for the tips! Just tried your soft chocolate chip cookies and I loved them <3