March 14, 2022

Bite-Sized and Power-Packed: Energy Ball Recipes for Nutritious Snacking

Need a little kick of energy or feeling hungry between meals? Energy balls are a perfect snack while on the go: easy to make, store, and transport. Made correctly, the little wonder balls can offer a nice bit of nutrition and fiber, perfect for recharging your batteries.

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Energy balls can be a real game changer in your day-to-day life. The small power balls are said to have started and gained popularity in the USA and Great Britain, acting as a great alternative to cookies and chocolate bars. Also referred to as  “Bliss Balls,” these little treats are a great choice if you are looking for something sweet, but wanting to snack on something nutritious. 


There are four common, basic ingredients used to make energy balls: dried fruits, oatmeal or a gluten-free cereal alternative, nuts, and seeds. Instead of refined household sugar, these energy balls get their sweetness exclusively from dried fruits, such as California Raisins or California Prunes. These dried fruits contain plenty of fiber, which is beneficial for healthy digestion and carbohydrates. Nuts, such as California Walnuts or American Pistachios, provide healthy, valuable minerals and trace elements and are known to have a positive effect on brain performance.

Prepared within minutes, these little powerhouses are super easy to create yourself. They make the perfect gift for all your vegan or raw loving friends. To get you started, here are four super delicious recipe ideas. Pick your favorite and fall in love with your new, tasty snack.

 1. California Raisin Energy Bites 

Energy bites that look and taste sweet – this recipe by Andrea Schirmaier-Huber fits this description exactly! Dates and California Raisins make these energy balls naturally sweet. Raisins contain many more nutrients for the body, including vitamins, minerals and a lot of fiber, which contribute to good digestion. They are also rich in antioxidants, helping to keep the body young and prevent disease. These lovely California Raisin Energy Bites are prepared within a few minutes and then coated in your choice of delicious decoration, ranging from chia seeds or sesame seeds to fruit powder, dried flowers, or pistachios.

2. Date & Pistachio Balls

This crunchy, vibrant energy ball is courtesy of Sweet Paul Magazine. These Date & Pistachio Balls use the popular Medjool date, also known as the queen of dates. It is particularly juicy and very soft. The crunchy American Pistachios are not only  richer in potassium and vitamin K than other nuts, but also offer a fresh, piney and pleasantly sweet taste.  

Beautifully packaged, this green snack makes a great, homemade gift for all lovers of healthy and delicious snacks.

3. Walnut and Fruit Energy Bites

California Walnuts not only taste delicious, but are also really healthy: they contain many antioxidants, vitamin E, and have a high content of omega-3 fatty acids. This makes them the perfect ingredient for energy balls. Walnut and Fruit Energy Bites create the perfect balance between dried fruit and nuts. Dried dates are most commonly used as a base, but the balls can also be prepared with other dried fruits, such as apricots, dried plums, or U.S. Cranberries. Want to add an extra layer of fun to the treat? Roll the finished balls in delicious coconut flakes.

4. Chocolate Energy Balls 

Healthy chocolate sounds like a contradiction in itself, right? This is not the case for the chocolate-inspired recipe made by Meg van der Kruik with California Prunes. These Chocolate Energy Balls are the perfect way to fuel any adventure. Whip up a batch of these easy energy balls to eat for snacks, pre-or-post workout, or for an indulgent and healthy treat. 

Go on and experiment for yourself and see what makes the perfect combination for your energy balls. You can always refine them with various spices or superfoods, such as chia seeds, cocoa, chili, cinnamon, vanilla, or coconut flakes. Keep in mind that coating the balls gives them a particularly appetizing appearance and also prevents them from sticking together.

If kept in the refrigerator, they can last up to about a week. Or you can also freeze them and enjoy these bite-sized snacks for longer. Enjoy!