Coconut Protein Balls

Ingredients

Instructions

In a food processor, add almonds and process until coarse flour (meal) texture (with bigger pieces is OK). Add dates and water, process until combined, pausing and scraping the walls if necessary.
Add cacao and protein powders, process until well combined, pausing and scraping the walls if necessary. Add chocolate chips and give a few pulses to distribute evenly.
Remove the blade. Using spatula scrape the dough off of the blade and walls pulling into one pile inside the food processor bowl.
Spread coconut flakes on a large plate. Using small cookie dough scoop, drop balls of dough onto it, cover with coconut flakes (from the plate) and gently roll around a bit.
Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.

Notes

Medjool Dates: Medjool are the best date variety to use for texture and flavor, and are high in fiber, several vitamins, and are a great low-GI sweetener. However, you could use other date varieties if needed (soaked to soften) or a similar dried fruit like apricot or fig to sub some or all the Medjool dates.
Almonds: You could substitute the almonds for another nut (like cashews/pecans/walnuts), but then the protein content will decrease, and the nutrition values will change. You may be able to make this recipe nut-free by using sunflower seeds instead – which contain only very slightly lower protein content than almonds and are super nutrient-dense!
Cacao Powder: or unsweetened cocoa powder will pack in antioxidants and chocolate flavor to the coconut energy balls.
Protein Powder: I use OEN Organic Plant-Based Protein vanilla. I recommend using a brand with minimum ingredients, preferably organic and grass-fed.
Chocolate Chips: I like to use either semi-sweet, dark, or even sugar-free chocolate chips. Cacao nibs would also work but won’t add sweetness at all.
Shredded coconut: I use unsweetened shredded coconut. You can optionally lightly toast the coconut in a pan till golden brown for extra crunch and flavor.

See recipe post for more Tips and FAQs.

Nutrition