Get ready for a snack that is not only filling, but also an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and bioactive compounds. Enjoy one or two energy bites in the afternoon to boost your energy levels, or consume them before or after a workout. They provide the body with fiber, protein, healthy fats, and other nutrients that the body can easily absorb. This is truly a unique recipe that you are going to enjoy.
Goji berries are small red or orange-red berries that have a sweetly tart flavor. Used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine, goji berries have an impressive nutritional profile. More recently, several studies confirmed that they may help regulate blood sugar, improve digestive health, and support cognitive health and vision. Researchers note that these benefits are due in most part to the antioxidants, which include zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, and vitamin C.
You can enjoy goji berries as a snack, add them to trail mix, or even incorporate them into salads. It is very common to see them in smoothies or as toppings for acai bowls as well. They also go great in energy bite recipes, such as this one. Don’t worry if the food processor doesn’t completely blitz them into microscopic pieces. It’s a nice surprise for your palate when you get a little burst of tartness from a goji berry piece! Definitely make sure that you sufficiently blend the dates because big chunks will overwhelm you with sweetness.
- Prep Time:10m
- Total Time:10m
- Serves: 12 servings
- Category: Full Body Cleanse Approved, Appetizers & Snacks, Raw, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 1 c pitted dates, lightly packed
- 2/3 c raw cashews
- 1/2 c goji berries
- 1/4 c cacao nibs
- 1 tsp. alcohol-free vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Add the dates and cashews to a food processor and blitz until well combined. It should resemble a thick, coarse mixture.
- Add the goji berries and cacao nibs to the food processor, along with the optional vanilla extract if you want, and blend until you achieve a dough-like consistency. You may need to stop blending, scrape down the sides, and continue blending to fully incorporate the ingredients.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Wet your hands with water and then roll the mixture into 12 bite-size balls, placing them on the baking sheet once finished.
- Place the energy bites in the freezer for about an hour to set and then remove to enjoy. Store leftover bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks, or in the freezer for up to two months.
