The energy ball recipes are going to keep on coming, people! They are wonderfully nutritious and incredibly filling, helping you avoid unnecessary snacking between meals. Energy balls are also calorically-dense, so while they fill you up, you have to mindful of how many you consume. Eating too many will raise your caloric intake dramatically if you are not careful. Fortunately for you, these goji berry balls are filled with nutrient-dense ingredients that offer total body support.
Goji berries, or wolf berries, are small reddish-orange berries that exhibit a slightly tart and sweet flavor. For centuries, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has incorporated goji berries into healing practices because of the potential health benefits. Goji berries are naturally rich in a variety of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other bioactive compounds. They may aid blood sugar regulation, cognitive function, immune function, eye health, and help sustain energy levels. Researchers attribute these benefits to antioxidants such as vitamin C, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene.
Much like raisins or cranberries, goji berries are predominantly used in their dried form. They can be added to granola, trail mix, smoothies, salad dressings, cereal, salads, and more. You can sprinkle them on top of smoothie bowls, chia puddings, or oatmeal. You can also incorporate them into energy balls, which we did for this recipe. They add a lovely sweetly tart flavor that pairs beautifully with the nutty cashews, sweet dates, and bitter cacao nibs. You’ll absolutely love them!
- Prep Time:10m
- Total Time:10m
- Serves: 10 servings
- Yield: 10-12 balls
- Category: Full Body Cleanse Approved, Appetizers & Snacks, Raw, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 1 c dates, pitted
- 2/3 c raw cashews
- 1/2 c dried goji berries
- 1/4 c raw cacao nibs
- 1 tsp. alcohol-free vanilla extract
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a food processor and pulse until you achieve a thick, sticky dough. You will need to stop blending, scrape down the sides of the processor, and continue blending to fully incorporate the ingredients.
- Once you achieve that sticky consistency, wet your hands with water and use them to roll the mixture into 10-12 tablespoon-sized balls.
- Place the balls on a small baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place in the freezer to firm up (about 30-60 minutes).
- Remove from the freezer and enjoy when ready. Store the balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks, or in the freezer for up to two months.
