Spirulina Energy Balls
Try these delicious spirulina energy balls for a quick and easy snack that will give you all the energy you need. Get creative and experiment with different flavors to make the perfect snack. Incorporate spirulina for a powerful energy boost!
In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining high energy levels throughout the day can be quite a challenge.
Sure, energy drinks and sugary snacks can provide a quick fix, but they often lead to crashes later on.
What if there was a way to boost your energy levels naturally and sustainably? Enter spirulina energy balls – nutrient-packed, delicious treats that not only provide an instant energy boost but also offer a myriad of health benefits.
Let’s explore what spirulina is, its benefits, and how you can quickly whip up your own batch of these delightful energy balls.
Blue Energy Balls Key Ingredients
You can find the full printable recipe, including ingredient quantities, below. But first, here are some explanations of ingredients and steps to help you make this recipe perfect every time.
Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe, including substitution ideas:
- Oats — I use rolled oats, but you can substitute instant oats.
- Coconut — We’ll use both coconut shreds and coconut oil in this recipe. Be sure to use the type of coconut oil that is solid at room temperature.
- Almond Flour — You’ll need a half cup of almond flour for the best results.
- Hemp — I like adding hemp seeds to increase the protein content.
- Spirulina — These blue algae come in different hues; some are very bright blue, others are aqua. Pick one that has the hue that you like best.
- Protein powder — We’ll add some vanilla protein powder for flavor and added nutrients.
- Sweetener — I used maple syrup and/or agave nectar to add sweetness and to create a stickier texture to help the energy balls roll easier.
- Chocolate Chips — This is optional but I like adding some mini white chocolate chips (I used Enjoy Life dairy-free white chocolate chips)
- Matcha — On their own, these energy balls might not be so appetizing to look at (unless you use light blue spirulina powder). However, rolling them in some bright green matcha powder brings a beautiful aesthetic. Besides matcha powder is healthy and adds intriguing flavor!
How to Make Spirulina Energy Balls
- Place the oats and coconut in a food processor and pulse a few times to combine. Add the remaining ingredients and pulse for a few seconds.
- Use a spatula to push down the ingredients and pulse again until the ingredients are combined. Test the batter. It should stick together between your fingers. If not, add a tablespoon or two of maple syrup and pulse to combine.
- Add the chocolate chips and pulse in short bursts until combined. You can reserve a few chocolate chips to add to the finished energy balls.
- Roll the dough into bite-size balls, and roll in matcha powder for a beautiful presentation.
- Store energy bites in an airtight container to maintain moisture. They can be kept at room temperature for a few days or in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Frequently-Asked Questions
Does spirulina give you energy?
Packed with nutrients, spirulina contributes protein, thiamin, and iron, all known to help you feel more energetic, especially if you’re deficient. It can help with both physical and mental fatigue. [source]
What does spirulina taste like?
Spirulina has a unique taste that can be described as mildly earthy and slightly seaweed-like. It’s an acquired taste, and some people may find it slightly bitter. When used in small quantities, the taste of spirulina can be balanced with other ingredients, allowing you to enjoy its nutritional benefits without being overwhelmed by its flavor.
What is Spirulina?
Spirulina, a blue-green algae, is often hailed as a superfood due to its remarkable nutritional profile. Packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, spirulina offers a wide range of health benefits.
Notably, it’s an excellent source of plant-based protein, making it an ideal ingredient for energy-boosting snacks. With its vibrant green color and nutrient density, spirulina has become a go-to nutrient for health enthusiasts.
Spirulina Benefits
Spirulina has a number of health benefits that can motivate you to include it in your diet. [source]
- Sustained Energy: Unlike sugary snacks that lead to energy crashes, spirulina energy balls provide sustained energy due to their balanced blend of nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats.
- Rich in Nutrients: Spirulina is a nutritional powerhouse, offering a variety of vitamins (B-complex, vitamin K), minerals (iron, magnesium), and antioxidants (beta-carotene, phycocyanin) that support overall well-being.
- Immune Support: The antioxidants present in spirulina help strengthen the immune system, protecting your body from harmful pathogens and promoting overall health.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: The phycocyanin in spirulina has anti-inflammatory effects, which can help alleviate inflammation and related discomfort in the body. [source]
Creating Your Own Spirulina Energy Balls: Now that you’re excited about the potential benefits of spirulina energy balls, it’s time to make them! Use this simple recipe to get you started!
Storage Tips
Store these energy balls in a sealed container in the fridge, where they will keep up to 10 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
More Energy Ball Recipes
If you love this recipe, here are more favorites to try:
Conclusion
I’m always looking for a natural pick-me-up! These spirulina energy balls are a delightful and nutritious way to boost energy levels naturally.
Packed with essential nutrients and antioxidants, these treats offer a host of health benefits that go beyond just an energy booster.
Why not give this recipe a try and experience the wonders of spirulina for yourself?
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Spirulina Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups rolled oats
- ¾ cup coconut shreds
- ½ cup almond flour
- 2 tablespoons hemp seeds (see notes)
- 4 teaspoons spirulina powder (see note)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla protein powder
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil softened
- 2 tablespoons mini white chocolate chips (I used Enjoy Life dairy-free white chocolate chips)
- 1 teaspoon matcha powder optional
Instructions
- Place the oats and coconut in a food processor and pulse a few times to combine. Add the remaining ingredients (except for the chocolate chips) and pulse for a few seconds.
- Use a spatula to push down the ingredients and pulse again until the ingredients are combined. Test the batter. It should stick together between your fingers. If not, add a tablespoon or two of maple syrup and pulse to combine.
- Add the chocolate chips and pulse in short bursts until combined.
- Roll the dough into bite-size balls, and roll in matcha powder for a beautiful presentation.
- Store energy bites in an airtight container to maintain moisture. They can be kept in the fridge for up to 10 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Recommended Equipment
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The nutrition information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator and should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.