Today we’re making simply amazing, raw almond joy energy bites made from delicious plant-based ingredients and an extra special ingredient.

That extra special ingredient? Protein powdah.

I once scoffed at protein powders (and I still do turn up my nose at some!). I assumed protein powder was an extra scary substance reserved for the meatheads in the gym’s weight room that I dared not venture to. I also believed that protein powders were all formulated with chemicals, artificial flavorings, whey (a processed dairy by-product), a lack of nutrients, and other gunky things. Unfortunately, many protein powders still do fall under this scary-not-real-food category – but many do not! There are some great sources of plant protein powders that are wonderful if you think you need a bit more protein intake in your daily life.

I don’t always consume protein powder, but when I do (do I sound like THIS guy!?) I always, always use a vegan source formulated from whole foods and plants. Plants, as many fail to recognize, are superb sources of protein. Avocado, broccoli, spinach, peas, kale, nuts, seeds, and legumes are great sources of plant protein that keep our bodies functioning at their best. Of course, if you’re pressed for time or your looking for a little energy boost you may not always have time to load up on a full dose of spinach, kale, seeds, broccoli…etc. Enter: plant based protein powder, which is found in these delectable Almond Joy Energy Bites. These bites are created with Vitamin E rich almonds, dates for energizing natural sugars, coconut for healthy fats, cacao for a rich taste and heaps of antioxidants, and Sunwarrior Warrior Blend protein powder for quality and delicious plant-powered protein. Of the protein powders on the market, Sunwarrior Warrior Blend is one of my all time favorites. Warrior Blend is vegan, gluten-free, soy free, raw, non-GMO, and formulated by a cold-extraction process, creating a raw protein source high in complete amino acids. A proprietary blend of ingredients includes raw organic pea protein, raw cranberry protein, and raw organic hemp seed protein plus a host of other plant-based ingredients that provide iron and fiber too. Of course, Sunwarrior’s Warrior Blend comes in chocolate flavor, which creates the most perfect taste in these Almond Joy Energy Bites. I love that Warrior Blend has a smooth and yummy taste – nothing chalky and dry like some other products on the market. When you blend up almonds, dates, chia, cacao, coconut, and this chocolate protein powder? Oh my goodness – you’ll be in love.

These little Almond Joy Bites are one of my favorite little snacks to enjoy on days when I’m extra busy, or as a pre- or post-exercise treat. Once they’re in the refrigerator, they will keep for up to two weeks, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get a great protein-boosted snack when you need one. These bites will boost up your energy and make you glow and feel amazing – I know you’ll absolutely love them.

Almond Joy Energy Bites

Makes 28-30 energy balls

1 ½ cup almonds (reserve ¼ cup)
14 Medjool dates, pits removed
1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
1/3 cup coconut flakes, unsweetened
2-3 tablespoons Sunwarrior Warrior Blend Chocolate Vegan Protein
1 tablespoon cacao powder
1 tablespoon chia seeds

Add 1 ¼ cups of the almonds to a food processor and pulse until they are semi-broken down. Next add in the melted coconut oil, pitted dates, coconut flakes, protein powder (2 or 3 tablespoons depending on your chocolate preferences), cacao powder, and chia seeds. Pulse for a few seconds and then add in the rest of the almonds, which will create big chunks of almonds throughout. Pulse until ingredients are thoroughly combined and mixture forms into a big sticky ball – which should take about a minute.

Use your hands and roll a heaped teaspoon’s worth size amount of dough until it forms a small ball. Repeat with the remainder of the dough. If you’d like to make your energy bites extra pretty and delicious, roll them in crushed almonds, coconut flakes or desiccated coconut, or chia seeds. Store energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll keep for around 2 weeks. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: Sunwarrior’s products were given to me to taste and review. All product reviews are 100% my own – and only posted if they are wholly endorsed by the vegukate lifestyle. I only review things I absolutely love, and things I know you’ll love as well!