Chocolate Nut-Free Energy Balls
Posted: 06/27/2016
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Whether you’re allergic or just don’t have a taste for nuts, these nut-free energy balls are delicious. They satisfy that chocolate craving and give you a boost of energy to help you power through the day.
Important Note
The products in this recipe could be manufactured in facility that also uses nut products. As always, if you have a severe allergy, read your labels and discuss cross-contamination comfort levels with your allergist.
About these nut-free chocolate energy balls
- Nut-free! It seems like every energy ball recipe I come across has some sort of nut butter included in the list of ingredients. Since that doesn’t work for us with my kids’ food allergies, I set out to figure out an alternative. I wanted these to not only be nut-free but also to be free of sesame seeds and sunflower seeds.
- Great snack: I often have an afternoon cup of coffee and I always crave a bite of chocolate with it. Usually I’ll grab a square of dark chocolate but lately I’ve been reaching for a couple of these. I feel like I’m eating chocolate truffles! However, they’re sweetened only with dates and a bit of honey so I can feel good about eating them (and they don’t contain heavy cream!).
- Nutritious Ingredients: I used flaxseed meal inside these energy bites and I also rolled them in flaxseed meal to keep them from becoming too sticky. I also add protein powder for an added boost.
Ingredient Notes
I tested these without the honey because they don’t necessarily need the sweetness, but they didn’t come together well enough to roll into balls. The honey acts as “glue” for these energy balls.
Also hanging out in the food processor with the flaxseed meal and protein powder are oats, coconut, pitted dates, unsweetened cocoa powder and honey. Goooooood stuff. I roll mine in flaked coconut, cocoa powder, or flax.
I love the way the coconut looks but I’ll be honest, it was a bit of a beast to get it to stick to the energy balls. Shredded coconut would probably work a bit better if you want to go that route.
Storage
Fridge: Store these in fridge from keeping the flaxseed meal from becoming rancid and I like the way they taste when they’re cold.
More healthy nut-free snacks
- Chocolate energy balls (with mocha option)
- Cranberry oatmeal energy balls
- Apple cinnamon no bake energy bites
- Ginger cinnamon apple chips
- Homemade Cheez-its
- Cereal protein bars by Chew Out Loud
- Chocolate chip oat bars by Real Mom Nutrition
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @rachelcooksblog on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
energy balls
Whether you’re allergic or just don’t have a taste for nuts, these nut-free energy balls are delicious. They satisfy that chocolate craving and give you a boost of energy to help you power through the day.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups pitted dates
- 1/2 cup thick rolled oats
- 1/2 cup flaked coconut
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup flaxseed meal
- 1/4 cup chocolate protein powder
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Additional flax meal, coconut, or cocoa powder for rolling
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until completely blended.
- Roll into balls (I used a two teaspoon scoop) and then roll in additional cocoa powder, flaxseed meal, or coconut (or a combination of cocoa powder and flaxseed meal).
Notes
- Best stored in fridge and eaten cold.
- Serving size: 2 energy balls
Nutrition Information
Serving: 2energy balls, Calories: 190kcal, Carbohydrates: 25g, Protein: 9g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g, Cholesterol: 1mg, Sodium: 31mg, Fiber: 6g, Sugar: 14g
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Kelly says
Many if not all of the Bob’s Red Mill products you mentioned in your recipe have indicated on the label that the item is manufactured in a facility that contains tree nuts. Not sure if you knew that.
Rachel Gurk says
I did know that. Everyone has different comfort levels and you can substitute out a different product if you’re not comfortable with same facility (in fact, I don’t give my kids BRM products anymore). But you’re 100% right, I should make a note of it on the recipe, thank you very much for mentioning it.
JC says
A big THANK YOU!!!! We took have 1 child who is extremely sensitive to nuts and sunflower seeds! I have had a hard time finding recipes to fit all our allergies and intolerance’s!!!!
Rachel Gurk says
I understand those difficulties all too well – so glad you found this recipe! I hope your kiddo loves it!
Lori says
Hi. We’re a peanut/Tree Nut allergy family – curious about Bob’s Red Mill products – every time I’ve looked at them they have cross contamination warning. Any issues?
Rachel Gurk says
Hi Lori,
Sorry for the delay in my reply. I personally know how important it is to get the information correct when dealing with food allergies so I wanted to make sure I was getting you the right information. I contacted my friends at Bob’s Red Mill — here is their reply:
“We are a peanut free facility, but we do use tree nuts in our facility and do use shared lines. We clean all lines thoroughly between runs using Good Manufacturing Practices and all of our employees are well-versed in allergen contamination prevention. If you have further questions, please call us at 800-349-2172.”
Monique @ Ambitious Kitchen says
YES! I’m obsessed with balls. These are absolutely perfect for those with allergies (like your son!). Thanks for sharing!
Christine @ WRY TOAST says
I’ve recently been stocking up on dates from Trader Joe’s, so this recipe is perfect timing!!!! looks so good Rach xo
Medha says
These no bake energy balls look fabulous and I love the idea of the protein boost and the coconut flavor :)
Karly says
Love that you were able to pack so much goodness into these and still keep them nut free!!
Jen Schall says
These look fabulous! I love the idea of a nut-free snack since I am always looking for preschool-safe ideas for the kiddo to take for her class.
denise says
sounds yummy
Peabody (SweetReciPEAs) says
Oh, I ‘ve never heard of Bob’s Red Mill Protein Boost, I totally have to be on the look out for that!
Erin@WellPlated says
These photos are GORGEOUS!! I also love the idea of adding the nutritional booster. Going to try that with my next batch!
Rachel Gurk says
Thank you!!! It’s a great use for the nutritional booster :)