Chia Seed Energy Balls

I love chia seeds and use them in a variety of ways. They add a nice crunch when they’re used dry and gel when added to a liquid. Even better, I love their spectacular nutrient profile. I’ve used chia seeds in many ways, but these chia seed energy balls are without a doubt my favorite!

They make a great post-workout snack, but the whole family loves to munch on them too.

All About Chia Seeds

You may have heard of chia before from those catchy commercial jingles about chia pets. The chia seeds that we use in food are those same seeds. They’re itty bitty little seeds that come in either black or white. I see black most frequently in stores, but both varieties are pretty much the same in terms of use, taste, and nutrient content.

Chia seeds are naturally gluten-free and pack a powerful nutritional punch. They contain:

• 4.7 grams of protein/ounce and all eight essential amino acids
• as much calcium as a glass of milk
• more Omega-3s than a serving of walnuts
• as many antioxidants as blueberries
• an impressive amount of iron
• lots of fiber

That’s pretty awesome!

No-Bake Energy Balls

These energy balls seriously give you energy. All. Day. Long. Not jittery energy like you’ve had too much sugar or caffeine, just I-could-get-so-much-done-right-now energy!

These yummy energy balls are a great snack for kids or healthy breakfast addition. They’re also nut-free, dairy-free, and grain-free so they’re safe to send to schools even if there are allergy restrictions.

One word of caution: Do NOT eat this energy bites recipe after dinner! I made that mistake (because they’re so good and taste like cookie dough). As a result, I had trouble falling asleep.

Using Chia Seeds

Chia seeds have some interesting properties that make them really fun to use. Most notably, they can absorb so much liquid! When they do, they become this jiggly, gelatinous texture. When I use them in liquid it’s usually one of these ways:

• Chia Seed Kombucha
• Chia Seed Pudding
• Chia Seed Squeeze Pouches
• Coconut Chia Pudding
• Peanut Butter Chia Seed Pudding with Blackberry Jam

I also use ground chia seeds to thicken sauces and stews. However, you can also use chia seeds dry. They add a nice crunch to salads and are perfect for making granola bars, energy balls, and other snack recipes.

Making Chia Seed Energy Bites

When I first started making this healthy snack I pressed the mixture into a pan and cut it into bars. Recently, I realized I can save myself a dish and just roll them into balls instead. They’re a lot easier to grab and go in ball form too!

Some chia seed energy ball recipes call for maple syrup or agave to sweeten, but dates do the job nicely. It makes for a chewy, superfoods snack that satisfies cravings for something sweet but healthy.

To make the mixture, I puree large Medjool dates in a food processor. Make sure you remove the pits first! The pureed dates make a thick paste that acts as both a sweetener and the “glue” to hold the balls together. If your dates are too dry and you’re having a hard time pureeing them, try adding just a tiny bit of water.

Then mix together the date paste with the chia seeds, coconut oil, and whatever add-ins you want to use. I like to use a combination of dried fruit, coconut flakes, and mini chocolate chips. Sometimes I add a pinch of cinnamon too.

Once everything is mixed together, scoop out a tablespoon and roll it into a ball. This is a great job for kids! You can eat them immediately or chill them until they’re firmer. Store the uneaten ones in the refrigerator.

Chia Seed Energy Balls Recipe

Delicious chia seed energy balls with coconut oil and dates for a natural energy boost.

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Calories 74kcal

Author Katie Wells

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Servings

16 balls

1x2x3x

Equipment

• Food processor

Ingredients

• 8 large Medjool dates
• ½ cup chia seeds
• 2 TBSP coconut oil
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 pinch cinnamon

Optional add-ins (up to ¼ cup total)

• mini dark chocolate chips
• shredded coconut
• dried fruit (chopped)

Instructions

• Remove the pits from the dates and discard them.
• Pulse the dates in a food processor or blender until they form a paste. If your dates are too dry and are just getting stuck in a clump without mashing, try adding a very small amount of water.
• In a medium mixing bowl, mix the date paste with the chia seeds, coconut oil, and any optional add-ins you’d like to use.
• Use a 1 tablespoon measure or cookie scoop to scoop out the mixture, rolling it into balls.
• Eat immediately or refrigerate to firm up a bit.
• Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Chia Seed Energy Balls Recipe

Amount Per Serving (1 ball)

Calories 74 Calories from Fat 27

% Daily Value*

Fat 3g5%

Saturated Fat 2g13%

Trans Fat 1g

Polyunsaturated Fat 1g

Monounsaturated Fat 1g

Sodium 1mg0%

Potassium 105mg3%

Carbohydrates 11g4%

Fiber 3g13%

Sugar 8g9%

Protein 1g2%

Vitamin A 21IU0%

Vitamin C 1mg1%

Calcium 41mg4%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Notes

• Instead of rolling it into balls, you can press the mixture into the bottom of a glass or silicone baking dish and refrigerate it until chilled. Cut into bars.
• For additional calcium, you can add about a teaspoon of eggshell powder!

Do you like chia seeds? How do you use them? Share below!