These Healthy Nut-Free Vegan Energy Balls are the perfect snack that is packed full of healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants. Crafted with flavorful and wholesome ingredients, these bites are the best treat for any time of day. These bites are filling, high in fiber, and perfect for healthy snacking.
I have always struggled with finding snacks that can keep me full and that are made with simple ingredients. They either are empty calories, or they taste really bland and gross. I've made energy ball recipes like my Cherry Almond Date Energy Balls or my Golden Berry Turmeric Bliss Balls, and I absolutely loved them. Therefore, I wanted to create another energy ball recipe using a variety of superfoods to create the ultimate healthy snack!
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Vegan Energy Ball Ingredients:
These superfood energy balls have quickly become a staple in my house and one of my favorite recipes. They are easy, no-bake treats, and they are made with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand or that you can find at your local grocery store.
Dry Ingredients:
- Rolled Oats - Rolled oats act as a binder and provide a chewy texture to the energy bites. Oats are a great source of complex carbohydrates and fiber. They help in maintaining stable blood sugar levels, providing sustained energy, and promoting digestive health.
- Chia Seeds - Chia seeds contribute to the texture by absorbing liquid and forming a gel-like consistency. Chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and various nutrients. They can aid in digestion, support heart health, and provide a sustainable energy boost.
- Ground Flaxseed - Ground flaxseed adds texture and acts as a binding agent. Flaxseeds are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and lignans. They may have heart-protective and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Hemp Seeds - Hemp seeds contribute to the crunch and add a nutty flavor. Hemp seeds are a complete protein source, providing all essential amino acids. They also contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, promoting heart health.
- Shredded Coconut - Shredded coconut enhances flavor and provides a pleasant texture. Coconut contains healthy fats, fiber, and minerals. It may support immune function and provide a quick source of energy.
- Mini Vegan Chocolate Chips - Chocolate chips add sweetness and a delightful chocolate flavor. Choosing vegan chocolate chips ensures no dairy is included. Dark chocolate may have antioxidant properties and can positively impact mood.
- Goji Berries - Goji berries add a chewy texture and a sweet-tart flavor. Goji berries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They may have immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Lions Mane Powder (optional) - You can add a touch of any of your favorite superfoods to these energy balls for the perfect healthy addition!
Wet Ingredients:
- Vanilla Extract - Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the energy bites. While it doesn't contribute significant nutrients, vanilla extract adds a pleasant taste without extra calories or sugar.
- Liquid Sweetener - Liquid sweetener adds sweetness and helps bind the ingredients. There are a variety of liquid sweeteners you can use. I've made this recipe with both agave nectar and date syrup, and it works great. You can also use pure maple syrup, allulose, chicory root syrup, and other natural sweeteners. If you are not a strict vegan, honey is another great option.
- SunButter No Sugar Added Sunflower Seed Butter - Sunflower seed butter serves as a creamy and nutty base for your energy bites. It's a good source of healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. It also provides protein, vitamin E, and magnesium.
See the recipe card for quantities.
How To Make No-Bake Energy Balls:
This vegan energy ball recipe is great because they are exceptionally easy to make and they are made with healthy ingredients.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, chia seeds, ground flaxseed, hemp seeds, shredded coconut, goji berries, and mini vegan chocolate chips. Mix well.
- Add Wet Ingredients:
- Add SunButter, liquid sweetener, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined.
- Chill the Mixture:
- Place the mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps firm up the mixture, making it easier to form into balls.
- Form Energy Bites:
- Once the mixture has chilled, take it out and start forming small, bite-sized balls. You can use your hands to shape them.
- Store:
- Place the energy bites on a parchment paper-lined tray or plate and refrigerate for an additional 30 minutes to set. Once set, transfer the energy bites to an airtight container.
- Enjoy:
- Your no-bake vegan energy bites are ready to eat! They make a great on-the-go snack or a healthy treat whenever you need a quick energy boost.
Hint: They taste best after resting overnight. If you want the best results, wait until the next day to dig in!
Substitutions:
This no-bake energy bites recipe is great because it is super allergen-friendly and easy. However, if there is anything you need to substitute for whatever reason, there are plenty of easy substitutions that can be made.
- Nut Butter - Although I strongly recommend using Sunbutter because it has an amazing taste and texture, you can use other nut butter, such as cashew butter or almond butter, in its place.
- Grain-Free - If you want to make these energy balls grain-free, you can use almond flour or coconut flour in place of the oats.
- Dried Fruit - You can replace the goji berries with any dried fruit of choice. I love adding chopped Medjool dates, golden berries, or raisins.
If you have any questions about a particular substitution not listed, leave a comment, and I'll get back to you as quickly as possible!
Vegan Energy Balls Variations:
These healthy energy balls are great because there are endless ways to mix them up and make them your own. Here are some of my favorite variations to make.
- Protein Balls - You can add a scoop of your favorite plant-based protein powder to these balls. This is a great way to increase the grams of protein in these balls. I'd recommend adding a little extra sweeteners and Sunbutter if you choose to do this.
- Chocolate Energy Balls - You can melt chocolate chips in a bowl and dip the vegan energy balls into it for the perfect chocolate coating. Once they are coated, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet to chill until the chocolate has solidified.
- Chocolate Chips - You can use vegan white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, or milk chocolate chips to customize these vegan energy bites to your liking.
What You Will Need To Make These Vegan Energy Balls:
The best part about these healthy energy balls is that they require hardly any equipment to make. Here's what I recommend having on hand when making this healthy, no-bake snack.
- Large Mixing Bowl - Use a large bowl to mix all the dry and wet ingredients together. It should be spacious enough to easily combine all the elements without spillage.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons - Accurate measurements are crucial for the success of the recipe. Use measuring cups for dry ingredients like oats and measuring spoons for smaller quantities like vanilla extract.
- Spatula or Mixing Spoon - A spatula or mixing spoon will help you combine the ingredients evenly and ensure that the wet and dry components are well distributed.
- Parchment Paper & Baking Sheet - Line a baking sheet or plate with parchment paper before forming the energy bites. This prevents them from sticking and makes it easy to transfer them to storage once they're shaped.
As always, you can find all my go-to equipment on my Amazon storefront or my affiliate page.
How To Store Healthy Energy Balls:
One of my favorite things about these vegan energy balls is that they can be stored for up to 1 month in the fridge. I recommend storing them in an airtight container to preserve the chewy texture.
Top Tip:
If you want to make perfectly sized vegan energy balls, I recommend using a cookie scoop to perfectly portion out the energy balls.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes, you can use regular chocolate chips if you're not strictly following a vegan diet. However, using vegan chocolate chips ensures the entire recipe remains vegan-friendly.
Yes, you can use gluten-free rolled oats if you have gluten sensitivities or follow a gluten-free diet.
Chilling the mixture helps it firm up, making it easier to shape into bites. While it's not strictly necessary, refrigerating for at least 30 minutes is recommended for better results.
Related SunButter Recipes:
Looking for other Sunbutter recipes like this? Try these:
If you try this Healthy Vegan Energy Balls Recipe, I’d really love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. I’d also really appreciate a recipe card rating! Make sure to share it on social media and tag @theallnaturalvegan to be featured! Thank you for supporting The All Natural Vegan!
Healthy Nut-Free Vegan Energy Balls
Equipment
- 1 spatula
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- ½ cup ground flaxseed
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- ½ cup mini vegan chocolate chips
- 2 cups rolled oats
- ¼ cup hemp seeds
- ⅔ cup shredded coconut
- ¼ cup goji berries
- 1 tablespoon lion's mane powder optional
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup Sunbutter No Sugar Added Sunflower Seed Butter
- ½ cup agave nectar or any liquid sweetener
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, chia seeds, ground flaxseed, hemp seeds, shredded coconut, goji berries, and mini vegan chocolate chips (and lion's mane powder if using)'. Mix well.
Add Wet Ingredients:
- Add SunButter, liquid sweetener, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined.
Chill the Mixture:
- Place the mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps firm up the mixture, making it easier to form into balls.
Form Energy Bites:
- Once the mixture has chilled, take it out and start forming small, bite-sized balls. You can use your hands to shape them.
Store:
- Place the energy bites on a parchment paper-lined tray or plate and refrigerate for an additional 30 minutes to set. Once set, transfer the energy bites to an airtight container.
Enjoy:
- Your no-bake vegan energy bites are ready to eat! They make a great on-the-go snack or a healthy treat whenever you need a quick energy boost.
More Vegan Snacks:
Looking for more delicious plant-based snacks? Make sure to check out some of the other ones on my website!
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