These no-bake coconut cashew energy bites are the perfect quick and healthy snack made with real-food ingredients!
Having a healthy snack between meals is essential for keeping you energized and curbing overeating at your next meal. Protein and fiber are two key nutrients to consider when choosing a snack. Both will keep you feeling full for longer. One of our favorite satiating snacks? These no-bake coconut cashew energy bites!
These days there are a ton of healthy packaged snack options on the market, but we prefer to make our own snacks when we have the time. This recipe is a great alternative to packaged snacks because it only takes a few minutes to prepare and you don’t have to turn your oven on!
Additionally, these energy bites have a nice balance of carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats to keep you energized and hold you over until your next meal. The raw oats are an amazing source of resistant starch and fiber, which help support your microbiome, balance your gut, curb appetite, and decrease cholesterol.
Cacao, cashews, coconut, and cinnamon are also great sources of several antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Keep reading to learn more about the nutrition benefits of these vegan and gluten-free coconut cashew energy bites.
Nutrition Facts
CASHEWS
Cashews are a great source of protein and healthy fats. Plus, these nuts have antibacterial, anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Cashews are nutrient dense, supplying us with copper, zinc, magnesium, dietary fiber, and even antioxidants. What’s more, the monounsaturated fats in cashews may help decrease your risk of diabetes, cancer, and heart disease (1, 2, 3).
Finally, the high copper content of cashews may also help boost collagen production, helping to maintain skin elasticity (4).
COCONUT
Coconut is one of the most controversial fats there is. Some claim it helps with weight loss and has potent anti-fungal properties. While others claim it clogs your arteries and causes weight gain and heart disease.
Like most topics in nutrition the answer is not so simple. It depends on the individual’s genes, microbiome, and diet overall.
We do know that coconut meat is a great source of dietary fiber, and also potassium, B6, magnesium, zinc, and selenium. The saturated fat in coconut does raise LDL cholesterol (commonly known as “bad” cholesterol), but it also raises HDL cholesterol (aka “good” cholesterol), which may result in a net neutral effect when it comes to cholesterol (5).
Coconut (especially coconut water) is also a great source of potassium, an electrolyte that helps regulate blood pressure and support muscle function (6, 7).
CINNAMON
Cinnamon is one of the most popular spices throughout the world. It is commonly used in cooking and for medicinal purposes.
This delicious spice is beneficial for a number of different health conditions, including diabetes, infections, amenorrhea, and even the common cold. It is packed full of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anti-microbial properties (8,9).
Cinnamon is also a good source of calcium, manganese, and fiber. The spice been found to benefit brain function, stabilize blood sugar, relieve inflammation, and fight against infections and viruses (10, 11, 12, 13).
No-Bake Coconut Cashew Energy Bites
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup smooth natural cashew butter
- 1/4 cup vegan chocolate chips
- 1 cup Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free Rolled Oats
- 2 tbsp raw cacao powder
- 2 tbsp organic maple syrup
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp salt (less if using salted cashew butter)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix together all the ingredients untileverything is thoroughly combined.
- Roll the dough into 1 tablespoon sized balls, and then place on aplate or baking tray to refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- You can store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to a month.
- We recommend storing in the fridge in general, and just take out what you want when you want it.
- If you’re allergic to cashews or nuts, you can simply swap (1:1 ratio) for another nut or seed butter.
Any general advice posted on our blog, website, or application is intended for reference and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace or substitute for any professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or other professional advice. If you have specific concerns or a situation arises in which you require medical advice, you should consult with an appropriately qualified and licensed medical services provider.
