Superfood Cacao Balls

Sundays are the perfect day for relaxation, family time, and some fun kitchen experimentation!

These healthy superfood cacao balls were born from such an experiment. The cacao balls are packed with nourishing superfoods like raw cacao nibs, chia seeds, and coconut oil, they’re the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth while fueling your body with healthy fats and protein.

These bliss balls are the ideal afternoon snack to boost your energy and keep you feeling satisfied throughout the day. Whether you call them protein balls, energy bites, or cacao balls, they’re deliciously easy to make and a great snack for the whole family.

Note- this was one of the original recipes posted on the blog back in 2019.

Jump to:

• Instructions
• Storage
• Variations
• Equipment
• Low-Carb Protein Balls
• FAQ
• Delicious Mocha Cacoa Superfood Balls

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There are currently only 3 cookbooks that I keep in my kitchen. This recipe has been inspired by the knowledge and recipes from them. One of the books is Superfood Snacks. It is just a minefield of nourishing and healing snack ideas. Worth. Every. Penny. The ingredients might take you for a loop, but hang on! Buy one thing at a time and become an expert in that one new food item. 

These protein balls are absolutely healthy because they focus on so many superfoods, are not made with sugar, and are gentle on your blood sugar. Be careful with protein balls because hidden ingredients can mean the difference between a healthy snack and one that is not beneficial.

During the last 9 months of being a nursing momma, I have made some baaaaad choices when I get hangry. So often when I am hungry I turn to carbs and sweets. Not the healthy ones!

These little superfood balls are a great way to plan in advance for my unhealthy cravings. How about you? Do you have some unhealthy cravings every once in a while? Planning in advance, can curb the temptations and nourish my body at the same time. It's a win-win. 

So what are you waiting for? These little superfood balls won't disappoint!

Ingredients

If you are a Trim Healthy Mama, many of these superfoods are quite familiar which leads me to the other two cookbooks that currently grace my kitchen are Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook and Trim Healthy Mama's Trim Healthy Table. Both again, are minefields of nourishing foods for weight loss and sustainability. These protein balls are friendly on the THM diet and go great as a S snack.

• Walnuts (or pecans)
• Ground coffee
• Unflavored whey protein
• Sea salt
• Cacao Nibs
• Chia seeds
• Unsweetened coconut flakes
• Sunflower lecithin (optional)
• Collagen
• Gentle Sweet
• Coconut oil
• Water

Instructions

Superfood balls can be consumed at any time of the day as a snack, however, some of the most beneficial times to pop one in your mouth is before an activity. Grab a zippy of these when you are headed off to the gym or an intense workout. Use them as a recovery snack, or to curb your poor snacking choices at night!

Storage

Store your cacao balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 1-2 weeks. Alternatively, you can freeze them for longer-term storage. Make a big batch and pull them out for a quick snack whenever you need an energy boost.

Variations

• Chocolate Date Energy Balls: For a natural sweet treat, try adding Medjool dates instead of stevia. The rich, caramel-like flavor of dates adds a delicious twist to these protein bites!
• Chocolate Protein Balls: For a deeper chocolate flavor, substitute cacao nibs with dark chocolate chips or unsweetened cocoa powder.
• Peanut Butter Bliss Balls: Swap out the walnut butter for peanut butter or almond butter for a nutty twist.
• Cacao Energy Balls with Healthy Fats: Add hemp seeds or sunflower seeds for an extra dose of healthy fats and protein.
• Low-Carb Options: If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, use stevia as a sweetener and leave out any high-carb ingredients like maple syrup.

Equipment

• Food processor
• Baking sheet
• Airtight container
• Plastic wrap (optional for shaping)
• Mixing spoons and spatulas

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Low-Carb Protein Balls

In all of the cookbooks, I have mentioned there are variations of THM protein balls and mounds of nutritious superfood snacks. Most of them are also low-carb protein balls, which make these types of treats wonderful on the Trim Healthy Mama or Keto lifestyle.

Creating different varieties of THM protein balls is a fun way to spend an afternoon. It's easy to replace the stevia with monk fruit, or the baobab with matcha, and see if the recipe ends up being any good! There are a lot of ways to make a variety of low-carb protein balls so you can enjoy a variety of snack flavors throughout your week.

Another low-carb protein ball that you might enjoy is these sugar-free peanut butter balls. They are excellent for a holiday treat!

They taste very similar to those sugary peanut butter chocolate balls that are often enjoyed during the holiday season.

You can also download the Healing Home Harvest cookbook, which has both of these recipes, along with many more! This recipe is featured on the cover!

FAQ

Can I use a different nut besides walnuts?
Yes! You can use almonds, cashews, or any other nuts you like. Raw almonds will work great in this recipe too.

What’s the difference between cacao and cocoa?
Raw cacao powder is made from cacao beans and is considered the purest form of chocolate. It’s rich in antioxidants and has a rich chocolate taste, while cocoa powder is typically processed and may contain added sugars.

Can I make these energy balls ahead of time?
Absolutely! These protein balls are perfect for meal prep. Make a big batch and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for a quick snack throughout the week.

How much sugar is in each energy ball?
These bliss balls are made with little to no refined sugars. If you use Medjool dates or maple syrup, you’ll get a natural sweetness without spiking your blood sugar levels as you would with traditional sugar.

Are these cacao balls kid-friendly?
Yes, they’re a great snack for kids! They’re made with simple ingredients and packed with healthy fats, fiber, and protein, making them a nourishing choice for growing bodies. One of my middle children did try it and said he would like it without the ground coffee. An easy ingredient to leave out!

Whether you call them energy bites, protein balls, or cacao balls, these healthy treats are the perfect snack for anyone in need of a quick and nutritious boost.

With simple ingredients like cacao nibs, chia seeds, and coconut oil, these energy bites provide a deliciously rich chocolate flavor and are packed with healthy fats and fiber.

They make a great snack for anyone on the go, a sweet treat for your family, or a healthy bite to power through your day. Enjoy these amazing recipes for a wholesome snack that’s both satisfying and nourishing!

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