Creamy coconut, warm and comforting chai spices and loads of protein rich seeds make this easy and delicious snack a must for any family. This simple, nutritious, mouthwatering spiced energy ball is perfect as an anytime snack or even as a quick breakfast with some fresh fruit! Whip up a batch today and they will be gone tomorrow!

My favorite part of these simple energy bites is all the warm and fragrant spices. A sweet, delicious and tantalizing bite that pairs perfectly with a cup of hot tea or coffee. I love that these are nut free, gluten free, dairy free and soy free accommodating almost everyone’s way of eating. This Paleo friendly snack is loaded with protein, carbohydrates, good fats, fiber, and tons of vitamins and minerals.  It’s one snack you can feel good about keeping on the monthly rotation!

Why Coconut is So Good for You!

The most abundant ingredient in my Paleo Pear and Fig Granola is unsweetened flaked coconut, but why?

• By choosing unsweetened coconut, you are eliminating a very inflammatory ingredient: refined sugar.  Refined sugar has been directly linked to chronic inflammation which can lead to other chronic symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue, mood disorders, and pain. [1]
  

Refine sugars are so inflammatory because they have been highly processed and stripped of any naturally existing minerals typically found in the plant.  For example, in a teaspoon of white sugar, you will find that there is absolutely nothing in it except empty carbohydrates. [2]

Now take pure maple syrup, what I used in this recipe.  You will find trace minerals like potassium, calcium, sodium and iron.  This is food in its whole form, the way it is meant to be eaten. [3]

2. Coconut is so good for you for several reasons, here are two of my favorite:

a. Coconut contains caprylic acid which is a known anti-fungal.  Caprylic acid is known to support your gut health by keeping your microbiome balanced, as well as supporting your anti-inflammatory pathways. [4]

b. Coconut is loaded with insoluble fiber and minerals!  These are key in healthy digestion and function, gut health and detoxification!  The daily recommended value (DRV) of fiber each day is around 28 grams give or take (this is a bio-individual number, however, this is a good average for most adults).  On average, one cup of flaked coconut has around five grams of fiber, that’s almost 20% of your daily need!

So grab some unsweetened flaked coconut and let’s get cooking!

Coconut Chai Energy Balls Ingredients

Serves 10-12

10-12 Pitted Medjool Dates, about 1 cup at room temperature

1/2 cup Unsweetened Coconut Manna

1 cup Unsweetened Flaked Coconut*

1/4 tsp Fine Sea Salt 

1/2 tsp Pure Vanilla

1 tsp Ground Cinnamon

1/2 tsp Groung Ginger

1/8 tsp Ground Allspice

1/8 tsp Ground Cloves

1/8 tsp Ground Cardamom

1/8 tsp Ground Nutmeg

1/2 cup Shredded Coconut Flakes (for rolling)

1/4 cup Ground Flax Seed

1/4 cup Chia Seed

1/4 cup Hemp Seed

*I used flaked coconut in the mixture as I found shredded can be too dry

How to Make Coconut Chai Energy Balls

1. About an hour before you make the coconut chai energy balls, set out your dates and bring them to room temperature.  If they are not pitted, go ahead and do that now as well.

2. In a food processor, add the dates and pulse a few times to break them down a bit. 

3. Add the coconut manna, flaked coconut, vanilla and spices and process on high for about 30-60 seconds, until a rough dough forms.

4. Add all the seeds and pulse until evenly mixed.

5. Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, roll dough into balls and then roll into shredded coconut flakes to coat. 

6. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Enjoy!

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FAQs

Q: What can I do if my mixture is too dry?

A: Add a few more dates, 1-2 at a time until a desired consistency is reached.

Q: What can I do if my mixture is too wet?

A:  Add some more flaked coconut, this will help to absorb some of the excess moisture.

Q: Why are my dates hard?

A: Sometimes date get a little dried out, try soaking them in some warm water for 5-10 minutes to rehydrate them.

If you like this recipe, check these out!

Paleo Pear and Fig Granola: I am sure you will love this beautiful Paleo granola with its subtle hints of pear and cardamom that perfectly pair with sweet dried smyrna figs and coconut.

Almond Joy Energy Bites: This tasty snack is loaded with delicious coconut and sweet chocolate in an energy ball made with all whole food ingredients!

Paleo Piña Colada Energy Bites: These Paleo and Whole30 friendly Pineapple Energy Bites are nutritious and taste just like the tropics!

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