Coco-nutty, chocolate-y, and crunchy Paleo/Whole30 Almond Joy-inspired granola bites are loaded with luscious coconut manna, sweet almonds, and a rich layer of dark chocolate. This easy and nutrient-dense treat is perfect for an after-school snack with some fresh berries or as a sweet and decadent treat to wrap up your day. However you like to enjoy it, these decadent and delicious Paleo granola bites are pure perfection!

My husband loves anything coconut and chocolate; in fact, Almond Joys are one of his favorite indulgences. And with this whole food and nutritious granola bite, he can enjoy all the flavor of his favorite candy bar while fueling his body with healthy fats, protein, carbs, nutrients, and fiber!

Why Coconut is So Good for You!

The most abundant ingredient in this amazing Almond Joy granola bite is unsweetened shredded coconut and unsweetened coconut manna, 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 the pure raw honey or pure maple syrup, used in this recipe and uou will find trace minerals like potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, zinc and iron. This is food in its whole form, the way it is meant to be eaten. [3,4]

2. Coconut is so good for you for other reasons and 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. [5]

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 shredded coconut has around seven grams of fiber, that’s almost 20% of your daily need!

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

Paleo Granola Bites Ingredients

Makes 25 Squares

½ cup Raw, unsweetened Coconut Butter/Manna

½ cup Raw unsalted/unsweetened Almond Butter

½ cup Pure Raw Honey/Pure Maple Syrup*

1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract

1 cup Unsweetened Shredded Coconut

1/3 cup Raw Pumpkin Seeds

1 cup Raw Whole Almonds

4 scoops Collagen Protein Powder

¼ cup Chia Seeds or Hemp Seeds

½ tsp + ½ tsp Fine Real Salt

½ cup Hu/Dark Chocolate Chips*

*Omit for Whole30

How to Make Paleo Granola Bites

1. In a medium bowl, combine the shredded coconut, pumpkin seeds, almonds, chia or hemp seeds, ½ tsp salt and the collagen powder, stirring well to combine. Set aside.

2. In a medium skillet over medium heat, add the coconut manna, almond butter, honey or maple syrup, ½ tsp salt and the vanilla, stir well to combine.

3. Heat the coconut butter mixture for 3-5 mins until it is warmed through, not boiling. You want it warmed up to melt the coconut butter and almond butter, but it doesn’t need to be super hot.

4. Remove the coconut butter mixture from the heat and stir in the shredded coconut mixture (it will be a little thick).

5. Transfer to a parchment lined 8×8 square dish and press into the dish with a spatula.

6. Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top and let it sit for 5-mins to warm through.

7. Using a spatula or icing spatula, spread the warmed chocolate chips in a thin layer over the top.

8. Freeze for 45-60 minutes then cut into 25 squares. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Enjoy!

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FAQs

Q: Can I use flaked coconut to make almond joy granola bites?

A: I have only made this recipe using shredded coconut, but let me know how it turns out!

Q: Can I use milk chocolate chips to make Paleo granola bites?

A: To keep this recipe Paleo, use only Hu chocolate chips or 75% or darker dark chocolate chips.

Q: How long do Paleo granola bites keep?
A: Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they should last about 7-10 days.

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