Vegan Almond & Blueberry Energy Balls
Diet Category: Vegan • Vegetarian • Plant-Based • Dairy-Free • Gluten-Free* • High-Fibre • No-Bake
*Check that your hemp protein powder and other packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free if required.
Introduction
These Vegan Almond & Blueberry Energy Balls are an easy no-bake snack made with naturally sweet Medjool dates, creamy almond butter, crunchy almonds, hemp protein and vibrant freeze-dried blueberries.
Dates and maple syrup provide sweetness, while almonds, almond butter and hemp protein add plant-based protein, fibre and satisfying unsaturated fats. Freeze-dried blueberries bring a delicious fruity flavour and beautiful colour without needing artificial flavours or colours.
Perfect for vegan meal prep, lunchboxes, an afternoon snack or a quick pre-workout bite, these homemade blueberry energy balls are simple to prepare and easy to keep in the fridge when you want something sweet and satisfying.
Benefits of the Main Ingredients
Medjool Dates
Medjool dates provide natural sweetness and help bind the energy balls together without needing butter or dairy. They contain carbohydrates, fibre and minerals including potassium and copper. Although nutritious, dates are naturally high in sugar, so portion size is worth considering.
Almond Butter
Almond butter provides plant-based protein, vitamin E, magnesium and predominantly unsaturated fats. Its creamy consistency also helps bind the ingredients together while giving the energy balls a rich, nutty flavour.
Almonds
Almonds are a nutrient-dense source of plant protein, fibre and predominantly unsaturated fats. They're particularly rich in vitamin E and also provide magnesium, calcium and several other essential minerals.
Hemp Protein Powder
Hemp protein is a plant-based protein source that also provides fibre and minerals such as iron and magnesium, although amounts vary between products. It makes these energy balls a convenient way to add additional plant protein to a snack.
Freeze-Dried Blueberries
Freeze-dried blueberries provide concentrated blueberry flavour and contain naturally occurring anthocyanins, the colourful polyphenol compounds responsible for their deep blue-purple colour. They also add fruit to the recipe without introducing additional moisture.
Maple Syrup
Maple syrup adds sweetness and helps create a soft, cohesive texture. While it contains small amounts of minerals and plant compounds, it's still considered a source of free sugar, so using it alongside fibre-, protein- and fat-containing ingredients creates a more balanced snack than relying on the syrup alone.