Chia Seed Energy Balls

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I love chia seeds and use them in a variety of ways. They add a nice crunch when they’re used dry and gel when added to a liquid. Even better, I love their spectacular nutrient profile. I’ve used chia seeds in many ways, but these chia seed energy balls are without a doubt my favorite!

They make a great post-workout snack, but the whole family loves to munch on them too.

All About Chia Seeds

You may have heard of chia before from those catchy commercial jingles about chia pets. The chia seeds that we use in food are those same seeds.

They’re itty bitty little seeds that come in either black or white. I see black most frequently in stores, but both varieties are pretty much the same in terms of use, taste, and nutrient content.

Chia seeds are naturally gluten-free and pack a powerful nutritional punch. They have:

4.7 grams of protein/ounce and all eight essential amino acids
as much calcium as a glass of milk
more Omega-3 healthy fats than a serving of walnuts
as many antioxidants as blueberries
an impressive amount of iron
lots of fiber

That’s pretty awesome!

No-Bake Energy Balls

No-bake energy bites or energy balls seriously give you energy. All. Day. Long. Not jittery energy like you’ve had too much sugar or caffeine, just I-could-get-so-much-done-right-now energy!

These yummy energy balls are a great snack for kids or healthy breakfast addition. They’re also nut-free, dairy-free, and grain-free so they’re safe to send to schools even if there are allergy restrictions.

One word of caution: Do NOT eat this energy bites recipe after dinner! I made that mistake (because they are so good and taste like cookie dough). As a result, I had trouble falling asleep.

Using Chia Seeds

Chia seeds have some interesting properties that make them really fun to use. Most notably, they can absorb so much liquid! When they do, they become this jiggly gelatinous texture. When I use them in a liquid medium it is usually one of these ways:

I also use ground chia seeds to thicken sauces and stews. However, you can also use chia seeds dry. They add a nice crunch to salads and are perfect for making granola bars, energy balls, and other snack recipes.

Making Chia Seed Energy Bites

When I first started making this healthy snack I pressed the mixture into a pan and cut it into bars. Recently, I realized I can save myself a dish and just roll them into balls instead. They’re a lot easier to grab and go in ball form too!

Some chia seed energy ball recipes call for maple syrup or agave to sweeten, but the dates do the job nicely. It makes for a chewy, superfood snack that satisfies cravings for something sweet but healthy.

To make the mixture, puree dates in a food processor. I use large Medjool dates. Make sure you remove the pits first! The pureed dates make a thick paste that acts as both a sweetener and the “glue” to hold the balls together. If your dates are too dry and you’re having a hard time pureeing them, add just a tiny bit of water.

Then mix together the date paste with the chia seeds, coconut oil, and whatever add-ins you want to use. I like to use a combination of dried fruit (like dried cranberries), coconut flakes, and mini chocolate chips. Sometimes I add a pinch of cinnamon or sea salt too. Ground flaxseed, some cocoa powder, or pecans also make a nice addition.

Once everything is mixed together, scoop out a tablespoon and roll it into a ball. This is a great job for kids! You can eat them immediately or chill them until they’re firmer. Store the uneaten ones in the refrigerator.

These energy balls are a great one to add to the meal plan since they make a yummy, fast snack. I like to meal prep sometimes to make things easier, and this is an easy recipe to add to my prep list.