These delicious vegan energy bites are perfectly healthy peanut butter snacks! So good and easy to make with only a handful of wholesome ingredients! Gluten free, dairy free and packed with fiber, protein and a host of nutrients! Oh, there’s chocolate chips too!
What are energy bites?
The energy bites are made with whole food and filled with nutrients. They provide energy through a smart combination of healthy carbs, vegan protein and of course fiber! All of these elements help build lean muscle mass and aid weight management while boosting energy. These fun cookies are also the guilt-free, healthy on the go snacks you don’t have to feel bad about. Use them before, after, and even during your work out! That’s what I do! Or, when you are craving something sweet, but healthy!
And since you can easily bite into them, hence the name bites. Perfect opportunity to get your teeth into nutritious foods like nuts, seeds, oats, and more! I recommend that you try these healthy Chocolate Coconut Energy Bites as well.
What are benefits of peanut butter energy snacks?
Each ball of energy is about 198 carbs of satiating combination of fats, protein and carbs! In every single bite! But be forewarned, consuming to many in one day can result in too much energy!
One of the main benefits of energy snacks (besides added energy of course) is that they offer the taste and fun of a sweet snack, yet without too much sugar (maple syrup is used in moderation).
But let’s be honest. Irresponsible snacking is real and should be avoided! Therefore make sure you have a healthy snack near you like these vegan energy balls. They always help me subdue my hunger guilt free! However, always remember that these are snacks, and NOT a replacement for a fully nutritious meal, such as this Chicken with Green Beans dish!
Why you’ll love vegan energy bites
- These vegan snacks are super easy to make and take only 15 minutes to put together. You can make them once a week in a matter of minutes!
- Because I used peanut butter in these energy bites to bind them, they are essentially no bake cookies – therefore you never have to turn on the oven to make these!
- These peanut butter bites are loaded with fiber and healthy fats to keep you full and energetic throughout the day
- You only need one bowl to make the entire thing!
- These peanut butter balls hold their shape well! Very well! Easy to roll too.
- Easy to carry as snacks – they don’t stick, portable and fit into any container!
Are these energy bites vegan?
Yes, they are vegan energy bites due to the absence of animal products. However, the major concern here is chocolate chips! You need to read the labels and buy the right kind, which I’m sure you do anyways!
As long as you buy chocolate chips that are dairy free you are safe! Many chocolate chips on the market are “accidentally vegan” that is they are high-quality chocolate with no additives and contain no animal ingredients or fillers, but aren’t marketed as vegan or labeled as such. The most available vegan chocolate chips are Enjoy Life Brand.
Are peanut butter energy bites gluten free?
Yes, these peanut butter energy bites are gluten free and do not contain any wheat products. Made with only 6 ingredients: peanut butter, old fashioned oats, flax seed, maple syrup, sea salt, and chocolate chips.
How about oats? While oats are naturally gluten–free, contamination with gluten-containing crops may happen during farming. Technically, pure, uncontaminated oats are gluten-free. Gluten is a protein that is present in wheat, rye, and barley. However oats do not belong to any of these groups, so they are usually safe for people with celiac disease to eat.
How to make peanut butter energy bites
To make these vegan snacks, you will only need 6 ingredients: peanut butter, old fashioned oats, flax seed, maple syrup, sea salt and dairy free chocolate chips. You will need to use one bowl – the large one will work better to avoid the mess, a mixing spoon and a container to store them in once done.
What can I use instead of peanut butter?
You can replace peanut butter with either almond butter, or cashew butter since those two will provide similar density to peanut butter. Always go with a creamy version! Even though I’ve never tried these energy snacks with a crunchy kind of butter, I bet that one would work too and just add a bit of crunch!
What can I use instead of maple syrup?
Honey comes to mind first. But can you use honey instead of maple syrup for these vegan snacks? Unfortunately, honey is not vegan (vegans try to avoid or minimize all forms of animal exploitation, including that of bees). As a result, most vegans exclude honey from their diets. A better choice would be agave syrup. It is an excellent substitute!
What kind of oats should I use?
I used old fashioned oats to make my vegan snacks. If you prefer to use rolled oats, they will work as well. These types of oats do not need to be cooked to work in this energy bites recipe.
What can I use instead of flax seeds?
While flax seeds are loaded with fiber and omega 3 fats, and are very healthy for you, you can easily replace them with hemp seeds!
Energy bites are easy, healthy and nutritious
I cannot emphasize enough how EASY it is to make these delicious gluten free and dairy free snacks! Despite your diet choice, these are are excellent little things to try to put into your weekly or monthly rotation! Peanut butter energy bites success is in your near future! I can smell the peanut butter already!
More delicious vegan snacks
Quinoa Bread with Sunflower and Pumpkin Seeds
Peanut Butter Energy Bites
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup creamy peanut butter (unsalted)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (dairy free)
- 1 cup old fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup ground flax seeds
Instructions
- Combine peanut butter, maple syrup and sea salt in a medium bowl. Stir to combine. Add flax seeds and chocolate chips, and mix. Next add oats and press with hands.
- Roll into 12 balls between your hands.
- Store in the air tight container for up to a week at room temperature. They do not need to be refrigergated.
Thanks for sharing this healthy recipe! I also love the fact that it is no-bake and can be done in short time – definitely the one for me!
They’re perfect as a snack or breakfast on the go. Filling, require no baking, healthy, and delicious! Loved it! Thank you 💖
Tiffany
Phlanx’s Marketing Specialist
I love that these are not overly sweet! I hate too much sweetness!!!
Yes! These are not overly sweet at all. Your teeth will thank you!
I used half peanut butter, half cashew butter for a milder taste. I love these!
I’ll have to try with with cashew butter. Probably tasted amazing!