Lemon Energy Bites

Disclosure:  This post is sponsored by NOW Foods.  As always, all opinions are my own.

Bright, citrusy, lemon energy bites are a perfect summertime snack option!

Last weekend was recipe-testing-palooza up in our house.  Smoothies, energy balls, pancakes, lasagna…our kitchen was full of food for upcoming blog recipes!  The hubby and kiddo definitely weren’t complaining, haha – they love being my testers.

One of my favorite types of recipes to test are energy balls/bites, because I find them incredibly convenient to prep ahead of time for a healthy snack.  These lemon energy bites are a nice invigorating option; a fun citrusy change from the other varieties I usually revert to.

They’re sweet but only about 100 calories each, so they’re a perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth without overdoing it.  This version actually has no added sugar – all the sugar comes naturally from the lemon juice and golden raisins.  (Though if you find yours need a little more moisture or sweetness, you can certainly add a spoonful or two of honey or maple syrup).

A little side note about golden raisins – most energy ball recipes feature dates, which I love.  But I’ve gotten some questions from readers about ways to make them without dates.  The solution for many recipes is just substituting golden raisins instead.  They have a similar sweetness and also provide the necessary stickiness to keep the energy ball together.

So in addition to the lemon and raisins, you’ll use a handful of easy-to-find ingredients for these lemon energy bites.  I grabbed all of mine from NOW Foods (I’ve been partnering with them for a while and the quality of their natural food is amazing!):

• Rolled oats – Oats are a good source of soluble fiber, which is helpful for heart and gut health.
• Chia seeds – Ch-ch-ch-chia!  These seeds – which yes, are the same thing chia pets were made from – are actually rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.
• Cashews – Bring on the healthy fats!  Cashews also contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
• Coconut – I love that you can find unsweetened shredded coconut on the market these days!  It’s a great way to add richness and flavor to an energy ball.

Once you’ve got all your ingredients, just measure everything out, toss it in a food processor, and boom – delish lemon coconut balls!

You can use these as a convenient grab-and-go snack option when you want a punch of citrusy sweetness, and they’re great for the kiddos too.  And for anyone with dietary limitations, these are vegan and can be made gluten-free as long as you specifically seek out certified gluten-free oats.

I hope you’ll give ‘em a whirl soon!

PS – Looking for more energy bite recipes?  Be sure to check out these peanut butter apple energy balls, these chocolate cherry energy bites, or these Hungarian cookie energy balls.

5 from 6 votes

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Lemon Energy Bites

Prep Time

5 mins

Total Time

5 mins

 

Bright, citrusy, and nutritious - that's what makes these lemon energy bites a perfect snack option anyone!

Course: Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: lemon energy balls, lemon energy bites

Servings: 10

Calories: 96 kcal

Author: Snacking in Sneakers

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
• 2 tbsp lemon zest (about 1 large lemon)
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 1/2 cup cashews
• 1/2 cup rolled oats (if gluten free, look for certified gluten free)
• 1/3 cup golden raisins
• 1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut

Instructions

1. Place all ingredients in a food processor.  Turn on for about 10-20 seconds, or until the ingredients look well combined. 

2. Roll mixture in your hand to form 10 energy balls.  Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Recipe Notes

Notes: If your energy balls seem a bit dry, you can add 1-2 tbsp of maple syrup or honey. Nutrition analysis: 96 calories, 5.5 g fat, 2 g sat fat, 10 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 4 g sugar, 2.5 g protein, Vitamin A: 0%, Vitamin C: 6%, Calcium: 2%, Iron: 3%

Share with me:  What do you think of these lemon energy bites?  Do you have a favorite energy ball recipe? 

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Chrissy Carroll

Chrissy Carroll is a Registered Dietitian and USAT Level I Triathlon Coach. She specializes in sharing nutrition and fitness tips, as well as recipes, for runners, triathletes, and active women.Chrissy holds a Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition, a Masters Degree in Public Health, and is also an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer.

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