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    Home » Snacks

    Lemon Energy Bites

    June 3, 2022 by Chrissy Carroll 14 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Bright, citrusy, lemon energy bites are a perfect summertime snack option! With just six ingredients, these are easy to make and taste great. The citrus flavor is an invigorating treat any time of day.

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

    Note: This post was originally published in 2018 and has been updated in 2022.

    A bowl of lemon energy bites next to a napkin and sliced lemons.

    Ingredients

    Here are the six ingredients you’ll need to make this recipe:

    NOW Foods oats, coconut, chia seeds, and cashews
    • Lemon – I mean, we can’t really make this recipe without ’em, right? 😉 Quick tip – roll your lemons around on the counter while pressing on them to help release the juice inside, which makes for an easier time getting all the lemon juice outta there. (Or use a citrus squeezer of course).
    • Golden raisins – While many energy balls use dates, I also like using golden raisins sometimes as an alternative. They have a similar sweetness and also provide the necessary stickiness to keep the energy ball together.
    • 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.

    I grabbed all of the ingredients (except the lemon and golden raisins from NOW Foods (I’ve been partnering with them for a while and the quality of their natural food is amazing!). You can get 20% off your NOW order with code CHRISSY.

    Instructions

    Once you’ve got all your ingredients, just measure everything out, toss it in a food processor, and pulse a few times. Roll ’em in your hand and boom – delish lemon energy 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.

    Recipe FAQ

    Here are some questions that may come up as you prepare this recipe:

    How long do energy balls stay good for?

    Stored properly in the refrigerator, these will stay good for up to five days.

    Can you use steel cut oats in energy balls?

    No, steel cut oats are coarser and may not grind down in a food processor properly. Use rolled oats or instant oats.

    Can you freeze lemon energy bites?

    Yes! Feel free to pop them in the freezer; they’ll retain their quality for about 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy one, just set it out on the counter for about 20 minutes.

    A close up of two lemon energy bites on a white table.

    Nutrition

    These lemon energy balls are sweet but only about 100 calories each, so they’re a perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth.  With the blend of carbs and healthy fats is great for active women, and popping one or two will keep you satiated for a while.

    Plus, 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).

    More Energy Bite Recipes

    If you just love a good energy-boosting snack, you’re in luck – I’ve got tons of options here on the blog:

    • Peanut butter apple energy balls
    • Chocolate cherry energy bites
    • Hungarian cookie energy balls
    • Banana peanut butter energy balls
    • Pumpkin spice energy balls

    I hope you’ll give these lemon ones – or any of the other flavors! – a whirl soon! If you get a chance to try them, feel free to leave a recipe rating or comment below.

    A bowl filled with lemon energy bites.

    Lemon Energy Bites

    Snacking in Sneakers
    Bright, citrusy, and nutritious – that’s what makes these lemon energy bites a perfect snack option anyone!
    5 from 6 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 0 mins
    Total Time 10 mins
    Course Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 10 energy balls
    Calories 96 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 tbsp lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
    • 2 tbsp lemon zest (about 1 large lemon)
    • 1 tbsp chia seeds
    • ½ cup cashews
    • ½ cup rolled oats (if gluten free, look for certified gluten free)
    • ⅓ cup golden raisins
    • ¼ cup shredded unsweetened coconut

    Instructions
     

    • Place all ingredients in a food processor.  Turn on for about 10-20 seconds, or until the ingredients look well combined. 
    • Roll mixture in your hand to form 10 energy balls.  Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

    Notes

    • If your energy balls seem a bit dry, you can add a little more lemon juice.
    • If your energy balls are not sticking together, try adding another 1-2 tablespoons of golden raisins, or 1-2 tbsp of honey/maple syrup.
     
    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%

    Nutrition

    Calories: 96kcal
    Keyword lemon energy balls, lemon energy bites
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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

    Feel free to pin this post to share with others!

    Close up of several lemon energy balls with a text overlay for Pinterest.
    • Author
    • Recent Posts
    Chrissy Carroll
    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.
    Chrissy Carroll
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    Comments

    1. Lisa | Garlic & Zest

      May 30, 2018 at 10:03 am

      5 stars
      This sounds like the perfect little energy booster! The cashews and coconut happen to be favorites of mine, and I think this would be a great snack for after a workout!

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        May 31, 2018 at 11:45 am

        Thanks Lisa! I love cashews too – such a rich flavor, right?!

        Reply
    2. Shashi at SavorySpin

      May 30, 2018 at 10:04 am

      5 stars
      These little energy bites are so big on flavor! So perfect for breakfast or even an afternoon pick me up!

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        May 31, 2018 at 11:45 am

        Thanks so much Shashi! 🙂

        Reply
    3. Sara

      May 30, 2018 at 10:05 am

      5 stars
      These look awesome. There are so many yummy things in this recipe that I know these have to be super flavorful!

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        May 31, 2018 at 11:45 am

        Yes! The lemon especially really shines through and I love that citrusy pop.

        Reply
    4. Mirlene

      May 30, 2018 at 10:29 am

      5 stars
      Yes!!!! Love energy bites. Great fle anytime of the day. Pinning these to try soon. Wonderful recipe!!!!

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        May 31, 2018 at 11:46 am

        Awesome, hope you love them!

        Reply
    5. Gloria

      May 30, 2018 at 10:43 am

      5 stars
      Making homemade energy treats is best. We will be having the grandkids here 2 days a week this summer. I know they would welcome these…and me too….I will need all the energy I can get!

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        May 31, 2018 at 11:46 am

        Haha, I’m sure you’ll need energy chasing after the two grandkids!

        Reply
    6. Tracy

      October 28, 2018 at 6:29 pm

      5 stars
      Made these today. These are just what I was looking for. They’re perfect and delicious! Thanks for a great recipe!

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        October 29, 2018 at 7:53 am

        Of course! 🙂 So glad you enjoyed them!

        Reply
    7. Celeste

      June 6, 2022 at 7:40 am

      Finally! Energy bites are usually so blah sounding. Can the coconut be omitted or substituted? I like neither the texture nor the flavor.

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        June 9, 2022 at 9:45 am

        Hi Celeste! Yep, you can leave out the coconut if you’d like 🙂 Recipe should still work fine without it. Enjoy!

        Reply

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    Welcome to Snacking in Sneakers! That's me, Chrissy, and I'm here to share all my favorite fitness, food, & wellness stories & tips. I'm a dietitian, personal trainer, runner, triathlon coach, foodie, not-so-extreme couponer, and all around fun lovin' gal.

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