Name: Mocha Quinoa Energy Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 1/2 cup cooked quinoa; 1/2 cup coconut milk; 1 tbs cocoa powder; 2 tbs coconut butter; 1 tbs unsweetened applesauce; 1 scoop Vega One mocha protein powder (or chocolate protein powder of choice with 1/2 tbs. ground espresso); 2 tbs hemp hearts (optional); 2 tbs cacao nibs (optional)

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These vegan energy bites are the perfect no bake sweet treat that double as a perfect post workout snack. The base for this recipe is a bit unexpected, I used cooked quinoa instead of oats, which adds protein and healthy carbs. These energy bites are easy to make and don’t require any baking! They are vegan, gluten free, grain free, dairy free, and packed with awesome chocolaty mocha flavor!

Did you guys know that throughout college I was a barista? Well this pretty much cemented my love for all things coffee flavored for the rest of my existence. Even with all the flavored syrups and goodies to choose from, I never diverged far from my beloved mocha. The chocolate coffee combo is seriously so heavenly. Ok please tell me I’m not the only one that goes crazy for this flavor combo?? Yeah didnt think so.

So you have to understand how excited I got when I heard that Vega One came out with a new mocha flavored protein earlier this year. It’s fantastic! I’ve been putting it in everything I can think of from breakfast quinoa bowls to banana bread to overnight oats. More recipes to come in the near future featuring this awesome flavor. I can’t get enough of it and I think you deserve to celebrate with me. Check out your local Whole Foods to pick up a container today. It’s packed with greens, antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals. All things you would expect from Vega One. I’ve been a fan of Vega One for years. I was sent a sample of the new Mocha protein powder to try. I was not compensated for this post. Please know that all opinions are my own, and in my opinion, you really need to try the new Mocha Flavor!

The base of these energy bites is quinoa. The glue of these energy bites is my beloved coconut butter. It adds a creamy, sensuous texture to the energy bites. Coconut butter also helps these energy bites setup in the fridge, so don’t skip out on it. Just a note, I’m sure that peanut butter would be good substitute, but I didn’t want it to compete with the mocha flavor. Also, I think you will want to reduce the liquid by 1-2 tbs. since the peanut butter will not set up as firm as the coconut butter.

Let’s talk about why I’m really so excited for these protein bites. They are ice cold and packed with healthy carbs which help refuel muscles and send glycogen to fatigued muscles. They are also packed with protein from the Vega One and the quinoa. Protein helps fuel muscles. Without it, muscles do not grow. Since it takes so long to digest, protein is my go-to way to keep hunger at bay. This is why these are a great afternoon snack.

I’m already starting to feel the effects of the summer heat and my workouts. The humidity in the South starts early in the year and it’s in full swing already. Even 15 to 20 minutes after my workout I just can’t seem to get my body to cool down, especially if I have to get into my hot car after my workout. These little babies are a great post-workout snack, they are ice cold which means I am craving them as soon as I get home, which is a great way to get my fuel within 60-90 minutes, which is what is recommended after heavy weight lifting or intense exercise.

4.75 from 4 votes