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.
- ½ cup cooked quinoa
- ½ cup coconut milk
- 1 tbs cocoa powder
- 2 tbs coconut butter
- 1 tbs unsweetened applesauce
- 1 scoop of Vega One mocha protein powder, or chocolate protein powder of choice with ½ tbs. ground espresso
- 2 tbs hemp hearts (optional)
- 2 tbs cacao nibs (optional)
- In a glass bowl combine all the ingredients, saving the coconut butter for last.
- Stir in coconut butter and refrigerate at least 1 hour.
- Scoop out in tablespoon sized bites and roll into a ball.
- Drizzle with coconut butter, refrigerate at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
What about you?
- What is your favorite coffee flavor combo?
- Do you love mocha like I do?
- What was one of your favorite college jobs?
These look amazing! I actually have all the ingredients to make these and since that glaze is just killing me, I might have to make these today! What a great recipe, thanks for sharing!
The creativity with the quinoa here is awesome. I’ve never thought to use cooked quinoa in a bites recipe! My KIND bars have raw (maybe toasted?) quinoa in them, and that’s kind of good too…but so so crunchy 😛
I love the idea of using quinoa for protein balls! I’m in LOVE with the Vega One Mocha – I ran out and now I’m sad 🙁
I never thought to use quinoa instead of oats – so smart! You know I love all things Vega, and I JUST got their mocha flavor to try – can’t wait! I’m with you that chocolate/coffee is the best coffee flavor combo.
And let’s see – favorite college job – I worked the front desk at a gym. Loved it!
Quinoa, cocoa, mocha….joys!
(Favorite college job? —-> my own business, aka BLOGGING! Hahahaha!)
These look great! In college I spent one summer as a nanny to this family 4 hours a day. It was so fun and the pay was freaking amazing! lol
What an interesting way to use quinoa. So unique!
I absolutely LOVE mocha! these sound awesome! I love peppermint mocha 🙂
These sound amazing! I bet my boys would love them!
Mocha is the best! These look so tasty and easy.
Fun!!! What a great way to use quinoa.
I love love the new Vega Mocha! No bake for the win.
These look delicious! No bake is PERFECT this time of year too.
I am always amazed at how versatile quinoa is! And love the mocha flavor 😀
Mocha is my weakness.
oh my gosh, these sound and look AMAZING!! ANd they have quinoa! so they’re basically a vegetable, right? 🙂
xo, Candace | Lovely Little Rants
oh no! I’m not sure if my last comment posted… dang it!
These sound absolutely delicious. I’m obsessed with date balls currently, so I feel like these will totally be right up my alley. I love mocha but I also love all things espresso flavor! My favorite college job was in graduate school – does that count? I worked at Lulu lemon.. the discounts were totally worth it 🙂 Happy Wednesday!
This look AMAZING! Cannot wait to try them. Always looking for a new way to sneak some whole grains into the week’s meal plan
I had never thought of including quinoa in my protein bites. I can’t wait to try this recipe the next time I make them! 🙂
Rachel I just love it!! I usually use oats but this was such a fun way to change it up 🙂
these look delicious!
Love that these include quinoa in them – such a clever idea! Looks delicious
Hi Sam,
I love the fact that these yummy bites are made with nutritious quinoa. I am delighted that you shared your wonderful healthy and delicious Mocha Quinoa Energy Bites with us on the Healthy Happy Green and Natural Party Blog Hop. I’m pinning and sharing.
Yum! Thanks for sharing on My 2 Favorite Things on Thursday! Hope to see you again tomorrow!! Pinned!
I’ve never tried Vega One, but this recipe makes me want to give it a try. Pinned and stumbled. Thanks for linking up and sharing with us at Funtastic Friday. Hope you join us again this week.
Hi there
Just stopped by to let you know that I featured this on my Round Tuit post this week!
A Round Tuit 269
Thanks again for linking up! Hope you have a great week!
Jill @ Creating my way to Success