Back in college, I often skipped dining hall meals for my favorite café, Nourish, in downtown Northampton. The aroma of fresh ginger, wheatgrass, and brown rice instantly drew me in. Sure, not everyone might love that smell, but the food was incredible.
Nourish offered a menu packed with fresh juices and made-to-order smoothies. Their bowls combined rice with a mix of fresh and fermented veggies, sprouts, and a hearty helping of avocado. My go-to? The spicy turmeric and ginger dressing on the side. After eating there, I always felt satisfied and energized.
One busy day, I waited by the “to-go” fridge, glancing at peanut noodles and wellness shots. That’s when I spotted small containers of “energy bites.” I remembered the chalky protein bars I survived on during high school dance rehearsals and felt skeptical. But I decided to take a chance.
When I looked at the ingredients, I was pleasantly surprised: almond butter, oats, coconut, dates, vanilla, cinnamon, and chia seeds—all whole foods. I took one bite, and it was delicious—sweet, chewy, and full of flavor.
Energy bites are great because they pack a lot of nutrients in a small size. They blend protein, healthy fats, and natural sugars without being heavy. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be customized to fit anyone’s taste.
Here on Cape Cod, my favorite version comes from Sunbird in Orleans. The “Bird Turd” has been on their menu for 15 years, and according to founder J’aime Sparrow, they’ve sold over 45,000 of these delightful bites. That’s some serious expertise!
J’aime describes the perfect energy bite as one that balances sweetness and a mix of dried fruits, nuts, or seeds. Their Bird Turd includes dates, coconut, puffed rice cereal, and crushed hazelnuts, with a kick of ginger that I particularly enjoy. Interestingly, this snack wasn’t marketed as a health food originally. Its roots trace back to J’aime’s grandmother, who made a similar treat each Christmas. J’aime adapted her recipe but kept its homey charm.
Inspired by J’aime, I decided to experiment with my own version of energy bites. You can adjust the ingredients to your liking, but keep in mind that changing the amount of wet and dry ingredients can affect how well they hold together. I like to make mine about the size of a squash ball and usually end up with 20 bites.
If rolling little balls isn’t your thing, you can press your mixture into a lined 8-by-8 inch pan, chill it, and cut it into bars.
Here’s a simple recipe for my energy bites:
Ant’s Energy Bites (Makes 20 bites)
- 1 cup pitted Medjool dates
- 1 cup walnuts
- 2/3 cup oats
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- ¼ cup pumpkin seeds
- ¼ cup hemp seeds
- 3 Tbsp. chia seeds
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- ¼ cup cacao powder
- ¼ cup almond butter
- Shredded coconut or cacao powder for rolling (optional)
- Soak the dates in boiling water for 10-15 minutes to soften them, then drain.
- Lightly toast the walnuts and oats in the oven at 300°F for around 10 minutes.
- In a food processor, pulse the dry ingredients (including the walnuts and oats) until finely chopped but not fully ground. Transfer to a bowl.
- Add the drained dates, cacao, almond butter, and vanilla to the food processor. Mix until smooth, adding a little water if needed.
- Combine the wet and dry mixtures, stirring well.
- Form small balls with your hands. If it’s sticky, dampen your hands. Roll in coconut or cacao if desired. Store in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for a month.
Energy bites can be a healthy snack, providing a quick boost of energy without any of the artificial taste of processed alternatives. It’s easy to see why they’re a favorite among health enthusiasts today. Plus, they fit well into a busy lifestyle—great for students, athletes, or anyone on the go!
For more tips on healthy snacking, you can refer to resources like the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
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ANT’S ENERGY BITES
