Need a little sweet energy boost that is good for you? Try making a batch of these Matcha Energy Balls. They are filled with sweet dried dates, raw cashews, protein powder, cocoa powder, and covered in good-for-you matcha powder. They only take 15 minutes to make a batch and can be stored in your freezer. You will have some ready whenever you need a pick me up.
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Why make this recipe
One of the latest buzzwords in nutrition is antioxidants which are naturally occurring chemicals compounds that prevent chronic diseases and aging. The more you can get into your diet the more your body can fight against these.
Fruits and vegetables are filled with antioxidant properties however matcha surpasses them all in comparison, considering it better than most superfoods.
What is matcha powder?
Matcha is a finely ground powder made from specially grown and processed green tea leaves. The green tea plants for matcha are grown in the shade for approximately the last three weeks before harvest.
This allows for the plants to produces more theanine and caffeine. When harvested the stems and veins are removed before the plant is dried and ground into a fine powder. This is consumed by dissolving in water or milk.
Jade Leaf Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder
Why is matcha good for you?
Among many of the health benefits matcha provides is it boosts metabolism and burns calories, detoxifies effectively and naturally. It is rich in fiber, chlorophyll, and vitamins and it enhances mood and aids in concentration. It also provides vitamin C, selenium, chromium, zinc, and magnesium and lowers cholesterol and blood sugar.
I personally drink it daily as a colon cancer survivor. Matcha contains a unique potent class of antioxidants known as catechins which can not be found in any other foods. The catechin EGCg(epigallocatechin gallate) provides potent cancer-fighting properties. Catechins contort the effects of free radicals from pollution, UV rays, radiation and, chemicals.
These can lead to cell and DNA damage. Since over 60% of the catechins in matcha is actually EGCg, drinking matcha daily can help restore and preserve the body’s well-being and balance.
What is an energy ball?
Energy balls are a satiating combination of protein, good carbs, healthy fats, and a touch of natural sweetness. They are easy to take along for a healthy on-the-go snack after exercising or a busy day working at the office.
What do energy balls taste like?
I am always looking for recipes that help me get more matcha into my diet so I created these matcha power balls. Each energy ball is filled with sweet dried dates, raw cashews, cocoa powder, and matcha which creates a fudgy chewy inside and a fresh crisp outside.
Are protine balls bad for you?
Protein balls can be a healthy snack when incorporated into a balanced diet. They shouldn't be eaten as though they're a balanced meal. They are meant to be a quick, nutritious snack.
Recipe instructions
- Add dates and cashews to food processor and process until they form a sticky ball
- Add cocoa powder, matcha powder, protein powder, and almond milk
- Process until all ingredients have been combined and cocoa into a large sticky ball again.
- Grease hands with a little coconut oil and roll mixture into 12 small balls. I like using a cookie scoop to separate the dough into even sizes.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of matcha powder with 1 teaspoon stevia in a small bowl, stir well to mix.
- Roll the ball into matcha powder until coated well.
Tips
- walnuts
- dried cranberries
- Dark Chocolate Chips by Lily's
Dark Chocolate Chips by Lily's | Stevia Sweetened, No Added Sugar, Low-Carb, Keto
What to roll the balls in
First, I use a cookie scoop to divide my dough into even size pieces. Then I grease my hands with a bit of coconut oil and roll the dough into balls. I then roll them into a mixture of stevia and matcha powder, coating them thoroughly.
How long do they keep?
You can keep the energy balls for up to two weeks in your refrigerator. You can also store them in the freezer for up to 3 months in an airtight ziplock freezer bag. Be sure and allow them to thaw to room temperature on the counter before eating.
How to store
It is best to store energy balls in an airtight container in your refrigerator. They will remain fresh for up to two weeks.
Can I make these into protine bars?
This recipe would be easy to make into protein bars. I suggest tripling it and pressing the mixture into a small baking pan, and slice into bars. Then sprinkle the matcha powder and stevia mix evenly over the top.
More energy ball snacks
Healthy Lemon Ginger Energy Balls recipe is a great way to combat the effects of nausea when going through chemo or during pregnancy. Their soothing slightly sweet lemony ginger taste is packed with protein which makes them a perfect light snack for everyone.
Christmas Pudding Protein Balls are filled with traditional warm spices like cinnamon, allspice, cocoa, and a touch of orange, then sweetened with dates and raisins.
Recipe
Matcha Energy Balls
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup dates soft, pitted sticky
- 1/2 cashews raw
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder unsweetened
- 2 tablespoon matcha green tea powder divided in 1/2
- 2 tablespoons protein powder chocolate
- 1/4 cup almond milk unsweetened; more if needed to make the balls sticky and roll easily
- 1/4 teaspoon stevia optional
Instructions
- Add dates and cashews to food processor and process until they form a sticky ball
- Add cocoa powder, matcha powder, protein powder, and almond milk
- Process until all ingredients have been combined and cocoa into a large sticky ball again.
- Grease hands with a little coconut oil and roll mixture into 12 small balls. I like using a cookie scoop to separate the dough into even sizes.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of matcha powder with 1 teaspoon stevia in a small bowl, stir well to mix
- Roll the ball into matcha powder until coated well.
- Store in refrigerator for up to two weeks or 2 months in freezer
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