New trendy and healthy snack, the Energy Balls have appeared on the market. Ideal appetite suppressant, these small balls are quality energy bombs and we recognize 1001 virtues to them. But why not try making them yourself? Let's discover together what these famous "Energy Balls" are and how to make them!

Balls of energy

These little balls made of dried fruits, nuts and seeds have many benefits. They are certainly quite caloric but have the advantage of being super nutritious. Rich in protein and fiber and low in fatty acids, it is the collation ideal for everyone, whether you are athletic or not, adult or child, ... In addition, their composition can be varied endlessly, which has the advantage of pleasing everyone. 

• For children, Energy Balls provide quality energy while limiting the additives found in industrial snacks. 

• For older kids, they're super filling, which calms cravings on long mornings or afternoons. 

• For athletes it is the ideal snack, both to fill up on energy before the effort and in recovery after it. These little balls provide them with quality protein as well as carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, which helps compensate for losses. 

And finally for vegetarians or gluten and lactose intolerant, this represents a simple and delicious recipe while respecting their beliefs or intolerances. 

A simple but important composition from a nutritional point of view

The Energy Balls are small raw balls with a very simple composition.

Indeed, their base is made on the one hand of dried fruits such as dates, figs, apricots, grapes, apples, ... and on the other hand of oilseeds such as walnuts, hazelnuts, cashews, almonds, ...

Dried fruits are used as a source of sugar quickly available to the body. They are the reason the Energy Balls provide that "boost" effect. Oilseeds, meanwhile, are used for their good oils and for their fiber content, which will decrease the glycemic index of the snack. We then add other foods to vary the tastes and benefits as spirulina, turmeric, goji berries, chia seeds, ...

Their richness in quality vegetable oils provided by oilseeds, makes them an ally of the health of your cardiovascular system. Moreover, the fibers they contain, besides lowering the glycemic index, will play a beneficial role on your transit and the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants content provided by the different ingredients will allow your body to function optimally and fight against free radical attacks. 

Note, however, that if you make them yourself, you don't need to add any other sources of sugar besides dried fruit. Even if you choose quality and natural ingredients like agave syrup or honey, they will increase the glycemic index of your snack and disguise the taste of the other ingredients used. 

Energy Balls: our recipes

In order to know their exact composition and get the most out of their freshness, we advise you to make your own Energy Balls. It couldn't be easier because you'll only need a few ingredients and the icing on the cake, the Energy Balls require no cooking. 

Be careful if you are allergic or intolerant to nuts!  

Below are three recipes from Energy Balls. We have chosen recipes with very different compositions to show you the wide range of possibilities. If you are testing other recipes that call for rolled oats, be aware that these can be replaced with rice or buckwheat flakes for those who are gluten intolerant. 

Recipe #1: Dates and cashews

Ingredients (for 6 balls): 

• 100g of dates
• 100g of cashew nuts
• 1 teaspoon of liquid vanilla
• 2 tablespoons of water

The step by step recipe of the energy balls with dates and cashew nuts

• Blend the dates and cashews in a food processor or blender.
• Add vanilla and water and blend again. 
• Scoop a tablespoon of the mixture and form a small ball by hand. 
• Repeat with the rest of the mixture. 

Leave to cool for 1 hour in the fridge before eating.

Recipe #2: Figs and pistachios

Ingredients (for 6 balls):

• 50g almonds soaked overnight
• 50g of hazelnuts soaked overnight
• 100g of figs dried
• A pinch of salt
• 3 tablespoons of coarsely crushed unsalted pistachios
• 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds

The recipe for energy balls with figs and pistachios:

• Blend the almonds, hazelnuts and figs with the pinch of salt in a food processor or blender until smooth. 
• Scoop a tablespoon of the mixture and form a small ball by hand.
• Roll the resulting ball in the pistachio pieces and sesame seeds.
• Repeat with the rest of the mixture. 

Leave to cool for 1 hour in the fridge before eating. 

Recipe #3: Apricot Almonds

Ingredients (for 6 balls):

• 50g dried apricots
• 50g of raisins
• 50g of almonds
• 50g of nuts
• 3 tablespoons of coconut powder
• 1 tablespoon of flax seeds
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder

The recipe for the Apricot Almond Energy Ball

• Blend apricots, raisins, almonds and walnuts in a food processor or blender until smooth. Add vanilla extract and cinnamon and mix well. 
• Scoop a tablespoon of the mixture and form a small ball by hand. 
• Roll the resulting ball in the flax seeds and coconut powder.
• Repeat with the rest of the mixture. 
• Leave to cool for 1 hour in the fridge before eating. 

Note that these Energy Balls contain an average of 300kcal per 100 grams, so while they are healthy and digestible, you shouldn't overdo it. Eat no more than 2 to 3 per day as a snack and eat them slowly. They can be stored in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 weeks. 

Have a good tasting!