I have been making these balls (am I the only one who still giggles at that word?lol) for quite some time now. I’ve given them many different names: vital bites, energy bites, energy balls, almond/date balls etc. But I never called them “vegan balls” because unless something has to be “veganized” it doesn’t need a ‘Vegan’ label as far as I am concerned.
But lately I have had a few people call them Vegan Balls, and I think it’s funny. Because like I said they don’t need that label, there is nothing about these that would make them not vegan.
However, I am going to go with it and just leave that in there.

I make these balls on a weekly basis and they are so great to have on hand for before or after a workout or yoga class, or mid-morning or afternoon snack.

They’re so delicious it’s hard to believe they aren’t bad for you but with no added sugars and the only sweetness coming from the dates they’re actually an excellent healthy option.

These take little time to prepare and make and will last in the fridge for a few weeks, if you don’t eat them all first.

This is the base version and you can spice them up however you like:
Ingredients:
1 Cup of Raw Almonds
2 Cups pitted dates
1/4 cup unsweetened coconut
3 Tbsp Cacao Powder
Optional:
1 Tbsp Coconut Oil

Add Almonds to food processor and pulse into tiny crumbs
Add dates, coconut & cacao (and coconut oil if using)
Pulse until it forms almost a dough like texture.
Remove from processor into a bowl
Roll into 1/2-1″ size balls and place on plate or cookie sheet
Place in the freezer to set about 15 minutes
Store in the refrigerator

I usually consider 2 balls a portion size, approx 160 calories per 2 balls (not that I am counting calories!)

Enjoy!

Lots of Vegan Ball Love
Janine XO