Green Superfood Cacao Energy Balls {Raw, Gluten-Free, Vegan}

Green Superfood Cacao Energy Balls Recipe

Chlorella, barley grass, and spirulina put the green in these cacao energy balls. When combined with cacao, coconut, raisins or dates, and a little cinnamon, they make a quick no-bake snack that is easy to prep ahead and grab on the go.

These energy balls are great for road trips, outdoor adventures, lunch boxes, after-school snacks, or a quick workday bite. They are naturally gluten-free and can be made vegan by using maple syrup instead of honey.

Yield: 14 to 16 energy balls

Green Superfood Cacao Energy Balls Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups dry sunflower seeds
  • 1 1/2 cups raisins or Deglet Noor dates
  • 1/2 cup dried coconut flakes
  • 1/2 cup raw cacao powder
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup, or honey if not making vegan
  • 2 tablespoons water, plus more as needed
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon barley grass powder
  • 1 teaspoon spirulina powder
  • 1 teaspoon chlorella powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For Cacao Dusting

  • 2 tablespoons raw cacao powder

Directions

  1. Add the sunflower seeds, raisins or dates, and coconut flakes to a food processor or high-powered blender.
  2. Pulse until the ingredients are chopped and combined. Stop as needed to scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula. Do not over-blend. The mixture should still have some texture.
  3. Transfer the crumbly mixture to a large bowl.
  4. Add the cacao powder, maple syrup, water, cinnamon, barley grass powder, spirulina powder, chlorella powder, and salt.
  5. Stir until the mixture becomes dough-like. Add a small amount of water as needed to help it hold together.
  6. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough at a time and roll into 1-inch balls.
  7. Dust the energy balls with cacao powder.
  8. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 1 month.

Recipe Tips

Make It Vegan

Use maple syrup instead of honey to keep this recipe vegan. If you choose to use honey, do not serve these energy balls to children under 12 months old.

Adjust the Texture

If the mixture feels too dry, add water 1 teaspoon at a time until it holds together. If it feels too sticky, add a little more cacao powder, coconut, or sunflower seeds.

Kid-Friendly Note

For younger children, serve in an age-appropriate size and texture. You can flatten the energy balls slightly or cut them into smaller pieces if needed.

The Bottom Line

These green superfood cacao energy balls are a simple no-bake snack made with sunflower seeds, raisins or dates, coconut, cacao, and green powders. They are easy to prep ahead, store well, and make a convenient option for busy days.

Enjoy!

In Health and Happiness,

Kelly Harrington, MS, RDN

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for Healthy Goods