These are not your typical high-protein treats, these are a superfood masterpiece – high in antioxidants and essential fats!
In fact, these flax, cacao, and almond balls are so incredibly healthy that you may need to pinch yourself when the decadent flavors enter your mouth!
Therefore, if you’re a fan of healthy foods that don’t necessarily have that healthy-food taste, and, instead, provide you with nutritional goodness with a fantastic flavor, then you’re going to love this recipe.
These days our grocery stores are polluted with unhealthy, addictive foods, and while they may taste good, they allure you and diminish your health in the process.
However, in this guide, we want to help you reclaim your health and turn the tables with these healthy but delicious sweet treats!
With all this in mind, this article aims to show you how delicious healthy food can be with this vegan-friendly flax, cacao, and almond balls recipe.
Let’s get straight into it!
What Are In These Power Protein Balls?
Although, before we delve straight into the recipe, below, we’ll explore everything that makes these protein balls so super.
Hemp Protein Powder
This nutty protein powder is a superfood in and of itself.
Not only does it contain the most complete protein in the whole plant food kingdom, with 21 known amino acids, but it also includes all nine essential amino acids that are required for our health.
Therefore, hemp powder could be considered the king of all protein powders. In addition to these health benefits, it is also a key ingredient in this recipe to bind these delicious sweet treats together.
Where To Purchase Hemp Protein Online?
- USA – Hemp protein powder USA: Terrasoul Superfoods Organic Hemp Protein Powder
- UK – Hemp protein powder UK: Sevenhills Wholefoods Organic Raw Hemp Protein Powder
Other Ingredients In These Vegan-Friendly Protein Balls
Flaxseeds
If you are looking for an excellent and healthy source of omega 3 essential fats (omega 3 has been proven to contain benefits for a healthy heart) then you are going to want to add flaxseeds to all your meals!
Compared to any other plant foods, flaxseeds contain an impressive 800 times the content of lignans.
Not only are lignans known for their antioxidant properties but they are also known for their strong estrogen qualities – making them important for hormone health.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds contain one of the richest plant-based sources of contributing essential fats to the diet. While these seeds may be small, they’re incredibly mighty! Being both high in quality protein and packed with antioxidants.
Chia seeds are extremely versatile and can be added for an extra boost in a range of different recipes. Here, it works well as a warmly welcoming bonus to the chocolate balls.
Almonds
Almonds contain an impressive lineup of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. There are no wonder almonds make a notable addition to this medley of superfoods.
In this recipe, the almonds’ pleasant, nutty sweetness adds heaps of flavor to these protein balls.
If you are looking to gain the highest amount of nutrients, we recommend freshly ground almonds since these retain an impressive nutritional profile – while also maintaining the structure of the protein balls.
Raw Cacao
Packed full of healthy fats, antioxidants, polyphenols, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, cocoa is another plant-based ingredient that provides an additional boost of nutrition to these superfood full protein balls.
Cacao contains theobromine which can help relax smooth muscles, dilate the blood vessels, and stimulate the central nervous system.
The chemicals naturally present in cacao also help to encourage serotonin production, as well as other neurotransmitters which can help relieve depression and inspire a good mood.
Cacao (this is the raw form of cocoa) contains many different components such as proteins, alkaloids, leucine, beta-carotene, lipase, linoleic, theobromine, and lysine.
These elements all work together in perfect harmony to improve both mental and physical health.
Plus, you can not go wrong with the added chocolates that cacao provides. Helping you get your chocolate fix without any guilt feelings (Check out How To Make A Vegan Friendly Ferrero Rocher)!
Maple Syrup
Unlike its distant, refined sugar sweeteners, maple syrups is a natural, unrefined sweetener that provides a healthier alternative.
Here, it brings all the existing ingredients together in a gentle infusion of sweetness. Likewise, you can also replace the maple syrup here with your favorite healthy sweetener, such as agave.
Vanilla Extract
For a little necessary liquid, in this recipe, you’ll find the smallest amount of vanilla extra. At the same time, this provides a subtle treat-like flavoring to the balls.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons ground flax seed
- 2 teaspoons hemp protein powder
- 5 tablespoons ground almonds
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or an alternative)
- 2 tablespoons cacao powder
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Plus extra ground almonds for rolling (optional)
Instructions
- Grind the flaxseeds and almonds using a nut mill or a high-power good processor (alternatively, if you don’t have any of these options, you can simply purchase pre-ground versions).
- In a small mixing bowl, add all the ingredients. Using the back of a spoon, press the mixture in a downward motion. Repeat until everything is moist and completely combined. Be patient here; this may take a while.
- Divide the mixture into seven teaspoon-sized parts, then using the palms of your hand; roll into balls (with or without the ground almonds).
- Place in the refrigerator either immediately or save for later use when you need a boost of energy.
Final Thoughts
Not only are these vegan-friendly flaxseed, cacao, and almond balls incredibly simple to make but they also contain all the nutrients you need for a healthy snack.
Packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and a delicious taste – you won’t even realize these are healthy. Hopefully, this guide has informed you on everything you need to know about these little balls of goodness.
Since my sister introduced me to vegan cooking four years ago, I have discovered so many delicious alternatives to the traditional meaty meals I used to eat.
Today I enjoy trying and making my own vegan-friendly alternatives. If my sister can do it, then so can I (and you can, too). It is easier than you may think, promise!
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