Sunbutter Chocolate Chip Energy Bites

Having protein-packed and delicious snacks is an absolute must for little kids. I swear they snack all day long! I love making homemade snacks such as these sunbutter chocolate chip energy bites. They are so much healthier than store-bought as I know exactly the ingredients going into them. It can't get any simpler than nut butter, rolled oats, ground flaxseed, honey (or maple syrup!), and some chocolate chips.

In addition to how delicious they are, what I love about this recipe is the creative flavor possibilities. Not into sunbutter? Use pepita or almond butter instead. Don't like chocolate chips? Use your favorite dried fruit. The variations are truly endless!

• sunbutter - this seed butter is a peanut butter alternative and is smooth and creamy. Once Again is my favorite brand to use. Of course, any nut or seed butter will work well in this recipe.
• flaxseed meal - ground flaxseed acts as the binder in this recipe keeping all the ingredients together. It also adds some healthy omega-3s. Bob's Red Mill is my favorite brand to use.
• chocolate chips - chocolate chips add some sweetness to the energy bites. I recommend using mini chocolate chips as you can add more to the recipe and don't overcrowd the energy bite. My favorite brand is Enjoy Life, but feel free to use your favorite brand.
• honey or maple syrup - add sweetness and stickiness to this recipe. I used raw honey when I made this recipe, but maple syrup is a great alternative. Use maple syrup if you are vegan.
• rolled oats - rolled oats are the base of this recipe. They soak up all the deliciousness. One Degree is my favorite brand of rolled oats to use. They are sprouted, which is easier for digestion.

First, combine all the ingredients in a medium-sized bowl.

Mix the ingredients well until a sticky mixture forms.

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, scoop out about 1.5 tablespoons of the mixture and roll into balls. Use up all the dough, and then place the energy bites in the fridge to set for one hour before enjoying.

As I said above, what I love about this recipe is the endless customization. They can truly be made to anyone's taste.

• Don't like sunflower seed butter? Instead of sunbutter, use almond butter, pepita butter, or even good old-fashioned peanut butter instead.
• Adding chia seeds and hempseeds - add one to two tablespoons of chia seeds and/or hempseeds to the mix for added protein.
• Want to skip the chocolate chips? - try mixing in your favorite dried fruit such as dried cherries, cranberries, blueberries, or raisins. Adding in your favorite nut or seeds like pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds is also an option.
• Vegan option - honey is not vegan. Use agave nectar or maple syrup in place of the honey to make this recipe vegan friendly.

I love how well these energy bites store in the so I have snacks all week long!

Store sunbutter chocolate chip energy bites in an airtight container or reusable bags in the fridge for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months. If storing in the freezer, remove and allow to sit on the counter to warm up for 10-15 minutes before enjoying.

Protein is an important macronutrient. Eating protein-packed meals and snacks helps us feel full and satisfied. I think getting protein from all-natural sources, such as nut, seed butter, and animal products is the best.

Energy bites can be a good option for breakfast alongside other foods such as fruit and maybe eggs. I do not like to eat only energy bites for breakfast as they don't satisfy me for long periods. I think they are perfect for quick snacks.

It's important that individuals with rheumatoid arthritis eat a variety of plant-based omega-3s. If healthy and made with wholesome ingredients, energy bites can be a great source of plant-based omega-3s. This recipe uses flaxseed which is full of healthy omega-3s.

There are a couple of differences! The first is the obvious shape. Protein bars are usually cut into long rectangles while bites are rolled into balls.

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