Two months into the school year, and if you’re anything like me, the lunch grind is getting old fast. It’s always a challenge to find something healthy that my daughter will actually eat. But this snack knocks it out of the park. These almond butter protein balls are easy, delicious, made with whole food ingredients, are allergy friendly, and they’re not just for kids! This is a snack the whole family will love. I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve grabbed a few for a quick breakfast on the go.
Why Almonds and Hemp Seeds Rock
Why choose almonds and hemp seeds for your snack-time ingredients? Almonds are more than tasty; they’re a powerhouse of nutrients, rich in protein, heart-healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants. Hemp seeds aren’t far behind, with their perfect balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that are fantastic for brain health and reducing inflammation. This duo makes each bite of these protein balls nutritious and satisfying. And if almond butter isn’t quite your jam, swap it out with any nut or seed butter you love.
Organic All the Way
We all want the best for our bodies, and opting for organic ingredients means you’re cutting down on pesticides and upping your food's nutritional value. Think organic is too pricey? Think again! You can snag fantastic deals on organic essentials like almond butter, hemp hearts, and rolled oats at places like Costco, Aldi, and Lidl, making healthy choices easy on the wallet.
Switching from Peanut to Almond Butter
I used to whip these up with peanut butter, and yes, they were delicious. But once I learned about the risks of aflatoxins—a nasty toxin from mold that can sneak into peanut crops—I switched to almond butter. Aflatoxins can cause serious health issues, including liver damage and increase cancer risks. If you’re sticking with peanut butter, make sure it’s made from Valencia peanuts. These are less likely to harbor aflatoxins thanks to their dry growing conditions. Be sure the Valencia peanuts are grown in the USA and roasted to lower the risk of aflatoxins even more. Remember, the best peanut butter ingredient list is just organic peanuts and salt.
Now, let’s get to the fun part—making these yummy snack balls.
Almond Butter Protein Balls
Ingredients:
3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup organic almond butter (or Valencia peanut butter)
2 tablespoons ground flax seeds
2 tablespoons hemp hearts
2 tablespoons honey
A pinch of salt
Instructions:
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until the mixture is well combined and doesn’t stick to your hands.
Scoop the mixture into heaping tablespoons, then roll them into balls.
Pop them into your mouth right away, or store them in the fridge—they’re perfect for up to a week.
Whether packing these for a school snack or grabbing one before a meeting, these almond butter protein balls will keep everyone happy and full. They’re quick to make, delicious to eat, and packed with everything good—just what you need for a busy day!
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