Oat & Cacao Bites
I tested out these chocolatey bites so I could have an easy on-the-go snack without the hassle of standing in line at the closest coffee shop- nobody got time for that! I also didn’t want to resort to the high fat, high refined sugar snacks that are often marketed as “on-the-go snacks.”
Also, are your granola bars really supposed to last for days, months or even years in your pantry? I was on the hunt for something real, et voila! I store these guys (like all bites) in the fridge because the real ingredients need to be kept cool to help keep them fresher longer. Have you ever thought about it before? Why are granola bars thought to be non-perishable?
Anyways, the chocolatey flavour comes from cacao powder and caco nibs. Raw cacao is the purest form of chocolate. It is often ground into a powder or roughly ground into nibs. I used a bit of both the powder and the nibs in these balls. Cacao not only gives that chocolate flavour, but it is also a powerful superfood providing phytonutrients and minerals which produce anti-oxidant and anti-carcinogenic activity. Cacao is also thought to help lower blood pressure, lower LDL cholesterol levels, help prevent against heart disease as well as improve mood, brain function and even digestion.
Did I mention chocolate?!
I will admit cacao can taste a bit bitter but when mixed with the right ingredients it can be a delicious superfood!
If you don't eat them all at once and you are going to pack them up in a reusable container. First place them on a flat plate or baking sheet and put them in the fridge to cool them off a bit. This will prevent them from sticking together once you pack them up in a tupperware.
Side Notes:
I love adding Smile Natural Foods Wholefoods Blend with fig + cacao for added superfoods, but it is optional much like any ingredient you don't like (i.e.. vanilla or coconut).
I used this mixed nut and seed butter from costco made by 'Nuts for Nature'. It is made with cashews, almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, chia seeds and pumpkin seeds. If you are nut free sub the nut butter for any type of seed butter... or even coconut butter would probably work although I have not tried/tested it.
Lastly, if your are looking for a richer treat added 1-2 Tbsp cacao powder and 2 or more Tbsp nut or seed butter. See second picture,