Cacao and Chia Bliss Balls (Sugar-free)
VEGAN II GLUTEN FREE II PALEO II DAIRY FREE II SESAME FREE II FISH FREE II NIGHTSHADE FREE II SHELLFISH FREE
These healthy bliss balls are packed with wholesome, nutty flavours—rich, chocolatey, and surprisingly good for you.
You only need 15 minutes to whip them up, and they can stay fresh for weeks. But let's be honest, they'll probably disappear much sooner because they're that tasty!
This snack is incredibly versatile, with endless ingredient options to suit your taste. Loaded with energy-boosting dates and nuts, these bliss balls are the ultimate guilt-free pick-me-up.
Notes on ingredients for Cacao and Chia Bliss Balls
Dates
Medjool dates are the best dates for these healthy bliss balls. They are really soft and squidgy, which makes them easier to blend. They have a gorgeous caramel flavour too, which is so tasty.
Almond butter
I used smooth butter for these healthy bliss balls because I added nuts and seeds; the smooth butter helps bind everything together.
Cacao powder
Cacao is the raw, unprocessed version of cocoa. Both can benefit your health, but it's best to stick to either the raw version, cacao, or a chocolate product that has a high chocolate liquor content. Raw cacao can take some getting used to. It tastes a little different than cocoa products and can be slightly bitter.
Think of cacao as cocoa powder's healthier cousin. Cacao powder has been celebrated for centuries for its various nutritional benefits. Raw cacao powder is naturally rich in copper, magnesium, zinc, and protein, which nourish your body in multiple ways. It is called raw because it hasn’t been heat-treated above 118 degrees and so retains more of its nutrients and antioxidants than its cousin, the roasted-to-death version. Read more about cacao powder V cocoa powder here.
Almonds
I love using almonds they are also high in healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, protein and various important nutrients. Feel free to sub with other nuts for these healthy bliss balls if you prefer. Roasted hazelnuts would be a good shout.
Chia seeds
One ounce (28 grams) of chia seeds has close to 10 grams of dietary fibre. That means they’re a whopping 35% fibre by weight. Most of the fibre in chia seeds is soluble fibre. It absorbs water, becomes gel-like, and expands in your stomach to slow your digestion and help you feel full after a meal.
Chia seeds are versatile and can be used in many recipes. I love them sprinkled on salads, and I also use them in baking as an egg replacement. I embrace their gel-like consistency by mixing them with liquid and making chia pudding. They are also great for thickening sauces.
Ingredients
FAQs
What are bliss balls?
Bliss balls are bite-sized snacks made from wholesome ingredients like nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and sometimes oats or spices. They're often a healthy, no-bake treat.
Are bliss balls actually healthy?
Yes, bliss balls are a healthy snack. They are made with nutritious ingredients like dates and nuts, which provide plenty of vitamins and minerals. Plus, they contain no added sugar or additives, so you can be sure you're getting all the health benefits from these tasty treats.
Can I mix different flavors in one batch?
You can divide the base mixture and add different spices, fruits, or coatings to create variety.
Can I add protein powder to bliss balls?
Yes. Mixing in protein powder is a great way to boost their nutritional profile. Adjust liquids to prevent dryness by adding a little more coconut oil or nut butter if the mixture is too dry.
What is the difference between a bliss ball and a protein ball?
Bliss Balls are generally sweeter due to the use of dates. They have a chewy texture with the crunch of nuts and seeds. Protein Balls Can have a more substantial texture due to the protein powder and nut butters. They may be less sweet and more focused on the nutritional boost.
Are bliss balls good for pre-or post-workout snacks?
Yes. They're a portable energy boost with natural carbs and fats, ideal for before or after workouts.
How do I stop bliss balls from sticking to my hands when rolling?
Chill the mixture for 15–20 minutes beforehand. Lightly coat your hands with water or oil to reduce sticking.
Do bliss balls need to be refrigerated?
Yes. Since they're made from perishable ingredients, refrigerate them to keep them fresh and firm.
How long do bliss balls last?
When stored in the fridge in an airtight container, they typically last up to two weeks. You can freeze them for a longer shelf life.
Tips
Some great topping/coating ideas for these healthy bliss balls:
Try rolling the balls in coconut or cacao powder
Some great variations to this healthy bliss balls recipe:
Use roasted hazelnuts and hazelnut butter instead of almonds
Use pistachio butter and chopped pistachios instead of almonds
Add orange zest to the mix
Add mint extract to the mix for a yummy mint and chocolate variation.
Add 1 tsp of cinnamon, green cardamon powder, ground ginger or a pinch of ground cloves to these healthy bliss balls.
Makes 24 portions- 15 mins prep time
Step by step
Recipe
400 g dates ( stoned )
5 tbsp cacao powder
15 g chia seeds
25 g pumpkin seeds
25 g sunflower seeds
2 tbsp coconut oil
200 g almonds
3 tsp smooth almond butter
Method
Put all the ingredients into a food processor and blend till it forms a sticky mix. If your food processor isn’t very high powered it may take up to 10 minutes to get the correct consistency.
Scrape down the sides of the food processor so all the ingredients are evenly mixed with the spoon or spatula,
Once adequately blended, roll into balls, If your not able to roll them into balls they just need to be blended more.
The balls that I made were all 33 g each, however you do not need to weigh them I wanted uniformed balls so the photography looked good.
Leave in the fridge to chill for 30 minutes. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Food shopping tips
Are you looking to save money on your FREE FROM ingredients without shopping in several places to save a buck? Take a look at Well Easy. They have made it super simple to shop for healthy free from allergy-specific ingredients. Find everything you need all in 1 place with over 50 filters. You will be sure to find food for your dietary restrictions that are healthy, too!
And it’s cheaper than the health stores or supermarkets, don’t believe me? Take a look for yourself here. Check out my curated shopping list of all my recommended healthier ingredients that I love to cook with. Here’s the link. Use my code KAM10 for £10 off your first order ( £50 minimum order for the first shop).
This blog contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase using the links. I have personally vetted and used all the products that I recommend.
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