Pumpkin Seed Butter Energy Bites

If you're looking for peanut and treenut free snack alternatives, I've got you covered with this great recipe using pumpkin seed butter. Pumpkin seed butter is made from roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) and has more protein than any other seed or nut butter available at 10g protein/2 tbsp. It's also a great source of zinc. 

Because we're using dates to sweeten this recipe the added sugar is limited to the few chocolate chips being added. These energy bites offer well-rounded (pun intended!) nutrient profile including whole carbohydrates and fibre from the dates and oats, protein, iron, zinc, and omega 3 fatty acids.

To ensure this snack is completely allergen free you will want to purchase dried fruit that claims peanut/nut free, choose gluten free oats, dairy free chocolate chips, and double check your pumpkin seed butter label carefully (avoid if says, "may contain...").

Ingredients

1 cup dried dates, soaked in warm water ~10 minutes (to soften); then drain

2/3 cup rolled oats

3 tbsp natural pumpkin seed butter

2 tbsp chocolate chips

1 tbsp hemp hearts

1 tbsp unsweetened coconut flakes

Directions

In a food processor, combine all the ingredients and pulse in the beginning to start the mixing process. Mix until you have a uniform mixture (but stop before it starts to form into one sticky ball).

With your hands, roll into ~10 balls.

Store in the refrigerator up to 5 days.

Submitted by Brooke Bulloch, RD