The month of May and early June marked the end of the school year and work projects. It felt like a mad dash to get to the starting line of summer. I was running all the time to get somewhere but often forgetting where I was supposed to be and why?

I’m not a fan of grab and go eating.  Even if there are a few minutes to sit and eat, I feel less stressed and more nourished. However, I realize that some days are so frenetic that it is important to pack snacks that will provide you proper fuel until your next meal. These matcha green tea energy bites redefine eating on the go .

They are refined sugar free relying only on the natural sweetness from figs and dates. They are packed with protein and healthy fats from coconut oil, shredded coconut and almond flour. I used turkish figs because they are less sweet than black mission figs which I prefer for this recipe.  The figs are also a lighter color which give these bites a subtle green hue from the matcha green tea powder.

I wanted to use matcha green tea powder in these bites because matcha green tea is known for its powerful health benefits. It is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, a mood enhancer and helps to lower cholesterol. It also provides your body caffeine, but as energy that is released throughout the day instead of in one single punch. Incorporating a little matcha in your diet goes a long way.

I’ve used my favorite ingredients which paired together create a tasty, easy to make, healthier version of a grab and go snack. I hope you enjoy them too. Happy first day of summer everyone! 💚

Matcha Green Tea Energy Bites

Free from: peanut, sesame, egg, dairy, gluten, soy, refined sugar

Makes about 12-14 mini bites

• 1 cup dried Turkish figs, about 9 figs or 6 oz, chopped and soaked. I use Gerbs
• 3 small dates, Arya or 1 large Medjool, chopped
• 1 cup almond flour
• 1 tablespoon matcha powder. I use Jade Leaf Matcha
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut plus extra for rolling
• 1 capful vanilla extract
• 2 ½ tablespoon unrefined coconut oil, melted
• 1 tablespoon fig/date water

For Rolling:

• Fennel pollen. Or you can use bee pollen
• Unsweetened shredded coconut
• Honey powder. I use Oaktown Spice honey powder (optional)
• Additional matcha for an extra boost

Prepare one small baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper. You also need two (or three) small plates or sheets of parchment paper for rolling the energy bites. Set aside.

Place figs and dates in a bowl and cover with hot water. Let sit for 10-15 minutes or until soft. Drain and reserve soaking water. Set aside.

In a small food processor, blend everything together; figs, dates, almond flour, matcha powder, ground ginger, salt, shredded coconut, vanilla, coconut oil and fig/date water. Mix until well combined. Mixture should stick together. Add more water, if necessary.

Using a spatula, scrape sides and transfer to a small mixing bowl. Using a mini ice cream scoop (about the size of a tablespoon), portion out mixture onto a plate or half baking sheet. Use your hands to smooth out into a consistency similar to a truffle.

Roll each energy bite with shredded coconut, fennel pollen and/or honey powder, sprinkling as you turn in a circle. Pat down and smooth again. They should easily stick to the outside of each bite.

Lay energy bites onto your parchment lined baking sheet or plate. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or in the freezer for 10 minutes.

Eat & store in the refrigerator within a week (if they last that long) or keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Pop out and let sit at room temperature. They will be ready for snack time.

*Notes:

• It is best to measure out figs on a scale since they weigh differently based on size.