Date, almond and cocoa energy balls

Indulgent, soft and no-bake, these date, almond and cocoa energy balls are the perfect homemade snack, for athletes and for small hunger pangs alike. In a few minutes in a food processor, you get naturally sweet bites with no refined sugar or additives, which slip easily into a gym bag or school bag. The dates act as fuel (natural sugars that are quickly available), the almonds are a source of healthy fats and protein, and the cocoa brings intensity and antioxidants. A healthy, inexpensive alternative to shop-bought energy bars.

Prep time: 15 min  |  Cooking time: 0 min  |  Servings: 12  |  Difficulty: Easy

Calculated per serving from Anses Ciqual 2025 values for each ingredient, based on the quantities in the list. Household measures (spoonfuls, items) use average weights. 109 kcal · 2 g protein · 14 g carbohydrate · 4 g fat

Ingredients

• 200 g dates (stoned)
• 100 g almonds
• 2 tbsp unsweetened low-fat cocoa powder
• 1 tbsp rolled oats
• 1 pinch of salt

Method

1. Blitz the almonds on their own for a few seconds to a coarse powder (keep a little texture for crunch).
2. Add the stoned dates, cocoa, oats and salt, then blitz until you have a sticky dough that clumps together. If it is too dry, add 1 to 2 dates; if too wet, a little more oats.
3. Take small portions and roll them into little balls between your slightly damp palms.
4. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes so they firm up before eating.

Nutritional benefits

These energy balls are designed as a functional snack. Dates provide simple carbohydrates (glucose, fructose) that are quickly absorbed, perfect just before exercise for immediate energy, as well as potassium. Almonds balance things out with unsaturated fats, fibre, magnesium and a little plant protein, which moderates how fast the sugars are absorbed. Low-fat cocoa adds antioxidant polyphenols and magnesium, a mineral involved in muscle function. With no added sugar or oil, they are an energy-dense but nutritious bite, far better than an ultra-processed shop-bought bar.

Variations and substitutions

• Post-workout protein version: add 1 scoop of protein powder and a little water to adjust the texture.
• Nut-free: replace the almonds with sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
• Flavours: add orange zest, vanilla, desiccated coconut or peanut butter.
• Coating: roll the balls in desiccated coconut or cocoa.

Storage and making ahead

Energy balls keep for a week in the fridge in an airtight container, and up to 2 months in the freezer. Make a big batch in advance: they are the ideal homemade snack to always have to hand, to avoid less healthy grazing.

💡 Good to know

Before a workout, eat 1 or 2: the sugar in the dates gives a quick energy boost that is easy to digest. For a more complete recovery snack, pair them with a source of protein (yoghurt, protein shake) to support muscle repair.

Read next

Discover more high-protein recipes · gluten-free recipes · vegan recipes · healthy & balanced recipes.

Ingredients in this recipe: dates · almonds · unsweetened cocoa · oats · salt.

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