Easy Coconut Matcha Energy Balls
These coconut matcha energy balls are such an easy, healthy make-ahead snack idea. Matcha provides an added boost of energy and nutrition benefits. Recipe is vegan, gluten-free, and no-bake!
These no-bake matcha energy balls were inspired by one of my reader favourite recipes – these chocolate coconut date balls! The base of this recipe is similar, but with a different flavour profile from the matcha powder, vanilla, and cinnamon.
I start almost every morning with matcha for the last 10 or so years, and I thought it would be such a lovely addition to an energy ball recipe. Because matcha contains caffeine, it provides an extra burst of energy (a true energy ball!!)
As a dietitian, I always want to make sure I’m sharing snack recipes that are nutritious and that will actually keep you full between meals. This energy ball recipe packs in fiber, plant-based protein, healthy fats, and energizing carbs.
Want more energy ball recipe ideas? Check out my roundup of healthy, no-bake energy balls! I’ve also got a roundup of 30+ healthy meal prep snack recipes for even more snack inspiration!
What Is Matcha?
Matcha is a type of green tea in which young tea leaves are ground into a bright green powder. When you drink matcha, you’re consuming the whole tea leaves (and therefore maintaining most of their nutrients). In comparison, when you drink traditional green tea, the tea leaves are steeped and then thrown away.
Matcha is grown and cultivated in Japan. It’s been a part of traditional Japanese tea ceremonies for centuries, but has grown in popularity in the west over the last 10 or so years.
Please note that matcha contains caffeine, meaning this recipe does too!
Ingredients Needed
All you need to make these matcha energy balls are 7 simple, healthy ingredients:
- medjool dates
- matcha powder
- hemp seeds
- vanilla extract
- cinnamon
- desiccated (shredded) coconut
- almond flour
Need a matcha powder recommendation? There are many different matcha brands available, all varying in their quality. I’ve tried many that aren’t very good, and you can usually tell when the powder is very pale green (look for something vibrant). If you live in North America, my 3 favourite matcha brands include: Ippodo, Whisk, and Matchaful.
Ingredient Modifications & Swaps
- Instead of hemp seeds, feel free to use another type of seed like chia or flax.
- Alternatively, you could also swap the hemp seeds with a neutral-tasting nut, like cashews!
- Instead of almond flour, you could try making these with coconut flour or even oat flour (this would be a great nut-free option).
Favourite Food Processor For Energy Balls
Large Food Processor
This is my go-to large food processor from Cuisinart. It’s a super quick and powerful way to create things like energy balls, sauces, shredded cheese, veggies, and more!
Recipe Nutrition Benefits
Matcha Nutrition:
- rich in a class of antioxidants called catechins, and is particularly high in one called EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate)
- antioxidants are known to provide a variety of health benefits
Coconut Nutrition:
- rich in minerals, like:
- manganese
- copper
- magnesium
- selenium
- potassium
- iron
- zinc
- a source of insoluble fiber, which helps to promote digestive health and regularity
- a source of fat
- fat helps with the development of our brains, hormones, and all cells throughout our bodies
- fat also helps to absorb fat-soluble vitamins and helps to keep us feeling full and satisfied
- despite coconut being higher in saturated fats, research shows that coconut intake may actually improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels
Medjool Date Nutrition:
- rich in dietary fibre (2 dates provide over 3 grams)
- a source of essential micronutrients like:
- potassium
- magnesium
- copper
- manganese
- iron
- vitamin B6
- a source of antioxidants like flavonoids, carotenoids, and phenolic acid
- like other dried fruit, they’re a concentrated source of natural sugar and are not a low sugar food
- despite their high sugar content, they also pack in a ton of nutrition benefits and can be enjoyed in moderation!
- the protein, fibre, and fat content of the other ingredients in this recipe will lessen the impact of dates on blood sugar
Hemp Seed Nutrition:
- one of the best plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which play a role in heart health, brain health, and reducing inflammation throughout the body
- a great source of plant-based protein, with just 3 tablespoons providing 10 grams of complete protein
- a good source of micronutrients, like:
- vitamin E
- zinc
- iron
- calcium
- potassium
- magnesium
How To Store Matcha Balls
If you think you’ll eat these balls up within the week, simply store them in an airtight container in your fridge.
However, if you’d like to keep them for longer you can store them in a freezer-safe container in the freezer. Just be sure to thaw the balls for a few minutes before you enjoy them!
More Easy, Healthy Energy Ball Recipes
- Easy Chocolate Coconut Date Balls
- 5-Ingredient Chocolate Hazelnut Bliss Balls
- No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Energy Bites
- Healthy Carrot Cake Energy Bites
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Balls
Did you give this Coconut Matcha Energy Balls Recipe a try? Let me know by leaving a comment and recipe rating below!
If you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram or Pinterest – seeing your creations always makes my day. You can also subscribe to my email list to never miss a new recipe or nutrition education post!
Get the Recipe: Easy Coconut Matcha Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 2 cups medjool dates, pitted (roughly 17 dates, depending on size)
- 2 tsp matcha powder
- 1 cup dessicated coconut
- 3/4 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup hemp seeds
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- PREP: Line a baking sheet or plate with parchment paper. Set aside.Optional: place a few spoonfuls of desiccated coconut into a separate small bowl or dish. This is NOT the 1 cup of coconut that goes into the balls, but what the balls get rolled into so that they're coated on the outside (if you'd like them to be)!
- Add all ingredients to a large food processor. Pulse until it forms a paste-like texture. If things aren't sticking together, feel free to add a splash more water until it does.
- Using a large spoon, take a couple spoonfuls of the mixture from the food processor and place it in your hands. Roll into balls, then roll the balls in the dish with the coconut until the outsides of the balls are fully coated (extra coconut part optional!). Place finished ball onto the parchment lined baking sheet/plate. *this part is meant to be a little messy!
- Repeat until all mixture is used up. Recipe as written should make about 10-12 balls, depending on size.
- Place the plate/sheet of balls into the freezer for 2 hours to allow them to firm.
- Allow balls to thaw for a couple minutes before you enjoy them. The texture is meant to be soft and chewy. Store remaining in the fridge or freezer for later!
Notes
- Instead of hemp seeds, feel free to use another type of seed like chia or flax.
- Alternatively, you could also swap the hemp seeds with a neutral-tasting nut, like cashews!
- Instead of almond flour, you could try making these with coconut flour or even oat flour (this would be a great nut-free option).
Nutrition
As a dietitian, I create recipes with whole food ingredients that provide the nutrients needed for optimal health. My nutrition philosophy does not focus on numbers; however, I understand that this information can be helpful.
Do note that the nutrition info provided is an estimate and I cannot guarantee correctness of the displayed values. These numbers will differ depending on brands used, recipe modifications, and amount eaten. If you require specific nutrition information due to medical reasons, please consult with your dietitian or physician.
Did you make this recipe?
Let me know by leaving a recipe rating below, or by tagging @walderwellness on Instagram. I love seeing your beautiful creations!
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4 Comments on “Easy Coconut Matcha Energy Balls”
This is delicious. Approximate calories please.
Hi Alpa! Thanks so much – I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed these!
I don’t count calories so I don’t have a number for you unfortunately. I share more about my nutrition philosophy and why I don’t share numbers on my FAQ page if you’re interested. Thanks for understanding 🙂
Made these and they are very satisfying and delicious! I would love the nutrition fact for each ball! Susan
Hi Susan! I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed these – thank you so much for sharing your experience!!
Unfortunately I don’t have the nutrition facts calculated for these. For both personal and professional reasons, I intentionally choose not to include the exact nutrition breakdown of my recipes. Ultimately, focusing on numbers goes against my nutrition philosophy as a dietitian and I much prefer to highlight the various health benefits of the whole food ingredients that I use! You can read more about my decision not to include them on my FAQ page if interested.
That said, if you would like to calculate the nutrition breakdown you can always enter the recipe into a nutrition calculator like MyFitnessPal! Thank you so much for understanding 🙂