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

1. Instead of hemp seeds, feel free to use another type of seed like chia or flax.
2. Alternatively, you could also swap the hemp seeds with a neutral-tasting nut, like cashews!
3. 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

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!

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