Fill in the blank: a superfood is________
(a) a particularly nutrient dense whole food
(b) a marketing ploy
(c) a delicious ingredient for a protein bar
(d) all of the above
If you chose d, you’re probably correct. While the cynic in me rolls my eyes at the designation as a way to sell more (otherwise obviously unhealthy) packaged foods and superfluous skin creams, there is something to the idea that certain foods have immense health benefits and pack a nutrient punch that puts more nutritionally one dimensional counterparts to shame.
I didn’t set out specifically to create superfood protein bars, but I did concoct this recipe with the intention of only using the most nutrient-dense ingredients I could find in my pantry. It just so happens that they are all pretty darn super. Of course, the precise list of superfoods varies across sources (and, ahem, let’s be real here: marketing goals), but I think it’s pretty safe to say that the ingredients in this bar should be on every one.
First, there’s hemp protein powder. Not only does it contain the full spectrum of amino acids that your body needs (including the ones that it can’t produce on its own, so must get from food sources), but it is also an excellent source of fiber, healthy fat and essential fatty acids like omega 3’s, which supports a healthy heart and omega 6’s, which are important for healthy bones, hair, skin and nails and a robust metabolism.
Like hemp, flax is a great source of fiber and omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3s are more commonly found in animals, so if you’re a vegan or vegetarian, these two ingredients are especially important.
Cacao powder and nibs are filled with antioxidants, which protect against free radicals – those scary substances that have been blamed for everything from wrinkles to cancer – and inflammation.
Finally, nuts are an excellent source of protein, fiber and healthy fat, as well as important minerals like calcium, magnesium and zinc. Plus, they play a part in stabilizing blood sugar and improving cholesterol and triglycerides.
Oh, and there are dates in there too, which I’ve seen called a superfood and also definitely not a superfood. They are, however, a great natural sweetener and binding agent for these bars, as well as a good source of fiber, potassium, selenium, magnesium, copper and antioxidants.
Maybe we should call these antioxidant powerhouse bars or something. What do you think?
Superfood Protein Bars
gluten free, grain free, naturally sweetened, raw, vegan and paleo-friendly
Ingredients
- 2 cups unflavored hemp protein powder
- 1/2 cup ground flax meal
- 1/2 cup cacao or cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup granulated monk fruit sweetener , or granulated stevia (Optional)
- 2 cups nut butter of choice
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
- 10 pitted medjool dates
- 1 cup cacao nibs + more for garnish
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Lightly grease a 14" rectangular pan and set aside.
- In the bowl of a food processor fitted with the "s" blade, pulse the protein powder, flax meal, cocoa powder and sweetener (if using) together a couple times to combine.
- Add the nut butter, coconut oil and dates and process until the batter comes together in a large mass and there are no clumps of date left. You may need to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl a couple times to make sure everything gets incorporated.
- Add the cacao nibs and pulse 2-3 times to incorporate (or transfer to a bowl and fold them in by hand).
- Turn the dough into the prepared pan and use your hand or a spatula to press into a single, tightly-packed layer.
- Sprinkle additional cacao nibs and shredded coconut on top, if you want, for added texture and flavor.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before cutting into bars.
Notes
Keep refrigerated or frozen. Due to the high fat content and the warm weather, these don't keep their shape well at room temperature, especially not this time of year. So, sadly, they don't travel terribly well. But they make great breakfasts or after-school snacks!
If you prefer, you can roll the dough into ~ 2Tbsp balls before garnishing, instead of pressing them into the pan and cutting into bars.
Yield 18-20 bars or about 40 balls.
Selena @ The Nutritious Kitchen says
Okay when I saw the first photo I totally thought this was chocolate cake…and I mean that in the most brilliant way possible! I have yet to experiment with hemp powder…I mean it is a totally trendy thing but I know it’s super good for you too so I am very curious about it. Especially after seeing these chocolate cake (superfood protein bars).
Nora (A Clean Bake) says
Oh sorry to tease you!! Sadly, no chocolate cake today but plenty of chocolate!
Julia says
I find the superfood marketing ploy to be funny, too…or the “gluten-free” label on packaged foods that have always been gluten-free, like corn chips, ha! These protein bars are making my mouth water! They look sooo tasty and I already have all of the ingredients I need to whip out a batch. Superfood snack bars, here I coooome!
Nora (A Clean Bake) says
YES, that gluten free labeling is getting so out of control! The best is beverages – phew, so glad I found the GLUTEN FREE bottled water. Hehe. Anywayyyyy let me know if you try these! I hope you like them!!
Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
These bars look delicious! Definitely healthy and so chewy and decadent at the same time 🙂 Pinning!
Nora (A Clean Bake) says
Yes! Healthy AND decadent, that’s totally right!
June @ How to Philosophize with Cake says
Eh, antioxidant powerhouse bars isn’t as catchy! But whatever they’re called, they sound awesome–so many healthy ingredients. Homemade protein bars are always better than storebought anyway 😀
Nora (A Clean Bake) says
Yeah, you’re right, it’s definitely not as catchy! I’m glad you share my love of homemade energy bars 🙂
Sarah | Well and Full says
These look more like brownies than healthy protein bars!! 😉
Nora (A Clean Bake) says
They sure do! THey taste kind of like a fudgy brownie too!
Monica says
Yum! What reason is there NOT to try these superfood protein bars? You have me sold, once again, Nora (: Have a great weekend
Nora (A Clean Bake) says
No reason at all! (Boy that’s a lot of double negatives)
Hope you had a great weekend!
melissa says
These sound delish but I am concerned about how much fat there is in them. Is there a way to eliminate some of the fat and still have them taste like something one wants to eat? thank you.
Nora (A Clean Bake) says
Hm, that’s an interesting question. I completely understand where you are coming from but the fat also lends binding properties to this recipe, so it’s a delicate balance. I have a few suggestions, but let me preface them by saying I am just brainstorming here – I haven’t tested these. So if you do, I’d love to know how they turn out! Here goes:
1) You could replace the flax meal with finely ground oat flour
2) You could leave the coconut flakes off of the garnish
3) You could dial back to about 1 cup nut butter and add several more pitted dates. Unfortunately, I have no idea how many dates you’d need – maybe another 5-10? That’s just a guess. But they will provide the adhesion without additional fat. You might want to dial back or eliminate the sweetener though since the additional dates are going to sweeten the recipe. You might have to play around with it a bit to get it to taste right and also stick together. In case it ends up being too dry, you can always add a tad more nut butter just until the bars come together.
Good luck!! 🙂
Connie says
When is the sweetener added? I don’t see it in the instructions.
Nora (A Clean Bake) says
It should be added with the dry ingredients (cocoa powder, etc) in step 2. Sorry about that! The recipe has been corrected.