Trail Mix Energy Bites for Quick, Nutritious Snack Packs

These Trail Mix Energy Balls combine nuts, seeds, dried fruit and dark chocolate chips for a nourishing, energizing snack. Ready in about 20 minutes, they’re gluten-free, vegan-friendly (use agave) and perfect for on-the-go fuel.

This recipe was developed in partnership with Nutritional Brands.

What are energy balls?

Energy balls are small, no-bake snacks made from a mix of whole-food ingredients that balance carbohydrates, healthy fats, protein and fiber to keep you satisfied between meals. Think of them as compact, portable granola bites made from nuts, seeds, oats, dried fruit and a binding ingredient like dates or nut butter. They’re often called energy bites or bliss balls and are easy to customize.

In this version a scoop of a fiber-rich Total Body Cleanse powder is optional for an extra nutritional boost; a small addition won’t change the texture but will increase fiber content and add mild flavor.

Ingredients you’ll need

• Oats: The base for texture and fiber; use gluten-free oats if needed.
• Almonds: Any chopped nuts will work.
• Sunflower seeds: Or substitute pumpkin, chia or hemp seeds.
• Shredded coconut: Unsweetened for best results.
• Dried cranberries: Choose unsweetened if possible.
• Medjool dates: Provide natural sweetness and help bind the mixture.
• Dark chocolate chips: I prefer 70% dark, but use what you like.
• Salt: A pinch to balance the sweetness.
• Peanut or almond butter: Any smooth nut or seed butter works.
• Honey or agave: Use agave to make this recipe fully vegan.
• Optional: Total Body Cleanse powder: A scoop adds fiber and a small nutritional boost.

How to make this recipe

This recipe comes together quickly in a food processor.

1. Add the oats, nuts, seeds, shredded coconut, dried cranberries, dates, chocolate chips, a pinch of salt, nut butter, sweetener and the optional scoop of cleanse powder to the food processor.

2. Pulse until the mixture is combined but still has some texture — you want small chunks of nuts and seeds to remain.

3. Press a small amount between your fingers to check stickiness. If it doesn’t hold, add a little more nut butter or honey/agave and pulse again.

4. Roll the mixture into even-sized balls with your hands and place them on a tray. Refrigerate for at least an hour to firm up.

Store the energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or freeze for longer storage.

Recipe variations and substitutions

This recipe is flexible. As long as you include enough sticky ingredients (dates, nut butter, syrup), the mixture will bind. Swap any combination of nuts, seeds, dried fruit or nut butter to create your favorite flavor profile — pecans, walnuts, raisins, apricots, peanut butter or cashew butter all work well. You can also omit chocolate chips or replace them with cacao nibs for less sweetness.

Tips for making this recipe perfectly

• If dates are dry: Soak them in warm water for 5 minutes, drain, then use. Moist dates bind more effectively.
• If the mix is too dry: Add a little more nut butter or honey/agave and pulse until it holds together.
• Storage: Keep the balls chilled in the fridge for up to two weeks or freeze for longer storage; they may dry out over time, so airtight containers are best.

More energy ball recipes to try

• Coconut Apricot Energy Balls
• 5-Ingredient Chocolate Energy Balls
• Peanut Butter and Jelly Energy Balls

If you make these Trail Mix Energy Balls, leave a comment or rating to share how they turned out. Tag photos of your creations on social media so others can try them too. Enjoy!

Trail Mix Energy Balls

• Author: Jessica Hoffman
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 12-15 servings
• Category: Snack
• Method: Mix
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free