Batch-cooking energy balls is a great way to prep a nutritious snack before a game. These bite-sized boosters are packed with natural sugars, healthy fats, and slow-release carbs to give you a sustained energy lift without the crash. They’re easy to make, travel well, and are perfect for munching on 30–60 minutes before kick-off.
Ingredients (Makes 12 balls)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup smooth peanut butter (or almond butter)
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- ½ cup medjool dates (pitted and chopped)
- 2 tbsp chia seeds or flaxseeds
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder (optional, for a chocolatey hit)
- Pinch of sea salt
- Optional: 2 tbsp mini dark chocolate chips or chopped nuts
Method
- Soften dates: If using dry dates, soak them in warm water for 5 minutes, then drain.
- Blend base: In a food processor, blend oats, dates, peanut butter, honey, cocoa (if using), seeds, and salt until it forms a sticky dough.
- Mix extras: Stir in chocolate chips or nuts if using.
- Roll: Scoop out spoonfuls and roll into bite-sized balls.
- Chill: Place in the fridge for 20 minutes to firm up.
- Store: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week—or freeze and grab as needed.
Blend, roll, chill and enjoy. Simple.
Vegan Swap 🌱
- Replace honey with maple syrup or agave syrup.
- Use vegan dark chocolate chips or skip them entirely.
This keeps the recipe entirely plant-based, without sacrificing taste or energy-boosting benefits.
Nut-Free Swap 🚫🥜
- Replace peanut or almond butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini.
- Swap optional chopped nuts with pumpkin seeds or extra oats for crunch.
Pro tip
Wrap a couple in foil or stash in a small container in your boot bag. They’re ideal for that pre-game fuel without weighing you down.
