These no bake gluten free energy bites are delicious, satisfying and so easy to make. They cost about 20¢ each to make—and might cost you about $1.79 each to buy (no joke).
I’ve been making some version of these no bake gluten free energy bites for months now. I would bring them everywhere for my kids, share them with friends and they would oooh and ahhh.
Since the recipe is so dead simple, when people asked for the recipe, I just recited it from memory as best I could. Since I was using hemp seeds (they are so protein-packed it’s ridiculous), I pretty much figured the recipe wasn’t really worth sharing.
But then, as often happens, I spied with my little eye a package of hulled hemp seeds at my local Trader Joe’s. And just like that, it was time to share!
As an alternative to the bite-sized energy bite situation, I also have the perfect recipe for homemade protein bars. They’re made with oats and protein powder, and there are lots of different flavor variations. They have the texture of a brownie. It’s a beautiful thing.
This really is a no-bake recipe when you make it as written. But I cannot tell a lie: I toast the oats, coconut and seeds in a 300°F oven for about 15 minutes at the start.
You may not want to put on the oven for something that should be no-bake. But I have my oven on every single day of the year (occupational hazard) anyway, summertime included.
Since toasting the oats, coconut and seeds really does intensify and deepen the flavors, you could also try toasting them on the stovetop in a cast iron skillet. If the oven simply isn’t an option.
If you don’t live near a Trader Joe’s or just don’t shop there and you can’t find hemp seeds, I have tons of suggestions for other ingredients to use in their place.
Can’t have peanut butter? Most any other nut butter will do. You pretty much can’t go wrong. If your family is always hungry like mine seems to be, these are a great solution!
Oh, and I also have a grain-free version, if the oats are a no-no for you. They’re full of protein, too, just without the grains.
HELLO! I’m Nicole! I make gluten-free food enjoyable & affordable. If they can make it with gluten, we can make it without. That’s a promise!
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Costco has big bags of hemp, off and on (as is Costco’s way). Am I the only one who feels just a little wrong when I buy hemp?
Hi — just curious if you checked with Trader Joe’s on the gluten-free status of the hemp seeds. This ingredient is not in their online gluten-free food list.
So I just made these but they didn’t want to stick to together. I used quick oats. Should I have used regular oats. I used flax seeds instead of hemp. Other than that I used everything the recipe called for. By the way they are really good.
Nicole – much like you I’m sure, I live for the day when everyone will appreciate the lovely recipe you have posted and not ask for a substitution. Maybe I’m delusional but I will still hope.
I think this one looks awesome as written! :)
I totally thought the same thing, Jennifer! This one will get made as is in my house, for sure!
You guys are funny. I’m okay with the substitution questions. I just often don’t know the answers! :)
I totally understand what you’re saying. Sadly we have a whole bunch of food issues and when you’re inexperienced with substitutions it helps to ask just in case someone knows how to sub different liquids or solids. Once upon a time….we didn’t need to either!
Can anything else be used instead of seeds? Chopped nuts or something. I’m not a big seed lover apart from sesame or poppy lol
Something similar in size, Suzey, might work.
Thanks I may give them a go tomorrow x
Where do we find the nutritional information?
I don’t provide nutritional information generally, CeCe. Feel free to plug the ingredients into any online nutrition info calculator, like sparkpeople.
Do you happen to have another suggestion to help with binding other than oats? I can’t eat oats but have really been wanting to make a no bake energy ball with peanut butter for awhile.
I use quinoa flakes in cookies needing oats, it usually works well for me.
Thank you….now to figure out where to get those :)
Quinoa flakes won’t work in exactly the same amount in these, as they are much, much less substantial than rolled oats. You would have to experiment with quantities of those and the other ingredients, Brandy!
Thank you! I will give it a try!
Brandy, I would try wandering around the GF cereal section at the grocery store. Inspiration might strike. Some cereals can stand up to being part of a wet, unbaked cookie. I’ve also used Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Mighty Tasty Hot Cereal in things like this. The amount to use would be totally different than if you were to use oats and the result would be different in texture, but I think it’s worth a shot!
Do you have to use coconut? Just use more oats instead? Thanks!!! This looks awesome!!
You can probably use more oats in place of the coconut, Natalie. It’s worth a try!