Today's recipe contains an over-the-top amount of super-healthy 'superfoods'.
Sometimes, I just can't help it.
Plus, this month's Recipe Redux theme is all about trying a new ingredient. And I've been dying to add some blue-green algae to my repertoire.
(I mean, really, who isn't?) 😉
FIRST, A NOTE ON "SUPERFOODS":
When people use the term 'superfood', they're usually referring to powders, exotic ingredients, etc, and this is generally how I use the term here on TGG...
...But, I want to emphasize that nutrient density - having a lot of nutrition packed into a small package - is what makes a superfood impressive - not it's exoticness/trendiness/price.
In reality, broccoli is just as much a superfood as spirulina.
I use superfoods (the slightly exotic, often powdered ones) in some of my recipes because I think trying something new and different makes healthy eating a lot more fun.
An important note, though, because I wouldn't want anyone to feel as if superfoods are essential for a healthy diet. (I'd pretty much always recommend skipping the superfoods and opting for more fresh fruits and veggies when on a budget.)
Okay, back to the algae bites.
If the thought of algae bites doesn't sound entirely appealing, you'll be relieved to know that the spirulina is pretty well disguised in this recipe. With cacao nibs, dates, coconut, and goji berries, you won't taste the spirulina too much.
Great for the algae novice.
Why spirulina?
Spirulina is a blue-green algae that is grown and harvested in water. It's usually dried after harvesting and available as a powder or capsule/tablet - I used a powder for this recipe.
Spirulina contains a large amount of plant-based protein (more than 50% of spirulina is protein!) and also provides iron. It also contains essential omega 3 and 6 fatty acids (healthy fats), beta carotene, vitamin E, and vitamin B12.
(Note: the type of B12 in spirulina isn't as bioavailable as the type that comes from animals, so don't count on it to meet all of your needs if you're vegan.)
We have scientific evidence that spirulina has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. It may also help decrease blood lipid levels, protect the liver, prevent muscle damage from exercise, support the immune system, and protect against some cancers.
Try these bites whenever you're in need of a convenient and transportable snack that offers long-lasting energy.
Ready to get your algae on?
Spirulina Superfood Bites
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon cacao nibs or cocoa powder
- 1 ⅓ cups dates pitted and chopped
- ½ cup cashews
- ½ cup almonds
- ⅓ cup goji berries
- 1 tablespoon spirulina powder
- 2 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon maca powder optional
- 2 tablespoon shredded coconut plus additional for rolling if desired
- Salt
Instructions
- Add cacao nibs to food processor and process until coarse powder is formed. Spoon out ~1 tablespoon to roll balls in if desired and set aside.
- Add remaining ingredients to food processor and process until broken down. Mixture should stick together when pressed between fingers. If mixture is crumbling, add a couple more dates and process again.
- Spoon out ~2 tablespoon of the mixture and press and roll into a ball with hands. Repeat until mixture is completely used. Roll some of the balls in extra cacao and/or coconut if desired.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before eating.
Notes
[Tweet "Get your algae on with these Spirulina Superfood Bites from @gratefulgrazer"]
Ashley says
I was wondering how long these are good for in the fridge?
Stephanie McKercher, RDN says
They'll be good for 5 days in the fridge. You can also freeze them for up to 6 months. Let me know if you try them! 🙂
Rajam says
Would like to try this recipe! Wondering if there is any substitute for goji berries, they aren’t readily available where I’m from.
Stephanie McKercher, RDN says
Hi Rajam, I haven't tested it with substitutions, but you could try dried cranberries or just add an additional 1/3 cup dates. Hope you enjoy the recipe. Let me know how it goes!
Victoria says
Hi,
Do you know how many calories per ball this recipe is?
Stephanie McKercher, RDN says
Hi Victoria, sorry, I do not have calorie information for this recipe. You should be able to find it by entering this website URL into MyFitnessPal's recipe importer tool: https://www.myfitnesspal.com/recipe_parser
Nadine says
Do you have a recommendation for a date substitute that’s lower in sugar?
Stephanie McKercher, RDN says
Hi Nadine, I use dates as a natural sweetener and "glue" for this recipe. You could cut back on the amount of dates used (try with 1 cup) and/or use a non-caloric sweetener like stevia, but you may notice that the balls don't stick together as well without dates. (This recipe is also pretty high in fiber, which can help offset some of the effects of sugar.) Hope that helps!
Kristen Chang says
This is definitely right up my alley! Been looking for ways to amp up my snackage and haven't been using my spirulina as much as I'd like. Thanks!
Steph | The Grateful Grazer says
Thanks, Kristen! Happy Snacking! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
These will give you super powers! They are so packed!!
Steph | The Grateful Grazer says
They're definitely fully loaded. 😉 Thanks Rebecca, Happy Weekend!
Jessica @ Nutritioulicious says
I just learned so much from this post - thank you! I was really not familiar with spirulina and now I feel so educated!
Steph | The Grateful Grazer says
Thanks, Jessica! Your comment is music to this dietitian's ears! 😉 Have a great weekend!