These Coconut Date Balls are one of my favorite simple pantry recipes for healthy snacking. They’re vegan, gluten-free and Whole30 compliant – the perfect healthy snack! If you’re finding yourself spending a lot of money on snacks and unpleased with the long list of ingredients they’re made with, it’s time to make your own healthy snacks. It’s cheaper and healthier!

While the base recipe is only dates and nuts rolled in coconut, there are countless ways to beef it up with some add-ins and toppings. I love having a batch of these vegan energy bites to keep in my fridge throughout the week. Then I easily grab one when I’m on the go and want a fast nutritious bite.

Ingredients & benefits of coconut date balls

Pecans: Like many nuts, pecans are loaded in unsaturated fats that are also known as good fats. That have no cholesterol and no trans-fat and that can protect you from heart disease. Aside from the heart benefits, pecans are a plant-based protein. They have 3g of protein in every 1 ounce. And that protein is going to help boost your energy!

Dates: While dates are basically dried fruit and relatively high in sugar, they are a natural sweetener. So they offer a great way to add sweetness without any sugar. Because they are high in fiber, they slow down your digestion and help prevent blood sugar levels from spiking too high. That means you get a sweet treat that gives you lasting energy, not a sugar rush.

Coconut: The shredded coconut on the outside of the coconut date balls are a signature look for these energy date balls. Coconut is high in antioxidants so it’s good for fighting disease. But it’s also high in saturated-fats, so just be mindful of how much you use.