Choc Pistachio Protein Balls

These chocolate protein balls are one of those recipes I come back to again and again. They’re rich, satisfying, and genuinely filling — the kind of snack that actually keeps you going and still feels like a treat.

They’re perfect to keep in the fridge for busy days, post-workout fuel, or that mid-afternoon moment when you want something sweet but grounding. Simple ingredients, minimal effort, and very little cleanup.

Ingredients

• 150g dates, pitted and roughly chopped

• 100g nuts (I used a mix of walnuts and pistachios)

• 40g oats

• 2 tbsp protein powder
  (I use JSHealth Chocolate Chip Brownie)

• 30g energy seed mix
  (I used Hemp Seed Foods Australia)

• 2 tbsp maple syrup

• A pinch of salt

• 1 small Loco Love chocolate bar
  (I used the pistachio flavour)

Method

1. Blend the dry ingredients
   Add the nuts, oats, energy seed mix and protein powder to your blender or Vitamix. Blend until the mixture resembles a coarse crumb.

2. Set aside
   Transfer the dry mixture to a bowl and set aside.

3. Blend the dates
   Add the chopped dates to the Vitamix and blend until they form a sticky paste.

4. Combine everything
   Add the dry ingredients back into the blender with the dates, along with the maple syrup and a pinch of salt.
   Pulse until everything comes together into a thick, sticky mixture. Use the tamper if needed.

5. Roll into balls
   Tip the mixture into a bowl and roll into evenly sized balls using your hands.

6. Melt the chocolate
   Gently melt the Loco Love chocolate.

7. Coat and drizzle
   Dunk half of the protein balls into the melted chocolate.
   Drizzle the remaining chocolate over the other half.

8. Chill
   Place the balls in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to set.

9. Store and enjoy
   Once set, transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge. Enjoy as needed.

Notes & Variations

• Nut-free option: Use seeds only (sunflower, pumpkin, hemp) instead of nuts.

• Vegan: This recipe is naturally vegan — just ensure your protein powder and chocolate are plant-based.

• No protein powder: You can skip it and add extra oats or nuts if preferred.

• Different flavours: Try almond butter, peanut butter, or a dash of cinnamon or vanilla.

• Less sweet: Reduce maple syrup slightly if your dates are very soft and sweet.

A mindful moment 🌿

These are designed to satisfy, not to be eaten mindlessly. Try having one slowly with a cup of tea or coffee. Notice the richness, the texture, and how grounding it feels to eat something made with intention.

Snacks can be nourishing, pleasurable, and supportive — all at the same time.