MATCHA GREEN TEA PROTEIN BITES

Matcha Green Tea Protein Bites (Photo by Emma Poling)

With matcha green tea, the whole leaves are ground into a fine powder, so we reap even more of green tea’s antioxidant benefits. Adapted from the Sweet and Spicy Monkey Blog, these protein bites combine the health benefits of matcha and vanilla protein for an energizing sweet treat with the flavors of green tea and just a hint of vanilla.

Protein powders are available at area health food stores.

Matcha Green Tea Protein Bites

Makes 12 servings

• 1/8 cup cashews

• 1/4 cup coconut flakes, unsweetened

• 6 dates, pitted

• 2 teaspoons coconut oil

• 1/8 cup applesauce, unsweetened

• 4 scoops vanilla protein powder (e.g. Designer Whey Natural Vanilla or Garden of Life RAW Vanilla)

• 3 teaspoons matcha green tea powder (e.g. U-Matcha by The Republic of Tea)

Place cashews, coconut and dates in food processor and blend into small pieces. Add coconut oil, applesauce, protein powder and matcha powder. Pulse until ingredients are blended into throughout nut mixture.

Shape matcha dough mixture into balls by pressing dough together with fingers, not palms of hands.

Chill in refrigerator for one hour before eating. Store refrigerated in airtight container for up to one week.

Per Serving: 110 calories, 5 grams fat, 3 grams plant based saturated fat, 25 mg sodium, 13 grams carbohydrate, 2 grams fiber, 9 grams sugar, 6 grams protein.