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A blood sugar balancing snack ball made from cashews, coconut, almonds and collagen peptides. These cashew coconut collagen bites are a balanced source of healthy fats and protein and low in sugar. They’re sweetened with one date and it’s completely optional.

Cashew Coconut Collagen Bites

These cashew coconut collagen bites will be your new go-to for an easy snack or when you’re craving something a sweet! These snack balls are different than most energy bites, bliss balls, or protein ball recipes out there since it’s completely grain-free. The energy from these cashew coconut collagen bites comes completely from healthy fats and protein from nuts and collagen peptides.

This combination makes for a snack that keeps your blood sugar stable, keeps you satisfied and can help tame any sweet cravings. The cashews, coconut and almond butter make a creamy, delicious base. A light sweetness comes naturally from the cinnamon, vanilla and completely optional medjool date.

If you don’t have cashews and almond on hand, you can substitute any nuts and seeds using the same ratios. It’s a perfect way to use what up what’s in your pantry. Think of it as a pantry clean-out! This version of the bites uses cinnamon and vanilla. Cinnamon helps stabilize the blood sugar and along with the vanilla adds some sweetness. Feel free to mix up the spice and try different flavor combinations! To get your mind going, here are some options – cardamom, turmeric, ginger, lemon, orange, peppermint.

cashew coconut collagen bites in glass jars

Ingredient Spotlight: Collagen Peptides

Collagen peptides are a gently processed form of collagen that allows the body to actually absorb the collagen. This process is called hydolyzation. With “hydrolyzing” the collagen, it’s virtually unabsorbable because the collagen protein is too big. The collagen peptides add protein to these nutrient-dense, healthy fat balls.

But what is collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. Think of it as the “glue” that holds your body together. As we age, collagen in the body begins to deteriorate and production slows. This process starts in the late 20s early 30s and is most noticeable in our skin as fine lines and wrinkles. As we produce less collagen, other noticeable issues include brittle hair and nails, digestion issues, more pronounced cellulite and joint pain.

While collagen is not a plant-based based food, it is a source of protein that can easily be added to the diet and is tolerated well by most. Research is promising with benefits including decreasing fine lines and wrinkles, supporting joint and bone health, healing the gut and supporting healthy hair and nails.

To get the full rundown of collagen and its benefits, check out the Ultimate Guide to Collagen.

cashew coconut collagen bites in glass jars

Nourished by Nutrition Facts:

Healthy Fats – These cashew coconut collagen bites are mostly healthy fats. The cashews, coconut and almonds provide a wide variety of healthy fats. Healthy fat sources like nuts and seeds are essential for healthy hair and skin, balancing hormones and slowing down the absorption of food so we can go longer without feeling hungry. The healthy fats also help keep blood sugars stable by not initiating a spike in blood glucose as carbohydrates do.

Protein – The majority of the protein in these snack bites comes from the collagen peptide. The two scoops (about 4 tablespoons) contains 40g of protein. The nuts and seeds also provide some protein. This helps with satiety and keeps you full longer. For more on protein and its function, check out the Protein 101: a simple guide to understanding protein post.

Cinnamon – has a unique ability to help stabilize blood sugar, making this the perfect addition to the other blood sugar stabilizing ingredients in this recipe. Cinnamon acts as an antioxidant and helps reduce inflammation. It also provides a taste of sweetness without adding sugar to foods.

cashew coconut collagen bites in glass jar with hemp seeds and coconut flakes

IF YOU LOVE THESE cashew coconut collagen bites, YOU’LL ALSO ENJOY THESE RECIPES:

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Cashew Coconut Collagen Bites

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A nutrient-dense, blood sugar balancing snack bite made from healthy fats and collagen protein. These cashew coconut collagen bites are only sweetened with one date and it’s completely optional.

Makes 15 bites

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup cashews
  • 1/2 cup almonds
  • 1/2 cup coconut flakes, plus more for rolling
  • 1–2 pitted medjool dates (optional or 2–5 drops of stevia)
  • 1/4 cup (2 scoops) collagen peptides
  • 1/2 cup almond or cashew butter
  • 1/4 cup coconut butter, melted and cooled (can sub coconut oil but won’t be as firm)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup hemp seeds, for rolling (optional)

Instructions

In a food processor, blend together the cashews, almonds and dates until small crumbles form.

Add the collagen, almond butter, coconut butter, cinnamon and vanilla. Pulse until ingredients come together and start to form a dough. This will take about 15-20 pulses. Careful not to over process or you’ll make nut butter.

Scoop a heaping tablespoon of the mixture and roll into a ball. Repeat with the rest of the mixture. You should end up with about 15 bites. Once formed you can roll in coconut flakes or hemp seeds, if desired. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 weeks or freezer for a couple months.

Notes

Vegan option: Collagen is not vegan. You could make a protein ball by substituting a plant-based protein for the collagen but you will need more liquid. I’d start with 1-2 tablespoons of filtered water or plant milk. Increase 1 tablespoon at a time as needed.

Coconut butter is used in this recipe because stays solid at room temperature and keeps the balls formed better than coconut oil. You can sub coconut oil if you don’t have any coconut butter. Technically the balls aren’t as firm but it doesn’t matter much if you are storing them in the fridge or freezer.

If you want to keep these snack bites completely sugar-free you can replace the date with 2-4 drops of stevia.

 

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and share a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #nourishedbynutriton.