These chocolate collagen energy bites are one my all-time favorite snacks; full of protein (collagen for skin, nails, hair, and joints!), healthy fat, energy-providing carbs, and fiber. I made these bites as an easy way to get in my daily servings of seeds when seed cycling for hormone balance. But even if you’re not seed cycling, I think you’re going to like them (because healthy, chewy brownies always win ).
Seed cycling servings. This recipe makes 30 bites. One serving is 2 bites, which contains both of the tablespoons of seeds (pumpkin/flax or sunflower/sesame) you need daily if you’re seed cycling. In total, this recipe makes 15 servings; just the right amount for one phase of your cycle before needing to switch seeds.
Collagen. Collagen has many health benefits and adds protein to these little bites. It’s good for skin, hair, and nails, helps repair leaky gut and joints, boots metabolism, and can help reduce cellulite and stretch marks. Like everything, quality matters. My two favorite brands are Great Lakes and Vital Proteins, both from pasture-raised sources.
A little warning. These are messy to make. The batter gets very sticky (thanks to the collagen), but that’s what makes them extra chewy and delicious when frozen. So as long as you accept that you’re going to get your hands chocolatey, it will all be worth it. For an easier, less messy version try these vegan seed cycling brownie bites.
If you’re looking for an easier way to get in your daily dose of seeds, I have one word for you: smoothies. 😉
Hormone Balancing Chocolate Collagen Energy Bites
- Prep Time: 20 Minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 15 Servings (2 Bites Per Serving) 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Process
- Cuisine: American
Description
Hormone balancing chocolate collagen energy bites; a convenient, tasty, and healthy snack to get in your daily dose of seeds when seed cycling to balance your hormones naturally.
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw, unsalted pumpkin seeds or raw, unsalted sunflower seeds (see notes)
- 1 cup raw flaxseeds or raw sesame seeds (see notes)
- 1 cup pitted Medjool dates, packed
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder, plus more for rolling
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups collagen (I like Great Lakes or Vital Proteins: see notes)
- 1 (4-oz) banana
Instructions
- Grind the seeds in a coffee grinder or high-speed blender.
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To a food processor, add the ground seeds, pitted Medjool dates, and cocoa powder. Process until the mixture is the consistency of sand.
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Add in the sea salt, vanilla extract, and banana. Process until well combined.
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At this point you have two choices: a) add the collagen directly to the food processor (note: this can be a difficult task for your food processor since the mixture gets very sticky) or b) transfer the dough from the food processor to a large mixing bowl, add in the collagen, and then mix with your hands until thoroughly combined (note: this will be very messy, but less taxing on the food processor).
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Add a bit of cocoa powder to an empty bowl for rolling.
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Using a tablespoon, scoop 1 tablespoon at time from the batter and form into balls.
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Roll each ball in cocoa powder to coat and arrange on a plate in a single layer. Repeat until about 30 balls are formed. (If the batter gets too sticky to manage, put in the fridge to set for 15 minutes and then begin rolling again.)
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Once all the balls are formed, freeze the plate of bites in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge.
Notes
A Warning. These are messy to make. The batter gets very sticky (thanks to the collagen), but that’s what makes them extra chewy and delicious when frozen. So as long as you accept that you’re going to get your hands chocolatey, it will all be worth it.
Seeds. If you’re in the first half of your cycle (Day 1-14 where Day 1 is the first day of your period), use pumpkin seeds and flax seeds. If you’re in the second half of your cycle (Day 15-28), use sunflower seeds and sesame seeds. Click here to learn more about seed cycling for hormone balance.
Collagen. Make sure to use collagen hydrolysate or collagen peptides, not gelatin. My favorite brands, both grass-fed, are Great Lakes and Vital Proteins.
Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links, and I will earn a commission if you purchase through these links. There is no additional cost to you. I only link to products I truly recommend and trust.
Adrienne says
Cool.
RD says
Do you think I can use protein powder instead of collagen? Would the amount be the same?
Ally says
Hi – collagen is pretty different consistency from protein powder and I haven’t tried this substitution myself, so I can’t say whether or not it will work, sorry! If you decide to experiment, let me know how it turned out!
FR says
Is there a seed I could use instead of sunflower? I’m sensitive to sunflowers.
Ally says
I haven’t used another seed so I can’t say for sure how it would taste, but you can try using more sesame seeds during the luteal phase!
Jess says
Hey! Making these today, but had some questions – have you made without banana, I am allergic to those. And also my daughter is allergic to sunflower seeds do you know a good seed replacement to use for her for seed cycling ? Thank you for sharing this amazing recipe !!
Ally says
Hi Jess, I’ve never tried without the banana so I’m sorry I can’t offer any substitution suggestions! For seed cycling, your daughter could simply use more sesame seeds during the luteal phase – hope that helps!