No Powder Protein Bars

Athletes who prefer to avoid isolated protein powders have a challenge when it comes to finding quality protein bars because most protein bars available on the market are made with an isolated protein powder of some kind. Some bars also contain less than ideal ingredients such as artificial sweeteners. In addition, they can be quite expensive per serving—up to two or more dollars per bar.

Creating a healthy, homemade, no-powder protein bar that contains at least ten grams of protein per bar is an artful balance of wholesome ingredients. Making these homemade bars means that you control what goes into them, and you can ensure that they don’t contain any artificial ingredients or sweeteners.

The combination of high-protein seeds and nuts combined with oats and almond butter make this an amazingly tasty snack that has a protein hit plus healthy fats to keep you energized. As a bonus, this nut and seed-based bar can be made for under a dollar per serving. Light on carbs, and light on your budget, this bar just may become your new favorite.

No Powder Protein Bars

Calories: 268, Protein: 10g, Carbs: 24g, Fat: 16g [Photo credit: Kari Lund]

Prep time: 20 min

Serves: 12

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• ½ cup pumpkin seeds
• ½ cup sliced almonds
• ½ cup quinoa (uncooked, I used a rainbow/tri-color blend)
• ¼ cup hemp seeds
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• ¼ cup flaxseed meal
• ¼ cup dried unsweetened cranberries, raisins, or chopped medjool dates (optional)
• ¾ cup almond butter (can subsuitute peanut butter)
• ¼ cup honey (substitute agave nectar or brown rice syrup for a vegan option)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Preparation Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Place rolled oats, pumpkin seeds, almonds, and quinoa on a baking sheet.
3. Toast in oven 5-8 minutes until almonds begin to brown.
4. Remove from oven and transfer to a mixing bowl.
5. Add hemp seeds, chia, flax meal, and cranberries and stir to combine.
6. In a saucepan, combine almond butter, honey, vanilla, and salt. Heat until smooth and creamy, stirring often.
7. Pour almond butter mixture over the oats mixture and stir well until thoroughly combined.
8. Place a piece of parchment paper into a loaf pan and press bar mixture firmly into the pan.
9. Chill in fridge about 30 minutes until firm.
10. Using edges of the parchment, lift the protein bar loaf out of the pan and cut into 12 portions.

Don’t feel guilty about your snacks:

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