One common misconception when it comes to vegan diets, is that they’re all boring and they all consist of green food that, while being healthy, tastes like fresh grass cuttings. The truth of the matter is that vegan food can be delicious if prepared right, and the snacks are no exception. Vegans find it tougher to get enough protein in on a daily basis because most forms of protein are animal-derived. However, there are some excellent sources of plant-based protein out there, which is why vegan protein powders are now so hugely popular. Instead of just drinking them in shake form however, why not use the powder to create some healthy and delicious high protein vegan protein bars instead? If you’re thinking of using your vegan protein powder for something new, here’s a look at three delicious vegan protein bar recipes that are sure to impress.
Sweet and savoury vegan protein bars
If you’re not a fan of overly-sweet protein bar recipes, this is the ideal recipe for you. it’s savoury, nutty, and slightly sweet, and is packed full of healthy proteins and energy sources, making it perfect for a pre or post-workout snack. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 2 scoops of vegan protein powder (vanilla works especially well, although chocolate is still nice)
- ½ cup of almond or cashew nut butter
- 1 heaped tablespoon of ground flax seeds
- ½ cup of rolled oats
- 2 finely minced dates
- ¼ cup of natural maple syrup
- Handful of mixed nuts
- Handful of dried mixed fruit
- ¼ cup of coconut or almond milk
Method:
- In a bowl, combine the oats, vegan protein powder, dried nuts and fruit, and flax seeds together.
- Now, add in the coconut or almond milk, the maple syrup, the nut butter, and the dates, and mix until a thick batter is formed
- In a Tupperware, add the batter mixture, smooth down, place the lid on, and place in the freezer for around 30 – 40 minutes
- Remove from the freezer and cut into squares of bar shapes
- Enjoy…
Peanut butter and banana vegan bars
These bars are not only rich in energy, they’re also packed full of beneficial minerals, including potassium, which has been found to help promote and boost athletic performance and fight cramp. Here’s what you need:
Ingredients:
- ½ cup of natural peanut butter
- 1 ½ scoops of chocolate vegan protein
- 1 handful of dried raisins
- ¼ cup of almond flour
- 2 mashed and ripe bananas
- ½ cup of almond milk
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
For the topping:
- Dark vegan chocolate
- Handful of chopped nuts
Method:
- In a bowl, combine the dried ingredients until well mixed
- Now add in your wet ingredients (maple syrup, peanut butter, almond milk, and the smashed bananas) and again give everything a good mix until a thick batter has been achieved
- Transfer the batter mixture to a Tupperware and place in the freezer for 30 minutes
- Remove and cut into squares or bar shapes
- Meanwhile, gently melt your dark vegan chocolate and pour it over your bars
- Before the chocolate can set, sprinkle over a generous handful of finely chopped peanuts
- Leave to set in the fridge for 15 minutes and enjoy…
Mango and coconut tropical delights
If you’re looking for something really tropical and zingy, this mango and coconut vegan protein bar is perfect. It’s rich in vitamin C and healthy fats, and it’s extremely refreshing. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- ½ cup cashew nut butter
- 1 ½ scoops of vanilla vegan protein powder
- ¼ cup of coconut flour
- 3 tbsp of chopped dried mango chunks
- 2 tbsp of toasted desiccated coconut
For the topping:
- Maple or agave syrup
- Handful of toasted coconut
- Fresh grated lime zest
Method:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the protein powder, coconut flour, toasted coconut, the cashew nut butter, and the dried mango
- Mix until the mixture forms a thick “dough” ball
- Flatten it out and transfer to a Tupperware and leave in the freezer for 30 mins
- Remove from the freezer and cut into bars or squares
- Drizzle each bar with a generous amount of maple or agave syrup, sprinkle with toasted coconut, and finish off with some freshly grated lime zest
- Transfer to the fridge to chill for 20 minutes, and enjoy…
