Yet there’s one DIY hitch: Most recipes for homemade nutrition bars and bites are super low in protein—and often high in sugar, albeit from natural sweeteners, but still, if you’re going to mix up some fig balls, shouldn’t they be super clean? But don’t worry—we’ve weeded those ones out and culled the nine most Instagram-worthy, clean-eating energy bars from our favorite bloggers. Chocolate Fig Energy BitesRecipe from: Amy’s Healthy Baking Packed with fudgy flavor from unsweetened cocoa powder, these chocolate fig bites might be a better pick-me-up than your mid-afternoon coffee (gasp!). Get the recipe! Carrot Cake Energy SquaresRecipe from: Daily Bites You CAN have your cake and eat it, too. And with these carrot cake energy squares—naturally sweetened and packed with protein—you won’t go into a sugar coma.Get the recipe! MORE: The Seven Best Energy Bars Made from Real Food Banana Smoothie Breakfast BitesRecipe from: Get the recipe! The Big Man’s World These no-blender-needed bites have all the great flavor you crave in a banana smoothie and are packed with protein, thanks to Greek yogurt and added whey powder. And don’t worry: Just because “breakfast” is in the name doesn’t mean they’re only for the a.m. Almond Joy Protein BallsRecipe from: Get the recipe! iFoodreal Sometimes you feel like a nut. And when that happens, you can grab one of these almondy protein balls. They taste like a candy bar, without all the I-can’t-pronounce-that ingredients. Nutella Fudge Protein BarsRecipe from: Get the recipe! Dessert With Benefits Face it, chocolate and hazelnut is the new peanut butter and jelly. And with a whopping 370 fewer calories than traditional Nutella-based fudge, these bars are just as good for your body as they are for your taste buds. Gingerbread Protein BallsRecipe from: Get the recipe! The Lean Green Bean Gingerbread isn’t just for the holidays. With ingredients like creamy cashew butter, molasses, and cinnamon, these vegan gingerbread protein balls are easy to enjoy year round. Vegan protein powder adds muscle-building potential, while flax delivers a dose of omega-3s. Matcha Fudge Protein BarsRecipe from: Get the recipe! Desserts With Benefits If you haven’t caught matcha madness yet, these energy bars are a good way to start. Topped with a drizzle of heart-healthy dark chocolate, they’re totally nutritious and 100% tasty. MORE: 10 Gross Ingredients Hiding in Your Energy Bars Blueberry Lemon Chia Seed Protein BarsRecipe from:Get the recipe! Fresh Fit N Healthy These fresh, zesty lemon and blueberry bars definitely stand out in the mostly chocolate protein bar crowd. And that’s a good thing, especially since this treat is still high in protein (thanks again, protein powder!) and healthy whole-grain oats.
