These snack bites are saviours. They’ve gotten me through long work shifts, early morning workouts, and that 4 pm hangry moment (you know the one).

There has been many iterations of these, and there is a limitless number of flavour combinations/add-ins that you can make, but this version is my best. The almond-chocolate-coconut combo is always delicious, but there are a few other secrets to why these are so good.

1. Rice cereal. Using a combination of puffed rice cereal and oats gives these a nice crunchy texture.

2. Protein powder. Adding in whey or vegan protein, ups the protein factor in these bites, but also helps to bind everything together.

3. Salt. Sweet things need a little salt to balance everything out, and help these lean towards being more of a nutritious snack and less of a dessert.

Try whipping up a batch of these on the weekend and you’ll be set for snacks for the week!

Chocolate-Almond Protein Bites

makes about 14 bites

1 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup brown rice cereal*

1/4 cup unsweetened, shredded coconut, plus extra for rolling

3 tbsp chocolate whey protein powder (or favourite chocolate protein)

1 tsp cinnamon

1/4-1/2 tsp kosher salt

1/2 cup smooth natural almond butter

1/4 cup honey

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

2 tbsp mini chocolate chips

1. In a medium bowl, combine the oats, brown rice cereal, coconut, protein powder, cinnamon, and salt. I like my sweets on the saltier side, so I use about 1/2 tsp of salt, but feel free to start with 1/4 tsp and adjust to taste.

2. In a small heat-proof bowl combine the almond butter, honey, and vanilla. Heat in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, just enough for the almond butter and honey to become runny. Give the almond butter and honey mixture a good stir, then pour into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix well, until all the dry ingredients are moistened and mixture sticks together when pressed between two fingers. Fold in the mini chocolate chips.

3. With damp hands roll the mixture into balls. Place in a container and refrigerate so that the bites firm up. Store bites in the refrigerator until ready to eat.

   Notes:

   *If you can’t find puffed brown rice cereal, Rice Krispies also work well

   If the mixture is too wet, add in more oats, 1 tbsp at a time until desired consistency is achieved.

   If mixture is too dry, add in more honey, 1 tbsp at a time until desired consistency is reached.