Nut-Free Kids Protein Balls

Recipes from Dietitian Jenn Messina

Jenn Messina is an experienced Registered Dietitian and a mom of two energetic kids. To her, food is life! It nourishes our bodies, minds, and spirits and connects us to each other and to our heritage.

After graduating from the University of British Columbia, she spent the last 16 years working as a Registered Dietitian with thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds. With so much nutrition information on the web, it can be frustrating, confusing and overwhelming. Jenn became an RD because she is passionate about helping people and truly enjoys learning about your life, work, families, and diets.

Jenn Messina

Back to School means snacks need to be “nut-free”. These little protein balls are full of fibre, healthy fats and protein to keep little ones full for hours.

Ingredients

Makes 12 kid size portions

• 1 cup rolled oats

• 1 tbsp hemp hearts

• 6 dates, pitted

• 3 tbsp warm water

• 2 tbsp Sunbutter (sunflower seed butter)

• 1 tsp vanilla

• ½ tbsp cocoa power

• 1-2 tbsp maple syrup

• Optional: shredded coconut

Instructions

Take a baking pan and line it with parchment paperIn a bullet or blender take the pits out of dates and blend them with 3 tbsp warm water until pureedMix the date mixture with all other ingredients and roll into bite size balls. The mixture will feel a bit wet, option to roll it in shredded coconut.Place in the fridge to chill and then move them to a labeled Ziploc bag for the freezer as an easy addition to lunches!