Matcha Mint Chip Protein Bars {vegan, glutenfree}

No-bake protein bars made with matcha, mint and plant protein powder! The bars are gluten-free, vegan, and easy-to-make, too.

Vibrant and verdant matcha, a traditional tea powder hailing from Japan, is familiar in latte form thanks to coffeehouses throughout the land. But additional possibilities for incorporating this healthy super-ingredient in other recipes are vast, varied, easy and delicious.

For example, these mint and matcha-flavored protein bars, freckled with cacao nibs or mini dark chocolate chips and primed for portable eating.

Curiosity piqued? I hope so, because matcha is a flavor worthy of experimentation. It has  a trio of characteristics –sweet, vegetal and mildly astringent–that add a mellow backdrop in all sorts of baked goods and beverages. Further, adding matcha to a recipe is as simple as stirring: no prior preparation is required, simply measure and mix in.

Beyond beguiling flavor, matcha is a spoonful of power. A short list of matcha’s benefits includes the following:

*Offers a rich source of antioxidants (15 times the amount of pomegranates or blueberries)  and polyphenols (10x more than brewed green tea).

*Enhances cognition (bring on the memory and concentration boosts!)

*Increases energy and endurance (excellent pre-workout)

*Increases metabolism (burn those calories!)

*Enhances cholesterol profile (lowers (bad) LDL, boosts HDL (the good kind))

*Boosts immunity

This past weekend, I crafted these no-bake protein bars to make the most of some matcha powder that has been on standby in my pantry. The additions of mint and chocolate are inspired from a recently consumed cookie with the same flavors. It was too good to have only once in a rare while!

If you are working hard to eat healthfully this January, my hope is that these treats, which are further enhanced with a scoop of plant-based protein powder, will keep you satisfied and on track.

Happy New Year!

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Matcha Mint Chip Protein Bites {vegan, glutenfree}

Yield: 10 round bars

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

No-bake protein bars made with matcha, mint and plant protein powder! The bars are gluten-free, vegan, and easy-to-make, too.

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Ingredients

• 1-1/2 cups rolled oats (certified GF, as needed)
• 1/2 cup vanilla vegan protein powder
• 3 tablespoons matcha powder
• 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed meal
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/2 cup almond butter
• 2/3 cup almond milk
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 3/4 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
• 3 to 4 tablespoons cacao nibs

Instructions

1. Grease or spray 10 cups of a standard size muffin tin.
2. Process the oats in a food processor until finely ground; add the protein powder, matcha, flaxseed meal, and salt; pulse to combine.
3. Add the almond milk, almond butter, maple syrup, and peppermint extract; pulse until blended and mixture comes together into a dough.
4. Remove dough and roll into an even log (any size); slice crosswise into 9 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and press evenly into prepared cups.
5. Loosely cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Remove from tin and store as directed (be sure to eat one immediately, too—for quality control 🙂

Notes

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1 week or freezer for 3 months. Will keep, un-refrigerated, in a lunch bag/purse for transport during the day.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size 1 round bar
Amount Per Serving Calories 149Total Fat 7.4gSaturated Fat 0.8gCholesterol 0mgSodium 79mgCarbohydrates 15.7gFiber 4.4gSugar 4.9gProtein 7.2g

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