Protein bars

Deb November 9, 2010

Makes 10 logs @ approx 10g protein each, or 20 balls @ approx 5g protein

Note that even good quality protein powders are a compromise food. But if you need some thing portable for after your workout and nothing else is convenient, better a bar you’ve made yourself, than most of the ones you can buy.

Update (2015): These days we prefer to use collagen hydrolysate as a protein powder, and it works well in the recipe. It will change the amount of protein per serve. Note that gelatins don’t have tryptophan, so are not complete protein. This means gelatin or collagen should not be your only source of protein.

Another update (2024): My favourite protein supplement these days is Bone Broth protein powder. This is great in smoothies, but can be quite sticky in other things. If you want to try it in this recipe, bear in mind the texture may not be as portable. A mix of BBPP and collagen may work better (not tested). There are also a lot of plant based powders available now, which some people will prefer. None of those have been tested in this recipe.

Mix together:

  • protein-bars50g (2 oz) finely ground crispy almonds (or other nuts)
  • 50g (2 oz) dessicated coconut
  • 100g (4 oz) plain or vanilla (unsweetened) un-denatured whey protein powder OR collagen hydrolysate OR other protein powder of your choice
  • 4-6 Tbs (1-1.5 oz) cocoa or raw cacao powder OR 1-2 spoonfuls bee pollen

Put your coconut oil jar into a pan of water that’s just hot enough to melt it. Mix together:

  • 5-6 Tbs (2.5-3 oz) melted coconut oil
  • small amount (maybe 1-2 Tbs) of your sweetener of choice
  • 2 Tbs water

Add and remix. Then add just enough extra water (bit by bit) to hold it all together, but not enough for it to get sticky and mushy. Press into a tray lined with baking paper, and cut them up when set. Or you can roll into logs or balls, and roll each in coconut. Refrigerate till chilled thoroughly (best overnight).

Variations:

  • AIP (Autoimmune Paleo) – use carob instead of cocoa / cacao and omit sweetener.
  • GAPS – use the bee pollen version and use honey as your sweetener