Summer means lots of adventures that are sustained by healthy, power-packing snacks. That’s why we’ve gathered up power bites that will be a hit with tiny tummies everywhere—and fuel the whole family on your next great adventure. Featuring energy-boosting ingredients and great flavors, these snack balls are easy to whip up for all your on-the-go needs. Click through our gallery to find the recipe you want to try.
Chocolate Chip Banana Bites
When it comes to these Banana Bread Energy Bites from Running with Spoons, the magic number is five. There are just five ingredients and they take just five minutes to make—which all adds up to a quick and tasty snack for all your family adventures. Get the recipe here.
Spice and Everything Nice
If your hiking snacks could use a bit of fall flavor, look no further than these Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Energy Balls from The Healthy Maven. They’re made with pumpkin puree and are easy to customize for every pint-sized taste. Plus, they don’t need a food processer to whip up—sweet! Get the recipe here.
Healthy Truffle Treats
Nope, your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you. These Golden Raisin No-Bake Energy Bites may look like luscious truffles but they can definitely hold their own in the “healthy snack” category. Sporting natural sugars, healthy fats, omega 3s and fiber, these sweet bites can carry you through family treks, road trip munchies, and beyond. Get the recipe here.
Bright Breakfast Balls
What’s the best way to start the day? These Raspberry Coconut Breakfast Balls from Feeding Finn! These little bites of goodness have zero refined sugar and a healthy dose of protein via ground almonds. Plus, little connoisseurs will love that eye-catching color. Get the recipe here.
Tangy Treats
If you want to give your snacks a tropical twist, Peas & Crayons has just the thing: Key Lime Pie Energy Bites. Thanks to freshly squeezed lime juice, these bites are a cool combo of sweet and tart—and they taste oh-so-similar to Key Lime Pie Larabars. Get the recipe here.
Monster Munchies
Psst! Here's a little secret, courtesy of Love to Be in the Kitchen: you can get a fix of your favorite cookie in the form of these Monster Cookie Energy Bites. The kid-pleasing ingredients include peanut butter, chia seeds, honey, and mini M&Ms—which means that you’ll have to keep an eye on your little monsters to make sure these snacks don’t disappear all at once. Get the recipe here.
Cranberry Cravings
Here’s the scoop on these Cranberry Coconut Energy Bites from Life Made Sweeter: the irresistable sweetness comes from dried cranberries and bananas, they’re packed with protein, and toddler chefs can help make them. Plus, if you sub in gluten-free oats, these snacks can easily be a tasty gluten-free treat. Get the recipe here.
Cool Carrots
What’s up, Doc? These Carrot Energy Bites from Vegan Heaven feature a dream team of just five ingredients—including everyone’s fave orange veggie. They also check a lot of other snacktime boxes: vegan, sugar-free, nutrient-rich, and easy to make. We guarantee your wascally wabbits will love ‘em. Get the recipe here.
Larabar Love
Good news! Eating Bird Food has cracked the snacking code with these Cherry Larabar Balls, which have the same great taste as their inspiration. They clock in at only 10 minutes of prep work and only require five ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Get the recipe here.
Quick Quinoa
You may never look at quinoa the same once you try these Almond Quinoa Energy Balls from MJ and Hungryman. With a dash of figgy sweetness and protein via almonds and quinoa, these are just the kind of “smart snacks” that will see you through hikes, errands, and everything in between. Get the recipe here.
A is for Apple
The genius of these Apple Cinnamon Cookie Energy Bites from Kristine’s Kitchen Blog is that they taste like cookies but have a whole lot more going for them: fresh apple, almond butter, oats, and cinnamon-y goodness. The only question is how long they’ll last. Get the recipe here.
Nut Free & Yummy
Got a kiddo with a nut allergy? No worries! Lexi's Clean Kitchen has you covered with these delish Nut-Free Power Bites. These snacks are loaded with sunflower seeds and sunbutter, making them an awesome way to get a mid-hike protein boost. Bonus: they’re easy to mix up—no food processor needed! Get the recipe here.
—Abigail Matsumoto
Feature photo: Katsiaryna Voitsik via iStock
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