Kidney-Friendly Snacks: Energy Balls

Energy balls, also called energy bites, bliss balls, or protein balls, are small bite-sized snacks made from a mixture of nutritious ingredients. Energy balls are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways throughout the day. The exact composition of energy balls can vary but often includes a mixture of the combinations below from steps one to four to make this kidney-friendly snacks. 

1. Base Ingredients:
   Nuts or Seeds – almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and sunflower seeds can be used in the mixture.
   Dried Fruits – dates, apricots, raisins, and figs are also common choices that add natural sweetness.
2. Binding Ingredients:
   Nut Butter – peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter are popular choices to add a sticky consistency. Remember to look for unsalted.
   Liquid Sweeteners – honey or maple syrup can also be used to provide sweetness and bind the ingredients together.
3. Flavour and Texture Enhancers:
   Flavourings – vanilla extract, cocoa powder, or spices such as cinnamon can be used to contribute flavour to your mixture.
   Texture – oats and coconut flakes can add to the texture of your energy balls.
4. Optional Boosters:
   Superfood Additions: chia seeds and hemp seeds for added nutritional value.
   Dark Chocolate Chips: can be added for a hint of sweetness and richness.

Ways To Enjoy Kidney-Friendly Snacks

Due to energy balls being a versatile and nutritious snack option, they offer a delicious and convenient way to fuel your body throughout the day. Ideas can include the following:

Kidney-friendly Snack on the Go: energy balls are a quick and convenient snack between meals in addition to being portable and easy to store in containers. 

Breakfast Addition: energy balls can be enjoyed for breakfast such as with Greek yogurt and fresh fruit to add a nutritious element to your first meal of the day.

Dessert Alternative: energy balls can be selected as a healthier dessert option, providing a naturally sweet taste without added sugars.

Toppings: energy balls can be crumbled or sprinkled over a bowl of yogurt to add texture and flavour as well as over a smoothie bowl for an extra layer of crunch and sweetness. 

Experiment with different flavours of energy balls and find creative ways to include them in your daily routine for a delicious and nutritious boost! 

Here are some of our favourite kidney-friendly snack recipes:

• Chocolate and Peanut
• Almond Coconut
• Peanut Butter
• Chocolate Coconut

Storage Tips and Tricks

After combining the ingredients until sticky, shaping them into balls, and chilling, the energy balls are ready to be stored. Proper storage helps maintain their freshness, preventing them from becoming too soft or sticky. Storage ideas can include the following:

Airtight Containers and Zip-Top Plastic Bags: these can both be used well to store energy balls in the refrigerator or freezer. 

Refrigerator: energy balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for typically up to a week for optimal freshness. 

Freezer: for longer storage, energy balls can be stored in the freezer. Once frozen until solid, transfer the tray of energy balls to a freezer-safe container for storage up to several weeks.

Dedicated Snack Container: a dedicated container with several compartments can allow you to store different types or flavours of energy balls without mixing them together.

Keep Away from Moisture: moisture can affect the energy ball’s texture. Ensure they are completely cooled before storing and placing them in an airtight container.

Remember to label the containers with the date of preparation if storing for a longer period of time!

Looking for more recipes and snack ideas?

If you’re looking for more kidney-friendly recipes or snacks. Grab access to the What You Can Eat With CKD: Kidney-Friendly Recipes Vault. This receipt vault includes tips and tricks for preparing kidney-friendly recipes, grocery shopping guides, and quarterly updated meal inspiration.

This article was written by Neha Dewan, Nutrition Student Volunteer.
This article was reviewed by Emily Campbell, RD CDE MScFN.