Matcha balls are energy bites made with oats, coconut, dates, and matcha green tea powder. These bliss balls are perfect for breakfast or post-workout snacks.
These Matcha Balls are quick, wholesome, and just sweet enough to satisfy without feeling heavy. You only need a handful of ingredients and one food processor!
Matcha green tea gives them that bright, earthy flavor and a natural energy lift that lasts longer than coffee.
I love making a batch at the start of the week. They keep well in the fridge and are easy to grab before a workout or when I want something sweet but nourishing.
If you've never made energy balls before, this is one of the easiest places to start.
There's no baking, no tricky steps, and no special equipment beyond a blender or food processor.
The texture is soft and chewy, like a truffle but made entirely from good-for-you ingredients.
You can customize them too. Just swap the nuts, add a handful of seeds, or roll them in shredded coconut for a little extra crunch.
Enjoy your matcha bliss balls with a glass of Matcha Horchata, a mug of Sweet Potato Latte, or a Chocolate Prune Smoothie for a tasty breakfast full of nourishing ingredients.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Fast to prepare. You only need about 10 minutes and a food processor to make a batch of healthy energy balls.
- No baking needed. These no-bake snack bites hold together naturally thanks to dates, nut butter, or coconut oil.
- Endlessly adaptable. You can create new flavors - from matcha bliss balls to chocolate peanut butter or almond-date combinations.
- Nutritious snacking option. Packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats that keep you satisfied longer than sugary snacks.
- Perfect for meal prep. Make a big batch of matcha energy bites and store them in the fridge for the week.
- Ideal for on-the-go fuel. Great for workouts, school lunches, or travel days.
- Naturally sweetened. Most recipes rely on dates or dried fruit instead of refined sugar.
- Diet-friendly. Vegan, gluten-free, and refined-sugar-free options fit many lifestyles.
- Customizable texture. Adjust ingredients to make your snack balls chewy, soft, or crunchy.
- Fun to make and share. A simple, family-friendly recipe that even kids can help roll.
What are bliss balls?
Bliss balls, also known as energy balls, protein bites, or power balls, are small, no-bake snacks made from a mix of whole, nutrient-dense ingredients like oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit.
You blend everything together until it forms a soft dough, roll it into bite-sized balls, and chill them. That's it.
They're called bliss balls because they're meant to deliver a quick boost of energy and satisfaction - little bites of "bliss" that taste good and make you feel good.
Ingredients
- Oats. They add bulk, fiber, and help bind the mixture. Rolled oats work best. You can use gluten-free oats if needed.
- Flaked coconut. Gives lightness and natural sweetness. Toasted coconut adds a deeper flavor.
- Ground almonds. Provide richness and a soft texture. You can use cashew meal or sunflower seed meal instead.
- Dates. Naturally sweet and sticky, they hold everything together. Medjool dates are ideal, but any soft kind works once soaked.
- Coconut oil. Adds smoothness and helps the balls hold shape when chilled. Substitute with nut butter if you prefer.
- Matcha powder. Brings flavor, color, and a gentle caffeine lift.
- Vanilla or almond extract. Adds depth and aroma. You can skip it, but it rounds out the flavor beautifully.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Matcha Green Tea
Matcha is made by finely grinding shade-grown green tea leaves into a bright green powder.
It's known for its smooth, slightly grassy flavor and high concentration of antioxidants, especially catechins.
When you use matcha in snacks, you get both flavor and function, a gentle caffeine lift without the jittery crash.
Good quality matcha makes a big difference here. Choose ceremonial or high-grade culinary matcha for the best color and taste.
Matcha Recipes
Instructions for Matcha Balls
Follow this step-by-step photo tutorial, then scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and method.
Soften the dates in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes.
Meanwhile, add the oats to a food processor and whiz to make them a bit finer.
Add the remaining ingredients and blitz to make a thick paste.
With damp hands (so it doesn't stick) roll the matcha mixture into small balls.
Serving Suggestions
- Paired with your morning latte. A perfect partner for coffee or a matcha latte when you need something quick but filling. Try it with Hawaij Coffee or Coffee Milk for a tasty twist on your morning brew.
- Lunchbox treat. Add one or two energy bites to kids' or adults' lunchboxes for a sweet, nutrient-rich option. There are almonds, so ensure you don't need to be nut-free.
- Pre-workout boost. A couple of matcha energy balls offer quick fuel without weighing you down.
- Topping for yogurt bowls. Crumble them over plain or coconut yogurt for texture and flavor. Or try them with Whipped Cottage Cheese with Fruit.
- Healthy dessert alternative. Serve chilled after dinner with fruit or dark chocolate.
- Part of a snack board. Arrange alongside nuts, dried fruit, and small cookies for an easy entertaining platter.
- Post-hike refuel. Keep a few in your bag for outdoor adventures or long travel days. They go great with Gorp Trail Mix!
- Complement to afternoon tea. Their green hue and subtle flavor pair beautifully with jasmine or green tea.
- Gift idea. Package a dozen matcha bliss balls in a jar or box for a thoughtful homemade present.
Variations
- Coconut Matcha Bliss Bites. Roll the finished balls in fine shredded coconut for extra texture and visual contrast.
- Chocolate Matcha Energy Balls. Blend in a spoonful of unsweetened cocoa powder for a deep, earthy sweetness.
- Protein-Packed Green Tea Balls. Add your favorite vanilla or plant-based protein powder for a more substantial snack.
- Nut Lover's Matcha Snack Balls. Stir in crushed pistachios, almonds, or cashews for added crunch and flavor.
- Citrus-Infused Matcha Energy Bites. Add lemon or lime zest to brighten the taste and balance the tea's earthy notes.
- Warm Spiced Matcha Oat Balls. Mix in cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for cozy flavor that pairs beautifully with matcha.
- Mint Matcha Bliss Balls. A drop of peppermint extract turns them into refreshing after-dinner bites.
- Berry Matcha Snack Balls. Add freeze-dried raspberries or blueberries for fruity bursts and color.
- Matcha Tahini Energy Bites. Replace coconut oil with creamy tahini for a nut-free, savory twist.
- Mocha Matcha Balls. Combine espresso powder with matcha for a bold, slightly bitter balance of coffee and tea.
Storage
Matcha balls store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
You can also freeze them for up to three months. To freeze, place them on a tray first, then transfer to a sealed container once firm. Thaw at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before eating.
Recipe Tips
- Use soft dates for easy blending. Soak them if they're dry.
- Don't over-blend. You want a cohesive paste, not a puree.
- Chill the mixture briefly before rolling if it feels sticky.
- Use high-quality matcha for the best flavor and color.
- Store in glass containers to keep the flavor fresh.
Energy Balls (Bliss Balls)
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📖 Recipe
Matcha Balls
Equipment
- food processor
Ingredients
- 40 g oats ½ cup
- 75 g flaked coconut 1 cup
- 3 tablespoons ground almonds
- 6 dates pits removed
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon matcha green tea powder
- ½ teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
Instructions
- Soften the pitted dates in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes.
- Meanwhile, add the oats to a food processor and whiz to make them a bit finer. Add the remaining ingredients and blitz to make a thick paste.
- With damp hands (so it doesn't stick) roll the matcha mixture into small balls.
- Enjoy right away or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
- The matcha balls can also be frozen for up to 1 month. Defrost and serve.
Notes
The matcha balls can also be frozen for up to 1 month. Defrost and serve.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
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