These Super Green Power Balls are made with just 6 ingredients including matcha, pistachios and pumpkin seeds to a create an easy and delicious energy ball.  They’ve vegan and gluten free too. 

For those of you that don’t know, matcha is very high in antioxidants (and not just for your matcha lattes!). It’s great to add to snacks like energy balls for an extra shot of nutrition. 

You can eat these balls with or without the dark chocolate coating too. Or make half with and half without the chocolate. It’s up to you. 

I love the combination of dark chocolate and matcha; it feels healthy, yet indulgent and really gives you a boost. 

Are these Super Green Power Balls easy to make?

Definitely! They are very simple to make. 

You simply add the pitted dates, pistachios, cashews, pumpkin seeds and matcha powder to a food processor and blend well. The dates should be sticky enough to bring the mixture together well without the need for additional liquids. However, if your dates are harder, or it won’t blend well, add 1-2 tbsp of water to the mix and blend again.

Roll the mixture into 12 balls and refrigerate. You can then dip each ball in dark chocolate and leave to set. I like to add a few extra chopped pistachios for an extra hit of green!

They are also great (and quicker to make) without adding the dark chocolate coating. 

Are energy balls nutritious ?

With dates, nuts, seeds and matcha powder, these energy balls are definitely nutritious.

They are rich in healthy fats, antioxidants and key nutrients such as magnesium. And because they are home-made you can judge for yourself what goes in them. I don’t add extra sweeteners either, so they are indulgent without being overly sugary.

Even the dark chocolate is nutritious when eaten in smaller quantities. If preferred, you can also eat the balls without the chocolate coating. 

What is matcha and why is it good for me?

If you’re unfamiliar with matcha, you’re not alone! It has surged in popularity in recent years, but many people aren’t aware of its health benefits.

Matcha is a type of green tea made by finely grinding dried tea leaves, typically using the youngest leaves for the best quality powder.

Its flavour can take some getting used to, and using too much can make it quite bitter. The taste also varies depending on the quality of the powder—generally, the better the quality, the smoother the flavour (like with most things!).

Like traditional green tea, the nutritional value of matcha comes from its antioxidants and the amino acid l-theanine. Its vibrant green colour comes from chlorophyll, which also provides a good source of magnesium. And as you might already know, magnesium is vital for lots of things including improving sleep, upping your energy levels as well as helping with muscle relaxation and recovery. 

If you already have a tub of it in the cupboard for making match lattes, these balls are a great way to use it up! 

What ingredients are needed to make matcha energy balls?

This recipe only uses 6 ingredients:

• Medjool dates
• Pistachios
• Cashew nuts
• Pumpkin seeds
• Matcha powder
• Dark chocolate

Medjool dates

My preferred sweetener for sweet treats is always dates! And medjool dates are the best! They are naturally sweet and packed with fibre. They’re also a good source of potassium.

Pistachios

High in protein, healthy fats, and potassium, pistachios are a fantastic addition. The colour is amazing too!

Cashew nuts

You can use all pistachios if preferred, but they can be expensive. Swapping in another nut like cashew can be cheaper and also provides a lovely, creamy texture to the balls. Cashews are also a good source of healthy monounsaturated fats, and contain essential minerals like magnesium, copper, and zinc. 

Pumpkins seeds

Packed with magnesium, zinc, and plant-based omega-3s, pumpkin seeds are a great addition to these balls.

Dark Chocolate

You will know by now that dark chocolate is always my preferred choice. It’s a good source of antioxidants and contains minerals such as iron, magnesium, and copper. I also opt for one that has minimal sugar and at least 70% cocoa solids. 

Storage and Shelf Life

These balls store really well in the fridge. I like to store in the fridge as it keeps them harder and ensures they last longer. They’ll last for at 8-10 days.

They also freeze well and will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Recipe Tips

Use all pistachios: As pistachios are more expensive, I use a combination of cashews and pistachios. If preferred, use all pistachios for an even greener colour.

Use a food processor: A food processor is needed to ensure you blend the ingredients fully. A blender may work but they usually struggle to blend the dates fully into a smooth paste.

Chocolate: I have used dark chocolate that is 70% cocoa solids.  I prefer this as it’s less sweet and has more of the goodness from chocolate. However, if you would prefer a different chocolate option, please use that.

Adjust the sweetness: If you have a sweeter tooth, you can add a little bit of maple syrup or agave to the mixture.

Chocolate drizzle alternative: If you don’t want to coat the whole ball in a layer of chocolate, you can drizzle the dark chocolate on top for a lighter finish. This way, you still get a bit of the chocolate taste without fully covering the ball.

Make without chocolate: These balls also work well without the chocolate. 

Add a pinch of sea salt: For a salty-sweet taste, add a pinch of sea salt to the base whilst mixing.

How much matcha? – I use 2 tsp however, use more or less depending on your own tastes. Try the mixture and see what you think – you can always add more before rolling into balls.

If you liked these super green power balls, you might want to try these other energy ball recipes:

Lime & Pistachio Energy Balls

Strawberry & Coconut Energy Balls

Carrot Cake Energy Balls

Ferrero Rocher Energy Balls

Pumpkin Energy Balls