Thick, chewy, and date-based, this mint chocolate protein bar recipe has 11 grams of protein and is ideal for snack time. A a no-bake snack that comes together with only a handful of ingredients, you'll soon make these on repeat.
Why These Mint Energy Bars Work
These mint chocolate protein bars are the perfect balance of macronutrients. With natural energy coming from the dates and maple syrup, collagen giving you some hunger control. Plus, mint has been known to help digestion, so they're an all-around win.
These mint chocolate protein bars are thick, rich, and great for curbing a craving. Plus, they're easy to whip up given they require no baking (check out these other awesome, no-bake snack recipes).
As a Certified Nutrition Coach, I use homemade protein bars for both myself and my SMASH workout clients so that they're always something in the fridge to grab and munch on when a quick craving hits. This is the whole premise behind my Strong and Sweet Protein Guide to be honest.
If you want to make meal prep easier, whipping up a batch of protein bars and protein overnight oats each week is a great way to get started.
Why You'll Love Them
Classic flavor: Comforting and uplifting the chocolate mint flavor is one that gets you up and out the door every time.
Fueling: Each protein bar has 11 grams of protein to help you stay fueled until your next meal and prevent a sugar crash.
Allergy-friendly: These mint chocolate protein bars are naturally dairy-free, gluten-free, and can be made paleo-approved as well.
Ingredients and Substitutions
You only need six ingredients to make the mint energy bars, so it's pretty straight forward.
- Dates
- Collagen powder
- Nuts
- Maple syrup
- Cacao powder
- Chocolate chips
Know that dates don't freeze solid when stored so you can actually enjoy these bars right from the freezer just like the best chocolate turtles (learn more about making date-based energy recipes).
Any nuts you have on hand will work for the protein bars. You can also make them nut-free by using sunflower or pumpkin seeds instead.
Quick notes: Protein bars are wonderful for breastfeeding (check out these breastfeeding snacks!), however peppermint is not as it's rumored to reduce milk production. If making them as a nursing mom, eliminate the mint. These are amazing for kids though as they use collagen powder and not protein.
How To Make The Mint Chocolate Protein Bar Recipe
Step 1: Soak your dates for 20 minutes to soften them before blending.
Step 2: Combine the blended dates, and nuts in a mini food processor then add to a bowl with the remaining ingredients.
Step 3:Portion into an 8x3, lined, loaf pan and freeze to set.
Step 4: Slice and wrap in parchment paper.
Tips To Make The Bars
- Grind the almonds first. you can leave some texture to them, but the mint energy bars will hold together better with small, super fine pieces. If you need to, soak them first so that they blend better.
- Only add water if absolutely necessary, and add half a tablespoon at a time. The more water you add, the stickier the bars are.
- Store the bars in the freezer between pieces of parchment paper. The bars are tacky if they've been sitting out so this helps keep them separate but also reduces sticky hands when eating them.
How To Store Them
Store the mint energy bars in the freezer either in a flat line or separated between layers of parchment paper and in a plastic bag. They'll stay fresh for up to 3 months.
Of course, you can store them in the fridge too, in the same way. However, I personally like them every so lightly chilled from the freezer. They'll be softer in the fridge.
Bar Variations
Below are a few flavor substitutions you can use to adjust the taste of the mint chocolate protein bar recipe.
Nut-free: If you need to skip the nuts, substitute with pumpkin or sunflower seeds instead. Know that lightly roasting the seeds beforehand gives them even more flavor.
Indulgence: Use these date bars as a dessert by drizzling them with dairy-free caramel sauce.
Add-ins: In place of chocolate chips you could stir in extra nuts or other dried fruits. Likewise, you can add in almond or vanilla extract to change the taste.
Paleo-approved: To make the bars paleo-friendly, you'll have to omit the chocolate chips. Not to worry, though, they're delicious without them too.
Collagen and Mint Benefits
As a Certified Nutrition Coach, I’ve tried just about every protein powder out there, but I keep coming back to Perfect Supplements collagen for recipes like these bars.
Collagen not only blends smoothly without overpowering the flavor, but it also supports muscle recovery and joint health, key for active moms (and kids!).
I also love adding peppermint because it’s not just tasty, it can help with digestion and curb cravings, especially in that post-dinner snack window. These bars are my go-to when I want something refreshing, energizing, and actually good for me.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Energy Bars
Power bars are a blend of energy (sugars) and stabilizers (proteins and fats). You want to make sure you use natural energy sources like dates, honey or dried fruit and combine them with your favorite nut or nut butters or powdered alternatives like protein powder or collagen.
Mostly you need a combination of sticky ingredients like blended dates, honey, maple syrup and nut butters. Those, in combination with the bulk of your ingredients in powdered form, will help the bars hold together. If you struggle to get the bars to hold together you could have added too much water. Add in some extra collagen powder, protein powder, or coconut flour to bulk them up.
Dates are a great source of natural energy and sugars. They also help bind ingredients together. Instead of opting for processed sugar, date paste (blended dates) are a healthier replacement.
Only when they contain adequate amounts of protein and fats. Protein and fats take longer to break down and are what keep you full. If the bulk of an energy bar is sugar and there is no stabilizer, than you will simple have a lot of energy and a very big crash.
Fast, crave-worthy snacks that hit your protein goals (without tracking or extra cooking time).
More Easy, No-Bake Protein Snacks
- Chocolate protein pudding
- 3 ingredient banana pudding
- Chocolate brownie protein balls
- High protein dairy-free snacks
Mint Chocolate Protein Bars
Video
Equipment
- Mini food processor
- 8x3 Load pan
Ingredients
- 2 cups Dates soaked in warm water
- ¾ cup Almonds or another nut
- ¼ teaspoon Peppermint extract
- 2 tablespoons Cacao powder
- ⅛ cup Dairy-free chocolate chips as needed
- ¼ cup Collagen powder
- 2 tablespoon Water as needed
Instructions
- In a small food processor, process the almonds until they'rebroken down but still slightly chunky.
- Soak the dates in warm water for twenty minutes (this makes them easier to blend!). Then, process them in the food processor with the almonds until semi-smooth. Only add water if absolutely necesssary.
- Scrape the date and nut mixture into a large bowl and add in the remaining ingredients.
- Mix well to combine. Again, only add water if necessary. Take your time mixing.
- Line an 8x3 pan with parchment paper. Pour the mixture into the pan and using another piece of parchment paper, press the mixture into the pan until even.
- Top with chopped almonds or sea salt if you wish.
- Place in the freezer for at least 45 minutes to firm up. Them slice into bars and wrap them in parchment paper.
Notes
- Grind the almonds first. you can leave some texture to them but the bars will hold together better with small, super fine pieces
- Store the bars in the freezer between pieces of parchment paper. The bars are tacky if they've been sitting out so this helps keep them separate but also reduces sticky hands when eating them
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Nutrition
Shelby S says
These have such a delicious flavor to them! Almost indulgent but also a good pick me up from the mint, love them!
Megan Stevens says
These look delicious!! I think I may make them with sprouted sunflower seeds, because we don't eat a lot of almonds. I love the mint flavor + dates!
fitasamamabear says
Mmm sunflower seeds would be yummy too! I love chocolate + mint- it's such a win!
Carol Little R.H. @studiobotanica says
These look so good!! Can you please advise what you mean by "mint extract"?
Several things come to mind and not certain what you are suggesting we use.
Thanks!
Rachel says
WOW, love the clean ingredients! This is making me hungry... Can't wait to try making them!
fitasamamabear says
Haha they do make a yummy snack 😀
Daniela says
This is totally up my alley! I love making these at home! So delicious!
fitasamamabear says
Anything chocolate is up my alley 😀