Need a little energy boost? Enjoy these delicious matcha energy balls for a healthy snack or afternoon pick-me-up. They are a simple, no-bake snack that is easy to prepare and store for weekly meal prep.
What is Matcha?
Matcha green tea powder has been a staple of Japanese tea ceremonies for centuries, with its origins tracing back to imperial Japan. Made from the camellia sinensis leaves, matcha is stone-ground into a nutrient-rich fine powder. Use the Japanese green tea powder to make traditional tea, matcha protein shake, or incorporate it into matcha overnight oats, smoothies, baked goods, and ice cream.
What’s an Energy Ball?
Energy balls, protein balls, or bliss balls- they go by a lot of names, but they all refer to a small, bite-sized treat made from nutrient-dense ingredients like oats, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
They are well-liked for being a quick, healthy option in between meals or before a strenuous workout (my husband loves them before his long runs).
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Matcha: When purchasing matcha powder, look for organic culinary grade matcha to give the bites its vibrant green color.
- Almond Flour: Use blanched almond flour to make these almond flour energy balls. Blanched almond flour is made from almonds that have had their skins removed. You can substitute it with oat flour, coconut flour, or almond meal, although they will be heavier because almond meal is made with almonds that have the skin on.
- Dates: Naturally sweeten the matcha energy balls with chopped Medjool dates.
- Maple Syrup: Maple syrup works with the dates to sweeten the snack and bind the ingredients together. Use a sugar-free maple syrup for a low-carb option.
- Nut or Seed Butter: Use a nut or seed butter of your choice—peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, and sunflower seed butter all work. And use crunchy or smooth, depending on your preference.
- Pistachios: Include crushed pistachios in the energy balls and use them as a topping.
Additions and Substitutions
One of the best things about energy balls is that they are easily customizable—you can add mix-ins like chocolate chips, unsweetened coconut flakes, or protein powder, to suit your dietary needs.
- Sweeten the snack. Replace the dates and maple syrup with another dried fruit (cranberries, mangos, pineapples), cocoa nibs, honey, coconut sugar, agave nectar, or a sugar-free option like monk fruit.
- Spice it up. Flavor the matcha energy balls with ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- Add some goodies. Consider including chia seeds, hemp seeds, flax seeds, or chopped nuts such as walnuts and pecans.
How to Make Matcha Energy Balls
The full recipe with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Mix the Ingredients
Step 1: Add the matcha powder, almond flour, chopped Medjool dates, maple syrup, vanilla extract, nut butter, and two tablespoons crushed pistachios to a food processor and process until the mixture forms a cookie dough consistency.
Roll into Balls
Step 2: Let it sit for 5 minutes, then use a tablespoon or small ice cream scoop to create bite-sized balls. Roll them into smooth balls with clean hands.
Step 3: Spread the remaining pistachios onto a plate and lightly roll the balls over the mixture.
Time to Chill
Step 4: Transfer the balls to a rimmed baking sheet or plate and refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour before serving.
Expert Tips
- Roll the balls. Ensure the mixture has a cookie dough-like consistency before rolling them into balls. If the mixture is dry, add a little warm water or nut butter to make the balls easier to shape.
- Let it chill. Transfer the matcha protein balls to the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If it’s hot outside, consider chilling the mixture for 30 minutes before rolling them into balls, making them easier to handle.
If you enjoy the sweet matcha bites, try one of these snack recipes!
Serving Suggestions
With the right balance of natural sweetness and earthy, vibrant matcha, these balls are a satisfying snack to power you through the day.
Whether you grab them as a post-workout treat, pack them in kids’ lunch boxes, or eat them to avoid the afternoon slump, these matcha energy balls are easy to make and delicious. Plus, they are packed with wholesome ingredients to keep you full.
How to Store Energy Balls
- Refrigerate: Keep these in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them for a longer shelf life.
- Freeze: Transfer the matcha energy balls to a freezer-safe container or bag. They will freeze for 2-3 months.
More Matcha Recipes:
Matcha Energy Balls
- 1 tablespoon matcha powder
- 1½ cups almond flour
- 4 Medjool dates, pitted and roughly chopped
- 1-3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup nut or seed butter, crunchy or smooth
- ⅓ cup pistachios, crushed and divided
- Add the matcha powder, almond flour, chopped Medjool dates, maple syrup, vanilla extract, nut butter, and two tablespoons crushed pistachios to a food processor and process until the mixture forms a cookie dough consistency and pulls away from the bowl.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes, then use a tablespoon or small ice cream scoop to create bite-sized balls. Roll them into smooth balls with clean hands.
- Spread the remaining pistachios onto a plate and lightly roll the balls over the mixture.
- Transfer the balls to a rimmed baking sheet or plate and refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour before serving.
- Roll the balls. Ensure the mixture has a cookie dough-like consistency before rolling them into balls. If the mixture is dry, add a little warm water or nut butter to make the balls easier to shape.
- Let it chill. Transfer the matcha protein balls to the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If it’s hot outside, consider chilling the mixture for 30 minutes before rolling them into balls, making them easier to handle.
- The nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice.