The refreshing taste of mint paired with decadent chocolate is a match made in flavor heaven. These Mint Chocolate Sunflower Bites provide a hefty dose of flavor along with whole grain oats and sunflower seeds, making them the perfect gluten-free, nut-free, and vegan energy snack!
The energy bite fad is another food fad I’m sorta okay with now that I’ve tried it for myself. I’m still against the term “no-bake” and think it’s uncreative and just annoying, but that’s besides the point. Let’s talk about why I’m totally for homemade energy and protein bites. I eat some protein or energy bar every day (well, now it’s bites), and I’ve gone through phases of which were my favorites. I came in to a wonderful huge stock of INBars during school last year and they became my favorite. Every flavor was a stand out, no weird scary ingredients, organic, non-gmo, and 100% allergy-free. I loved every last one of them. However, they are super expensive and you have to buy them online (never seen them in any store). My all time favorite flavor (even though I loved every flavor), was the mint chocolate bar.
First of all, chocolate. Second, that wonderful refreshing mint taste. When you breath in through your mouth and feel the coolness after your first bite. To die for! I remember this being the highlight of riding on the shuttle to class at 7am…eating my bar 😉 All the INBars were made with a base of sunflower seed butter and brown rice protein. The sunflower seed keeps them allergy-safe which is awesome. Now the mint chocolate flavor was just such a stand-out that when I ran out of that flavor…I needed more, stat! So this summer I was on a mission to create my own. Thus, the inspiration for these bites was taken for my love of that bar, and I have to say, I’m pretty satisfied with the results 😉
With sunflower seeds and sunflower seed butter as my base, I also chose good old oats, tons of chocolate, and tons…tons of mint. Cocoa mint stevia syrup, peppermint extract, dried mint, and peppermint tea! Can you get any mintier? Probably, but I stopped there. These healthy bites are just so full of mint chocolatey goodness you will be making a batch every few days. They are perfect for everyday snacking, school lunches and snacks for the kids, or just a mid-morning pick-me-up. I can tell you that these really are “love at first bite“! Needless to say, as of this summer I never buy bars anymore (except for the occasional one or two). Making my own has been so much fun, tasty, CHEAP, and easy. I keep my stash is a special place which I’ll share below after the recipe 😉
Mint Chocolate Sunflower Bites
- ¼ Cup Sunflower Seed Butter
- ¼ Cup Roasted Unsalted Sunflower Seeds
- 2 Cups Gluten-Free Rolled Oats (divided)
- ¼ Cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 2 TB Cocoa Mint Stevia Syrup (or Cocoa Stevia Syrup)
- ½ Tsp Pure Peppermint Extract
- 1 Tsp Dried Mint Leaves
- ¼ Cup Freshly Brewed Peppermint Tea (you can drink the rest while making these!)
- In a food processor combine all ingredients, omitting 1 cup of the oats.
- Processes until you get a crumbly dough, then add the last cup of oats and process until your dough in well incorporated with these new oats (I do this for more texture).
- When the mixture is able to stick together, roll 12 balls, using your hands. About 2 TB each, roughly. This will make 6 servings (2 balls per serving).
So now, about my stash. I have this thing, and always have, about eating my bars and bites frozen. I would even freeze KIND bars and break my teeth eating them frozen 😉 So good! INBars become rock solid when frozen, but these bites get just perfect! They’re frozen, but you can still eat them as they don’t totally “freeze”. So I keep these bites in the freezer in multiple plastic baggies and take as needed. They are just too good! You can keep them in the fridge too, which is the “normal” thing I guess, but really, put them in the freezer. Everything is oddly better in the freezer! Haha!
So tell me:
+ Do you or have you ever put your bars or bites in the freezer?
+ Have you ever had an INBar?
*Recipe linking up for the week! Allergy Free Wednesdays, #RecipeOfTheWeek,#StrangeButGood, Gluten-Free Wednesdays, Real Food Friday, Gluten-Free Fridays,Tasty Tuesdays, Savoring Saturdays, Healthy Vegan Fridays, Tasty Tuesdays, Meatless Mondays, Lena’s Tasty Tuesdays, TFFM Meatless Monday, Waste Not Want Not!*
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OMG these look sooooo good!! I am definitely trying them, thanks for sharing the recipe
Thanks!
I made my first “bite” a few months back and my kids didn’t really want to be part of it. But… my college boy took one and then proceeded to clear the plate! I think he’d love these too.
What!!! Bites are kid favorites though! You have a tough bunch on your hands!
Yum!! I love all things mint chocolate, and these sound delicious!!! Must try.
Eryn recently posted…20 Songs I Can’t Get Enough Of From 2015
These are a favorite of mine!
These look super! and so easy to make!
I looove mint chocolate it’s my favorite
Totally the best chocolate combo!
These look and sound great, Rebecca.
Thanks!
This is a great idea; especially because store bought energy bars can really be pricey.
Shellie Bowdoin recently posted…Fashion Over 40|Fall 2015 Color Trends and Links à la Mode
Beyond pricey!
Yum! Thank you so much!
Stephanie recently posted…Flashback Friday
Welcome!
This is great! love these kinds of delicious snacks 🙂
Total win 😉
I LOVE these Rebecca! These were the first recipe that I had to feature on Savoring Saturdays this weekend, and then I decided to feature some other healthy snacks. Perfect for back-to-school. And I’ve been struggling to come up with healthy snack to send with my preschooler. These are perfect!
I can’t wait to see what you share this week!
Brianna @Flippin’ Delicious recently posted…Skinny Toasted Coconut Frappuccino (gluten free, dairy free option)
Yes Brianna!! These are perfect packable snack! Thanks dear!
I love that these have mint in them, yum!
Kathy recently posted…Recipe Swap 8|31
Ha, me too!
These look delicious! I can’t wait to make these for my daughter who is GFCF. She will love them! Thanks for linking with the Sat. Soiree. You’re featured this week!
Sarah Ann recently posted…When You’re Wondering What’s Next in Life
Awesome! Thanks Sarah Ann!
Congratulations!
Your recipe is featured on Full Plate Thursday this week!
Miz Helen recently posted…Full Plate Thursday 9-3-15
Thanks!
Wow, I didn’t think I would ever get to the end of the comments lol. Great recipe!
Donna Wirthlin recently posted…Wordless Wednesday #44 Link Party
Thank you!!!
These look absolutely delicious. Love the idea of flavouring them with mint. #TastyTuesday
Alison recently posted…Meal Plan: 31/08/15 – 05/09/15
All the mint just takes it over the top 😉
These look so great! I am excited to make them.
Andrea recently posted…A Benchmark Summer – Chapter 1: The 24-Hour Labor
Thank you!
Those look nice and much better than my usual default snack of chocolate.
Mrs Tubbs recently posted…On My Cook Book Shelf: Best of Bill by Bill Granger. And Giovanni’s Sausages with Potatoes and Rosemary Recipie
And I bet you much tastier too 😉
These look delicious!!!! I LOVE healthy snacks.
kimberly recently posted…Hands on Learning Activities (Linky 33)
Thank you!! We all do!
Another delicious recipe!
casey recently posted…Running, Gardening, Baby Shoes, and Hey, Momma! Link Party #8!
Thanks!
These look delicious! Just wish I was a mint and chocolate fan, not just a chocolate fan. 🙂
Laurie
Laurie recently posted…September Country Fair Blog Party
These will make you a fan!
These looks delicious and I think this would be a great snack for the kids to take to school. Haven’t tried stevia syrups before and will have to give this a try.
Erlene recently posted…Merry Monday Link Party #69
Yes! It’s so perfect for school or an after-school snack!!
Ooooh sunflower butter AND sunflower seeds – extra taste & added texture – sounds awesome =) I totally fell on the energy bite bandwagon, I freakin’ love them and make them all of the time. I’ll try these next!
kimmythevegan recently posted…Hitting the Reset Button
They are a staple now!
I too love chocolate and mint! Pinning for later, always looking for easy things to make when my friends girls come over
Sarah recently posted…Two Uses Tuesday Link Up 44
Totally! Such a fun sweet bite!
See lots of ‘bites’ on pinterest -I think your recipe might finally make me take the leap! #TastyTuesdays
Sarah recently posted…Amaretti Apple Tart
I hope it does! If I can be so humble as to say mine are the best 😉 Hahaha!
chocolate and mint is my favorite combination! love the idea of the together into a bite. pinning it,
dixya | food, pleasure, and health recently posted…Hummus Wrap
Pure bites of joy! 😉
Oh my stars, love this!! We make sunflower seed energy bites all the time at our house since Dave can’t do nuts! He doesn’t love mint though, so these would be all for me!!
Sam @ PancakeWarriors recently posted…Peach Berry Coconut Crumble Muffins
Hahaha, he is missing out 😉 But yes! Sunflower seeds are kinda awesome!
These sound so delicious and refreshing! I love the idea to use peppermint tea!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted…Stay Healthy & Active on a Greece Holiday
Gotta go all out with the mint!
Your Mint Chocolate Sunflower Bites look amazing!
Miz Helen recently posted…10 Salads and Sides Summer 2015
Thank you!
Ah, mint and Chocolate! Is there a better combination?! 🙂
Faith VanderMolen recently posted…Vegan Blueberry Corn Scones
It is one of the best 😉
You had me at mint chocolate 🙂
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Eggplant “Meatball” Gyros
Right 😉
Mint chocolate is always a win in my eyes! I am into the bites fad now too, but yeah I resisted for a while. If only protein stuff would stay together in a bar…..but for some reason they always work better as a bite!
Tina Muir recently posted…Meatless Monday- Roasted Green Bean and Gorgonzola Kamut
Bites are just so much easier to eyeball and roll!
Wow they look incredible, love a healthy treat!
Honest mum recently posted…Oven-Baked Salmon with White & Black Sesame Seeds on Brown Basmati Rice
O yes!
I haven’t had a bar since I was younger… my mom use to put one in my lunch everyday for years and it was just too much of a good thing! Once I grew up and was in charge of my own food I needed a break! Haha! Maybe it’s time to get back on the horse!
Betsy @ Happily Ever After, Etc. recently posted…A Japanese Nursery Mood Board
I’m not sure what kinda bars you’re talking about, but these bites beat everything you could buy at a store in a box!
These little bites look absolutely delicious! My allergy baby could have them, too! Win, win!
MEl recently posted…My Sunday Photo – 30 August 2015 – At the Beach
Woohoo! Exactly what I wanted to achieve! Goodness for all!
I went through a phase of making all different bites and then stopped. They are so good! You have reignited my passion for them and chocolate and mint are two of my favorite flavors. Trying these!
Yay!!!! These will make you fall in love again!
Oh wow these sound seriously amazing and so good to know they are gluten free as well, going have a go at making these this weekend.
I hope you do Laura! Thank you!
I absolutely must make some of these soon, they look amazing and it is so rare that I find a great oat bite snack which doesn’t have peanut butter! Thanks for sharing, I will definitely be linking back to you once I have had the chance to try them! And beautiful photography as well by the way 🙂
Jessica recently posted…How to Fit in a Workout Every Single Day
Thank you so much Jessica! I hope you love them just as much as I do!
These look delicious. I need to find some treats for my active runner who needs good food to fill him up and keep him running.
I would totally freeze these.
My friend make something similar with almonds/coconut and honey. Yum!!
:)Dawn
Dawn recently posted…Leaving the Bench Behind
Yea! Perfect for us athletes! And chocolate is pure running fuel 😉 Hahahaha!
Woah! These are just about the most fabulous “truffles” I’ve ever seen!! Mint chocolate? You ROCK! What a flavour combo!
Nagi@RecipeTinEats recently posted…Announcing: The Food Photography Book
Thank you Nagi! A total flavor favorite!
They sound amazing! I love how healthy they are but still chocolaty!
Corina recently posted…Caribbean Three Bean Salad
Chocolate can always be healthy!
Hi Rebecca! I Chocolate and mint are certainly a winning combination! I wonder if the no-bake term comes from all of us older folks who grew up with no-bakes as a special treat? I call my recipe energy bites because they are a perfect afternoon boost. Nicely done with all of the mint.
Christina @ Juggling Real Food and Real Life recently posted…Let’s Get Real Friday Party #105
I refuse to ever call a recipe “no-bake”, to me, that creams “no-talent” 😛
Yum! These look great!
Ashley Tukiainen recently posted…From The Archives Friday #4 Weekend Bloghop
Thanks!
This is a combo I’ve never thought of. Will have to try it!
Kelsie recently posted…Five on Friday: Things I Don’t Regret
Mint chocolate? What!?
I must admit, I’ve never been that much into the whole chocolate-mint combination. But these look so adorable that they might just convert me 🙂 and if not, I’m going to sub vanilla for the peppermint extract and go from there 😀
Lucie recently posted…Flax Pudding
What!!!??? These will convert you! I promise!
Ooo… I never thought of mint choc balls… I usually do orange choc! What a LOT of mint! 🙂 Yumyum! I think these ‘need’ to be in my freezer! 🙂
Life Diet Health recently posted…Chocolate Berry Smoothie Ice… Dairy Free!
They need to be in everyone’s freezer 😉
I will definitely try this recipe out! they look so good 🙂 thank’s for sharing! Daniela
Thanks!
Great combination of flavors and GF. Thanks for sharing.
Sure!
Mmmm.. these minty bites sound lovely with all that sunflower seed action in there. I’ve been all over making bliss balls lately myself 🙂 — best quick little treat ever! I normally keep mine refrigerated, but never frozen. And I’ve never seen an INBar…
Audrey @ Unconventional Baker recently posted…No Churn, Dairy-Free Creamy Almond Butter Ice Cream {Raw & Fruit-Sweetened}
Just pop them in the freezer…even better than just chilled!
These sound and look amazing! Great job! Stopping by from the Let’s Get Real linky. Have a great weekend!
Emily recently posted…Best Essential Oils for Sleep
Thank you!
These look super healthy! Which is good cause I have a mega sweet tooth so I’ve recently been looking for healthier options. Great post x
They are perfect for that sweet tooth 😉
Mint chocolate, my favourite! I love anything mint chocolate and these sound delicious. Not sure where I would get Stevia from in Scotland, should probably check out health food shops I guess? 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves recently posted…Cairngorm Mountain Railway
I get it online, try your Amazon, but if not, you could just use another liquid sweetener (it will just be a little less chocolatey) 😉
Thank you! Will have a look online! 🙂 x
Jenny recently posted…Cairngorm Mountain Railway
I am trying to make more gluten free recipes, this one looks really popular.
Hope you have a great weekend!
Karren
You’ll love them Karren!
So love your use of tea in these bites Rebecca – they sound and look amazing!
Shashi at RunninSrilankan recently posted…Gluten Free Potato & Bacon Pancakes
Thank you so much dear! I thought the tea would be clever 😉
You had me at mint! Lol, these remind me of Cliff bars. I can’t wait to try them!
Thank you Laura!!
Mint and chocolate is high up on my list of favorite flavor combos. These look damn tasty! I have a similar recipe for squares, but this one definitely has a bigger peppermint kick. And I totally agree some things do taste better from the freezer 🙂
Melissa @ vegan does it recently posted…Whole Wheat Vegan Chocolate Chip Pancakes
Haha, for sure! The more mint chocolate the better 😉
These look delicious! Something I would take on a hike or camping, keep the energy going.
Rachel Edington recently posted…Gluten Free “Muffin-Sized” Veggie Frittatas
Totally! Thanks Rachel!
I’ve never had a INbar but I’m going to look them up right now. The mint in this recipe sounds refreshing can’t wait to try them.
You can just make these instead too 😉
Oh I bet these are so refreshing!
Sarah recently posted…Pineapple Mint Protein Smoothie
Mmhmmm 😉
I got pretty excited when I saw this recipe because my boyfriend has a nut allergy and it seems like nearly every recipe for bites/bars has them. Also really neat that there’s actual tea and mint leaves as opposed to just extract.
Jacklyn @ Jack’s Balancing Act recently posted…5 Facts From My First Winery Tour That I Don’t Want to Forget
Right on, girl, he would love these!
I felt like going all out the the mint!
Mmm I love mint chocolate!! This looks like a perfect snack, anytime throughout the day 🙂
Jess @hellotofit recently posted…4 plyometric exercises you need in your workout
For sure! Thanks Jess!
Mint chocolate anything is a winner in my book. These look awesome.
P.S. I have never hear of INBars before, but now I am totally intrigued!
Heather@hungryforbalance recently posted…WIAW: If it ain’t broke…
For sure!
You gotta try them if you ever get your hands on them! They are one in a million 😉
These look lovely and simple enough that I might actually be able to cope with making them! #brilliantblogposts
Silly Mummy recently posted…Undone, Everyone: The Ten Funniest Things The Toddler Said Last Week
Of course you can! Not hard at all!
These sound pretty good, although I would probably ruin the health part and cover them in real chocolate 🙂 #brillblogposts
Debbie
Random Musings recently posted…10 Post Ideas For Any Niche
Cocoa is real chocolate 😛
Now that school is about to start up I’m thinking about snack recipes for the kids! Love that this is nut free 🙂
Yea!!! Totally school approved 😉
Anything with sunflower seed (or sunflower butter) and chocolate is always a win in my book! 🙂
Casey @ Casey the College Celiac recently posted…Learning to Trust
I agree 😉
These look perfect! You can never have too many energy ball recipes. Love the combination of ingredients here 🙂
Ashley @ Fit Mitten Kitchen recently posted…5 {Easy} Ways to Reduce your Sugar Intake
Totally 🙂 Thanks Ashley!
Chocolate Mint is my favorite! I need to make these now 🙂 Thanks again for the beautiful recipe!
Ali Williams recently posted…Flourless Cherry & Pineapple Dump Cake and keeping fit with Perfectly Simple Nutrition Bars
Such an amazing combo! Thanks Ali!
These look delicious! I’d love a few right now! Beautiful photography 🙂
Thank you so much Marsha!
Of course you had me at ‘chocolate’… but the rest of it sounds good, too. 😉
Raia recently posted…A Romantic Stay-At-Home Date Night Recipe
Ahahaha, we can never forget the chocolate!
Energy balls like these are my absolutely favorite!! Amazing! Love all the ingredients you used, can’t wait to try them!
Neli @ Delicious Meets Healthy recently posted…Simple Moussaka Recipe
Haha, they are so great! Thanks Neli!
Chocolate and mint are such and amazing combination. I know I’ll love these bites. The “no-bake” term kind of makes me crazy too, but I feel like I need to use it for SEO.
You don’t haha!
I usually can only handle sunflower seeds in doses but paired with cocoa and mint?! YEP this looks awesome and healthy! Love it!
You will love these!
Oooh yummy! I love mint and chocolate.. such a great combo. Second to my ultimate fav – PB & Chocolate!
Liz recently posted…FitSnack August Review
Hahaha, can’t go wrong with the ultimate classic either 😉
Ok, You have combined my three favorite things here. I have to check it out. Thanks for sharing.
Susan Kinchen recently posted…Using Your Comfort Zone: Quirkyriffic Living
Awesome!! I hope you enjoy them!
Yes, I love chilling bars! And these bites look like ones that I must make soon!
Alisa @ Go Dairy Free recently posted…Enter to Win a “Full Marathon” of Vega Sport Goodies (Over $300 Value)
Woohoo!!! The more “chilled” the better 😉
These sound AMAZING! Totally pinning for later. I’ve been looking for easy snacks that are on the healthier side. You’ve won me over with these!
Jessica H. recently posted…Puppy Prep Checklist
Thank you so much Jessica!
These look sooo good, would you believe that I have never had sunflower butter before? I love the mint chocolate combo, it’s a classic for a reason, because it’s amazing 🙂
Sara recently posted…Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa
Get some (or make some) stat!!! Sunflower butter is so so so good!
Very interesting combination but looks delicious!! I have been experiencing some intolerance to nut butters so happy to see a nut free alternative 🙂 lots of love C
Courtney Bentley recently posted…3 Tips to Recover From Your Workouts Faster
Perfect then!! Sunflower seed butter is one of my all time favorites!
These are gorgeous, and perfectly bite sized! I adore mint and chocolate too – a match made in heaven.
Cristina @ I Say Nomato recently posted…The BLC: Bacon, Lettuce, and Cucumber Bagel
I totally agree! Thank you Cristina!
Love chocolate and mint and sunflower seeds together! These look delicious! I make some sunflower oat balls like this, but they are cinnamon chocolate chip. Definitely need to try the chocolate mint combo, yum!
And I need to try some cinnamon chocolate chip ones 😉
This makes no sense given how much I love nut butters, but I’ve never tried sunflower seed butter. I should probably change that, and then make these! I adore mint-chocolate things.
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday recently posted…Dear College Freshman
OMG!!! Get some!!! It will change your nut-butter loving life (to now include seed butters!)
I love chocolate + mint together (mmm, Andes mints <3 ), and energy bites are perfect on-the-go snacks! 😀
Farrah recently posted…My 5 Travel Essentials
Andes mints were the best!!! Same with junior mints and yorks!
I love the sound of these, especially with the mint. What a fun snack.
Christie recently posted…Summer Vegetable Minestrone Soup with Basil Oil
Thanks!
It’s the first ball/bite recipe on your site!!! Woohoo! And it’s so full of mint goodness I don’t know what to do! And chocolate…can’t forget the chocolate…mint wouldn’t be anybody without the chocolate 🙂 I love mint chocolate things, but I honestly don’t think I’ve ever had that flavor in an energy bar :/ I want these! I need these! <3 Oh and we're going to be recipe twinkies today…kinda 😉
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit recently posted…Fruit Frosted Chocolate Layer Cake
My favorite chocolate candies growing up were Junior mints, Andes mints, and York peppermint patties…something about that mint and chocolate was just to die for! (And yes, I ate all those frozen! Junior mints frozen are the best…or were…)
I’m excited for this!!!! Your recipes always make me happy and I’m assuming these will have chocolate so…..double happy!!!
These really looks so great–and healthier than the alternative, too!
Lol, what’s the alternative?
oooo this sounds sooooo good! 🙂
Kaitie recently posted…Salted Caramel PopCorn #FoodieMamas
Thanks!
mint chocolate is a great combo! I gotta find me some more sunflower butter asap!
Rachel @ Athletic Avocado recently posted…Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Banana Ice Cream
You can always just make some 😉 But I 100% recommend MaraNatha! The one and only best!
No matter how many different flavours I try, I can never have enough bites in my life. Kind of like nut butter. And brownies recipes haha. Thanks for the inspiration again Rebecca:)
Laura recently posted…Twice Cooked Balsamic Sage Vegetables
Hahahaha, I feel you on that one 😉 Especially the nut butters…which is perfect since nut butters make the best bites anyway!