Low FODMAP Mocha Espresso Power Balls
I love the concept of “energy balls”, but let me tell you, these Low FODMAP Mocha Espresso Power Balls take the concept to a whole new level of sophistication.
Sometimes referred to as “bliss balls” or “energy bites”, whatever you call them, they are tiny spheres of goodness that make a great snack. Sometimes they taste exceedingly healthy, and while that’s not a bad thing, sometimes I want a “treat”.
You know, like when it’s 3 or 4 PM and you are in that mid-afternoon slump and you need a jolt of something to get your brain and body going.
That’s how these Low FODMAP Mocha Espresso Power Balls came to be.
Sure, they begin with the classic energy ball ingredients of oats and peanut butter and liquid sweetener but then I have added instant espresso powder, rich dark Dutch-processed cocoa and the “secret” ingredient – chocolate covered espresso beans!
Yup! Real Espresso Beans Coated In Chocolate
The world of candy is vast. And luckily for us, there are plenty of choices that are low FODMAP. Read our article on candy ingredients for more info on which candies you can enjoy while following the low FODMAP diet.
Now, you might come across coffee flavored chocolates that are the size and shape of large coffee beans. They taste okay, but what you need for this recipe are actual chocolate covered espresso beans.
You might have to order them online or seek them out at a candy store that sells candy by the pound. However you buy them, you DO have to find them. They are the heart and soul of these Low FODMAP Mocha Espresso Power Balls.
WARNING: you will buy them and start eating them and might not stop – because they can be addictive. But stop. Because if you don’t, you will get overly caffeinated in that clenching teeth, tummy ache kind of way. Learn from our experience. (Robin & I can both attest to this!)
Simply place them in a plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin. Or crush on the counter taking care to keep them from rolling away.
Adults Only, Please
Chocolate covered espresso beans contain caffeine. You are eating actual coffee beans (see image below)!
These, in addition to the instant espresso and the dark chocolate and cocoa means that these Low FODMAP Mocha Espresso Power Balls are more of an adult treat.
Also, the rice syrup (as opposed to maple syrup, for example) is not that sweet. I use it in this recipe deliberately, to keep the overall effect not-that-sweet. Again, this makes these Low FODMAP Mocha Espresso Power Balls appeal more to adult palates.
Do You Love Coffee Flavor?
Caffeine can be a gut irritant, so know your tolerances. If you are a coffee lover check out our Espresso Bars. They are a brownie with coffee as the dominant flavor. You might also like our Mocha Banana Smoothie, Maple Mocha Cake and our chilled Mocha Vodka Frappuccino.
And for other energy bites, check out our PB & Chocolate version, Trail Mix, Cranberry White Chocolate, Almond Joy and even one with RAINBOW SPRINKLES!
Low FODMAP Mocha Espresso Power Balls
These Low FODMAP Mocha Espresso Power Balls are jam-packed with coffee flavor - and a jolt of caffeine. Best for adults.
Low FODMAP Serving Size Info: Makes 24 balls; 12 servings; serving size 2 balls
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (99g) old-fashioned oats; use gluten-free if following a gluten-free diet
- 1/2 cup (135 g) no-stir style creamy peanut butter; I use Skippy
- 1/3 cup (75 ml) rice syrup
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon Dutch-processed cocoa
- 2 teaspoons instant powdered espresso
- 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup (44 g) chocolate covered espresso beans, crushed
Preparation:
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Place oats, peanut butter, rice syrup, cocoa, espresso and vanilla in a bowl and stir together very well with a sturdy wooden spoon, large, firm silicone spatula or your hands until thoroughly combined. We like to use our stand mixer fitted with the flat paddle and highly recommend this approach. Once the mixture is thoroughly and evenly combined, fold in the crushed chocolate covered espresso beans.
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Roll the mixture into small, bite-size balls about 1-inch (2.5 cacross. We use a tiny scoop to help the process. If the mixture is too soft, simply cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm enough to roll. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze up to 1 month.
Dédé's Quick Recipe Tips Video
Notes:
Tips
- Caffeine does not agree with everyone who has IBS. Know your own tolerances and proceed accordingly.
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more. For a more detailed explanation, please read our article Understanding The Nutrition Panel Within Our Recipes.
