Make these Carob Collagen Bliss Balls for a quick and easy AIP, Paleo, nut-free treat for a crowd, or keep them all for yourself! Packed with antioxidants, fiber and collagen for a gut-loving treat!
After falling in love with my own Coconut Collagen Bliss Balls, I’ve been brainstorming other nut-free bliss ball recipes for a healthy AIP treat, and I think I’ve hit another winner!
These Carob Collagen Bliss Balls are also similar to my 4-Ingredient Carob Date Bars, but with the added bonus of health-boosting grass-fed collagen peptides!
this recipe!
What are the benefits of collagen?
I’ve talked before about the benefits of collagen (here, here and here), but it bears repeating.
Collagen is a protein found in skin, hair, nails, bones, tendons, and ligaments, among other places in our bodies. It is the most abundant protein in our bodies, and is essential for bone and joint structure, as well as skin elasticity, strong hair and nails, and a healthy intestinal lining (which those of us with autoimmune disease could definitely use some help with!).
While collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies, and our bodies do make their own collagen protein, collagen production diminishes as we age. It also requires certain precursors (such as vitamin C) that many of our diets are lacking.
Supplementing with grass-fed collagen peptides could help:
- Promote healthy skin, hair and nails.
- Support a healthy gut lining.
- Ease joint stiffness and pain.
- Improve bone strength and elasticity.
- Support brain health.
However, I should mention, collagen peptides are not a “complete protein,” in that they do not provide the nine essential amino acids our bodies need to get from our diets. If you incorporate collagen into your diet, it should be an addition to other protein sources, not your only protein source. Make sure to eat a variety of protein sources, including grass-fed meats and fish.
What are the benefits of carob?
For those of us on an Autoimmune Paleo Protocol, chocolate is off limits, for a number of reasons. Personally, through food reintroductions, I’ve found that if I consume chocolate in the evening, I have a much harder time falling asleep and/or staying asleep. I’m not sure whether it’s the caffeine, the theobromine (another mild stimulant found in cacao) or the sugar (though, when I do consume chocolate, I only consume paleo dark chocolate). But, no matter the reason, chocolate is a no-go for me, at least in the evenings.
As an alternative to chocolate, carob has been a lifesaver on AIP! It tastes delicious, has numerous health benefits, is free of stimulants, AND is AIP-friendly! It’s a win/win/win!
Some of the numerous health benefits of carob include:
- Good source of anti-inflammatory antioxidants and polyphenols.
- Good source of vitamins and minerals, such as calcium and potassium.
- Free of tyramine, a compound found in chocolate that can trigger headaches/migraines in some people.
- Caffeine-free.
- High in fiber.
- Free of theobromine, a mild stimulant found in chocolate (the compound in chocolate that is toxic to dogs and cats).
Though carob has these health benefits, it is naturally high in sugar, which can be pro-inflammatory if you consume too much. So, as with any treat, be sure to consume in moderation.
What ingredients are in these Carob Collagen Bliss Balls?
The ingredients in the Carob Collagen Bliss Balls could not be any more simple. You know I love me some simple AIP recipes! If you have a well-stocked AIP pantry, you probably have all these ingredients on-hand already.
- coconut flour
- grass-fed collagen peptides
- carob powder
- vanilla powder
- coconut oil
- pitted medjool dates
- filtered water
How do you make these Carob Collagen Bliss Balls?
The steps to make these Carob Collagen Bliss Balls are super simple. You just need a good food processor. Then, take it away:
- Pulse coconut flour, collagen, carob and vanilla powder in a food processor until combined.
- Add coconut oil, pitted dates and water and pulse until well combined. You may need to scrape down the sides and break up the ball a couple of times to get it combined well.
- Use a small spoon or mini cookie scoop to scoop mixture into approximately 32 small balls on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Roll into balls with your hands, then roll in extra carob powder and place back on parchment paper.
- Transfer to fridge to chill for 30-60 minutes, then enjoy!
Carob Collagen Bliss Balls (AIP, Paleo, Nut-Free)
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 32 balls 1x
- Category: Treats
- Method: Blend
- Cuisine: AIP, Paleo
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Make these Carob Collagen Bliss Balls for a quick and easy AIP, Paleo, nut-free treat for a crowd, or keep them all for yourself! Packed with antioxidants, fiber and collagen for a gut-loving treat!
Ingredients
1/2 cup coconut flour
1/4 cup grass-fed collagen peptides
1/3 cup carob powder + more for rolling
1/4 tsp vanilla powder (optional)
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
2 cups pitted medjool dates
1/4 cup filtered water
Instructions
Pulse coconut flour, collagen, carob and vanilla powder in a food processor until combined.
Add coconut oil, pitted dates and water and pulse until well combined. You may need to scrape down the sides and break up the ball a couple of times to get it combined well.
Use a small spoon or mini cookie scoop to scoop mixture into approximately 32 small balls on a cookie sheet. Roll into balls with your hands, then roll in extra carob powder and place back on cookie sheet.
Transfer to fridge to chill for 30-60 minutes, then enjoy!
Equipment
food processor
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measuring spoons
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measuring cups
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Store in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to a month. If eating straight from the freezer, let thaw a few minutes before biting into them.
All nutrition information is an estimate, only, using an online nutrition calculator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 126
- Fat: 1.7g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2.8g
- Protein: 3.2g
Keywords: aip, paleo, nut-free, bliss balls, collagen
11 Comments
Sarah
October 31, 2020 at 1:49 pm1/4 of what for the coconut oil?
Andrea
November 1, 2020 at 12:50 pmSorry! I didn’t realize that was missing. I’ll edit it now. It should be 1/4 cup coconut oil. Thanks!
Daiva
January 22, 2021 at 9:20 amHi Andrea – what is the nutritional info of these? I know dates are pretty sugary and in your description you say carob is as well.
Andrea
January 22, 2021 at 2:18 pmHi Daiva! I plugged the ingredients into an online nutrition calculator and the one I used says there’s about 97 calories, 15g of sugar and 2g of fiber in each bliss ball. Definitely an occasional treat, but worth it if the rest of your diet is protein and veggie-packed! ๐
Daiva
February 4, 2021 at 7:04 pmThank you! I’ve made these three times now, they’re a great way to fulfill the craving for something sweet without being too sweet.
★★★★★
Andrea
February 4, 2021 at 7:07 pmThat is awesome to hear! Thanks, Daiva!
Suzanne
September 30, 2021 at 12:17 pmThis looks so good! I love the energy balls, but this will be great when you’re looking for a different flavor and texture!
Vanessa
September 30, 2021 at 12:18 pmThanks for sharing! Do they freeze well?
Andrea
September 30, 2021 at 5:35 pmAbsolutely! I freeze them all the time and just pull one out of the freezer a few minutes before I want to eat it. There’s no difference in texture or anything!
Suzanne
November 2, 2021 at 12:01 pmThis looks so good! Could I use cocoa instead?
Andrea
November 2, 2021 at 3:50 pmAbsolutely! Cocoa is not AIP, but if you’re not following AIP, it will do just fine.