Crafting homemade vegan protein bars like a pro
What's the story
Making your own vegan protein bars at home is a healthy and delicious way to fuel your day with essential proteins and nutrients, without the need for store-bought options.
This article will teach you everything you need to know, from choosing the right ingredients to nailing the perfect texture, so you can whip up tasty, protein-packed treats in your own kitchen.
Protein base
Selecting your protein source
The star player in any worthwhile vegan protein bar is, of course, the protein source.
Popular options are pea protein, brown rice protein, and hemp seeds.
Each comes with its own health-boosting perks: pea protein packs a punch with iron, brown rice protein brings the B vitamins, and hemp seeds serve up those oh-so-crucial omega-3 fatty acids.
Blending two or more sources ensures a full amino acid profile.
Sweetness
Choosing natural sweeteners
If you want to stay away from refined sugars, choose natural sweeteners like dates, maple syrup, or agave nectar.
Dates are especially great because they don't just sweeten your bars, they also act as a binder to keep everything together.
One part sweetener to four parts dry ingredients is a good ratio to start with. It's sweet enough without being too much.
Flavor boosters
Adding flavor and texture
Adding flavor enhancers like vanilla extract, cinnamon, or cocoa powder will take your vegan protein bars from boring to delicious.
For extra crunch and nutrition, add nuts (almonds or walnuts) and seeds (chia or flaxseeds).
These will not only provide a nice texture but also add a boost of healthy fats and fiber.
Binder choices
Binding ingredients together
A key aspect of creating homemade vegan protein bars is selecting the appropriate binder to ensure a desirable texture.
Choices range from nut butters such as almond butter or peanut butter, to the liquid sweeteners previously discussed.
The binder assists in creating a dough-like texture that can be readily molded into bars, followed by refrigeration until firm.
Finishing touches
Final touches for perfection
Once your bars are shaped and chilled, a little extra love can make them even more irresistible and nutritious.
Melting some dark chocolate (make sure it's vegan) and drizzling it over the top adds a touch of decadence while increasing antioxidants.
Or, try rolling your bars in shredded coconut or dipping them in melted chocolate before chilling for a deliciously different texture and flavor experience.