Vegan Protein Bars

Take snacking up a notch with these vegan protein bars. They’re the perfect macro blend of protein, fat and healthy carbs. If you’re ready to chase adventure, then you’d better take this vegan protein bars recipe with you.

This recipe is from my Seasonal Cleanse. They are a staple in our home. We love them so much, we make a batch even when we aren’t following the cleanse!

#1 Plant-Based Protein Bar Recipe

Most store-bought protein bars contain tons of sugar and unhealthy fats. They may taste great, but they’re essentially a candy bar based on the amount of sugar and processed ingredients. Even ‘healthy’ store-bought options are super processed, filled with gums, fillers, and cheap plant protein. Meanwhile, my protein bars are full of natural, minimally processed sweeteners, no fillers/gums, and real protein. Still not convinced? take a look at the nutritional breakdown below.

Packed with Plant Based Protein

Many people argue that a plant based diet doesn’t contain enough protein. I find that eating more plants actually gives me better, cleaner protein. And, it works for my body instead of against it. Check out the main ingredients in this vegan protein bars recipe:

• Chia seeds contain 4 grams of protein per ounce
• Almond flour contains 6.1 grams of protein per ounce
• Gluten-free rolled oats contain 16.9 grams protein per 3.5 ounces
• Pepitas contain 7 grams of protein per ounce

Loaded with Healthy Fat

The word ‘fat’ automatically turns many people off of a product. We’re conditioned to believe that fat is bad, and will hurt us if we have too much. While too much of anything is bad, a balanced diet needs healthy fat to help breakdown the carbs and turn protein into energy. Often, products that boast ‘low fat’ have increased amounts of refined carbs + added sugars, which has in turn increased obesity rates in America.

The US National Library posted an article regarding the misinformation about fat. The emphasis on lowering fat has turned into this ‘all fat is bad’ mentality, which a mindset I wanna break! Fat found in plants is essential. If you don’t believe me, then look at all the great fat found naturally in this protein bar recipe:

• Chia seeds contain 9 grams of fat per ounce
• Almond flour contains 14.2 grams of fat per ounce
• Gluten free rolled oats contain 6.9 grams of fat per 3.5 ounces
• Pepitas contain 13 grams of fat per ounce, including 6 grams of omega-6s

Complex Carbs Fuel Vegan Recipes

• Chia seeds contain 11 grams of fiber per serving
• Almond flour contains 5.6 grams of carbs, 3 grams from fiber
• Gluten-free rolled oats contain 66.3 grams of carbs per 3.5 ounces, 10.6 grams from fiber

To simplify, carbohydrates come in 2 forms: sugar and fiber. Naturally occurring foods have higher fiber contents, which is needed to process sugar carbs and fat. Even though rolled oats have a higher carb content, they also have a good amount of fiber, which is used to process those sugar carbs. Plus, they are part of a protein bar recipe that has lots of other fiber-rich ingredients, which creates a great source of slow burning energy in the body along with no sugar crash.

Vitamins + Minerals

• Chia seeds provide 30% of the RDI of manganese, 30% magnesium, 27% phosphorus.
• Almond flour provides 35% RDI of vitamin E, 31% RDI of manganese, 19% RDI of magnesium, 16% RDI of copper, and 13% RDI of phosphorus.
• Gluten-free rolled oats provide manganese, phosphorus, copper, vitamin B1, iron, selenium, magnesium, and zinc.
• Bananas provide 9% RDI of potassium, 33% RDI of vitamin B6, 8% RDI of magnesium, 10% of copper, and 14% of manganese.
• Pepitas provide 18% of the RDI of vitamin K, 33% phosphorus, 42% manganese, 37% magnesium, 23% iron, and 14% zinc.

This rawkstar ingredient list clearly provides good nutrition in this protein bar recipe, so I know where my body’s fuel is coming from.

Vegan Protein Bars Recipe

I. love. these. bars. They’re a sustaining and yummy snack that’s super portable and full of nutrition (if you have green smoothies for breakfast, then this snack is perfect for holding you over until lunch).

My fav thing is probably how easy they are to modify based on my personal preferences + which ingredients I have on hand. For example, I like to swap out the raisins for dried blueberries. Or swap the pepitas for extra sliced almonds.

My fav way to eat these bars is actually toasted in the toaster oven, then topped with almond butter. Don’t knock it ’til you try it; it’s seriously delicious. If you like your protein bars on the thinner side, I recommend using a larger than 9×12 pan, and spreading the mixture to the edges. You’ll get a crispier, thinner snack that way. You can also double the recipe, then freeze the 2nd batch. They thaw out nicely, making for an easy grab n go snack later.

Seasonal Cleanse

In the past, I’ve done cleanses that focus on serious restricting. While I got instant results like a trimmer waistline, I felt terrible while doing them. After some research and many discussions with certified nutritionists, I realized that there was a better, healthier + happier way to cleanse my body.

I created this whole food, plant based detox because it helps reset the body naturally. It focuses on foods that cleanse the body naturally, and with breakfast, lunch, dinner, 2 snacks, and several detox drinks throughout the day, you definitely won’t feel restricted on this plan! Interested in eating more plant-based meals to lose weight and gain energy? Check out ourSeasonal Cleanse.