Lemon Turmeric Energy Balls full of beautiful citrus aroma enriched with healing spice – TURMERIC, and superfood – CHIA SEEDS. These immune boosting, refined sugar-free energy balls are rich in fibers and plant-based proteins. Perfect for everyday snacking.
I’m totally obsessed with turmeric. Like TOTALLY! People call turmeric a SUPER SPICE, with a pretty good reason. Turmeric IS one of the most powerful natural remedies in the world. AND it’s gorgeous, yellow and beautifully aromatic… AND I absolutely love it! Of course in the colder winter months, like now, I use turmeric more often, because of its health benefits.
I enhance almost all my meals with this super healthy spice. I put it in my scrambled eggs in the morning, in soups and stews of course, and even in my smoothies. My husband is joking, telling if I could eat turmeric with a spoon, I probably would. And somewhat and right. Like I said, I’m obsessed!
The reasons why I’m SO obsessed with turmeric lately is because of the cold and flu season that’s started to happen around us. Honestly, I’m not such a fan of antibiotics or any pills as a matter of fact. I believe we can prevent many diseases just by eating right and healthy food, and why not giving natural remedies a chance to protect us. Right?!
I must say we are doing quite well… my family I mean. My kid had some sore throat last week, but after a double dose of vegetable stew with turmeric, chamomile tea with ginger and honey, and of course the-one-and-only-mother love, we were able to repel a troublesome sore throat. We VS flu – 1:0!
So last week I decided to make these Lemon Turmeric Energy Balls because everyone in the house loves it. And we can’t get enough lemon and turmeric in our bodies these days for immune boosting. Energy balls are really great for the quick energy boost, but also they are very nutritious and healthy snack that will satisfy your hunger and cravings for sweets, without unnecessary calories.
To make Lemon Turmeric Energy Balls I used almonds rich in healthy fats and oats that are high in dietary fibers and contain a beta-glucan, substance that activates immune cells in our bodies, thus protecting us from the diseases. Both almonds and oats are also very good source of plant-based proteins, and they both contain essential minerals, like manganese, copper, phosphorus and magnesium.
To sweeten my Lemon Turmeric Energy Balls I used Medjool dates, so these energy balls don’t contain any added or refined sugars. I enriched these energy balls further with chia seeds full of plant-based proteins and dietary fibers.
These Lemon Turmeric Energy Balls are …
- made with only 7 simple ingredients in less than 10 minutes,
- full of high-quality dietary fibers that promotes good digestion and weight loss,
- rich in plant-based proteins,
- full of healthy fats that contribute to our energy levels,
- excellent post-workout snack,
- refined sugar-free,
- enriched with immune boosting spice – TURMERIC,
- good for immunity,
- gluten-free and vegan,
- low in calories and very nutritious.
Last week I bought some organic lemons that aren’t treated with any chemicals. I’ve used some of these lemons for making my famous all time favorite Raspberry Lemon Cake, and the rest I decided to use for making these amazing Lemon Turmeric Energy Balls. The addition of fresh lemon juice and lemon zest enriched these energy balls with the beautiful fresh, citrus aroma. They turned out to be like the little ray of sunshine on a cold winter days.
These Lemon Turmeric Energy Balls are packed with healthy, high-quality dietary fibers, healthy fats, and plant-based proteins. Also, they are vegan, refined sugar-free AND gluten-free. Just perfect!
And now I’ll leave you to enjoy in these mini zesty lemon bomblets.
Enjoy!
Lemon Turmeric Energy Balls
Lemon Turmeric Energy Balls full of beautiful citrus aroma enriched with healing spice - TURMERIC, and superfood - CHIA SEEDS. These immune boosting, refined sugar-free energy balls are rich in fibers and plant-based proteins. Perfect for everyday snacking.
Ingredients
- 12 Medjool dates
- 1 cup rolled oats gluten free
- ½ cup almonds
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 4 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder ground
- ½ cup shredded coconut for dusting
Instructions
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Remove the pits from dates and soak them in hot water for several minutes. When the dates are softened, drain them and place in food processor. Save the water.
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Add the other ingredients to a food processor and blend until mixture turns into a dough-like consistency. Add 1 tablespoon of water in which you have soaked the dates if the mixture is too dry.
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With the small spoon scoop the mixture and roll into balls. Roll the balls in shredded coconut and place on the baking sheet.
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Store energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator until serving.
Recipe Notes
As a measure I used US cup (240ml). Keep the energy balls frozen up to 3 months in the freezer.
These are my picks for this recipe:
Looking for more ENERGY BALLS enriched with healing spices and superfoods!? Grab this Carrot Cake Energy Balls HERE or ….
this Chocolate Cinnamon BallsHERE.
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These look like such a great snack! I have a giant Costco-sized bottle of turmeric in my cabinet that needs to be used. Love this idea!
You need to start using it Blair. Turmeric is super super healthy! 🙂 Thnaks!
Love having things like these around to curb cookie cravings! Never tried any with turmeric so I’ll have to put that on my list!
Hahah yes cookie cravings can be quite tough! 😉
I only recently have discovered the wonders of Turmeric, and falling in love with it is easy! Your idea for turmeric in scrambled eggs sounds like a delicious way to start the day (along side my turmeric tea!). I think these energy balls would make a great grab-and-go breakfast for my daughter as she dashes out to work! Thank you!
Thanks Wendy 🙂 Turmeric tea sounds so good. I have to try that!
Natalie I’m really loving the sound of these energy balls. I’m always looking for new ways to use turmeric. I put it in my scrambled eggs also..YUM. I also think if you eat right you can avoid lots of sickness. So I definitely want to try these soon as I like to have healthy snacks readily available. Pinning these 🙂
Thanks Stephanie 🙂 Turmeric is a such healthy spice. You can sneak it in almost any dish and even super picky eaters won’t notice it hehe
I love these little energy balls and the addition of turmeric is pure genius! I’ve been looking for recipes that use turmeric and this is definitely one that I will be trying! Thanks so much for sharing!
Thanks Sharon 🙂
I love turmeric too! I think it and paprika are the prettiest spices haha! I wish it didn’t stain everything though!!! These sound fantastic!
Hahah YES! Yellowish hand is a side effect when making these 😀 Thanks Sarah!
This is a lovely combination of flavors! Something I’d never even thought about making!! This would be perfect to have laying around the house as to avoid other sweets available everywhere you turn!! LOL
Hehe you’re right Dene 🙂 Thanks!
I’ve been wanting a way to use turmeric more and getting it into tasty bite size pieces is great. I have turmeric at home — we won’t be back for another two months but for health reasons I’ll purchase another jar. I’ll be making these first. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Marisa!
Energy balls have been on my list of things to make for ages. I love lemon so I think this may be the recipe to finally get me to do it!!
Ohh these are so easy to make…. enjoy Kathryn! 😉
Natalie, these look adorably delicious! We love to make energy balls in our home. I find they are a great way to have a little healthy snack right after work when I’m usually famished and dinner isn’t quite ready. 🙂 I’m so with you on the turmeric thing. We use it all the time. In fact, just a slight sprinkling of in scrambled egg whites, tricks my daughter into thinking she’s eating the whole egg. 🙂
Thanks Byron. Yeah, I usually snack energy bites at work just before I’m heading home. Keeps my energy level high until dinner and keeps me off unhealthy store-bought stuff until I get home. Good trick 😉
I love everything lemon. These sound like the perfect afternoon “pick me up”. I would even eat these for breakfast. Perfect for hectic mornings.
Yup, you’re right… these are very refreshing! 🙂
These energy balls sound so delicious! I’m curious about how the turmeric tastes here, though. They certainly give the balls a beautiful colour!
Thanks Thanh! Turmeric is not dominant here, it gives flavour only after you swallow a bite. Subtle and beautiful.
We have been using Turmeric often recently when we learned how very beneficial it is to one’s health so it’s a joy to find a yummy treat filled with it! Hubby and I will totally enjoy this!
Turmeric is amazing spice! Enjoy Abigail 😉
YUM! I love anything lemon flavored and I love making energy balls at home. I cannot wait to make these. I’m also loving that they’re rolled in coconut!
Thanks Megan! Citrus flavored snacks and desserts are perfect during winter, right?! 😉
I never thought adding turmeric in energy balls, usually make curries with them. You shared a wonderful idea, these are not only healthy energy balls but also with tons of health benefits I am in for tasting few of them.
Thanks Swathi 🙂 It was worth giving a try adding turmeric in energy balls. These turned out FANTASTIC!
We use loads of turmeric in Indian cooking and it is one of the first home therapy we use for colds. My boys at first sign of cold come to me for a glass of milk with turmeric, honey and black pepper. Love the energy balls and I especially love the beautiful yellow hue you got from the turmeric.
That’s why I LOVE Indian cuisine. So much healthy healing spices, so much flavours…. Love meals that are delicious AND healthy in same time.
These sound perfect for a pick me up in the afternoons! I love the combination of tumeric and dates, so good!
Thanks Leah!
I love turmeric, so I am a-okay with the sudden huge turmeric craze, but I will admit to being a little skeptical of all the health benefits. I have no doubt that there are a lot of benefits, but is it really at the quantity we’d get from eating one or two lemon turmeric energy balls? I’m a scientist in the drug discovery pipeline for cancer research working with natural products, so I am well aware of the AMAZING healing (and harmful!) products from spices and plants, but most of what we work with require a significant dose. Taking daily capsules full of turmeric – sure! But a little ingested here or there? I’d love to hear more about this if you have some good research. 🙂
I’m sure that taking a full dose may affects your body immediately, BUT I’m more for eating balanced, healthy meals every day and consuming various healing spices daily/weekly in small quantities complementing those meals. I think nutrients accumulate in our bodies and give benefits no matter how low dose actually is. Sure two bites of those turmeric balls won’t heal you BUT it will give you some benefits. But I’m no scientist or anything. That’s only my point of view 🙂
Nutritionfacts.org. Studies show 1/4 tsp daily helps inflammation. You would need 3 energy balls….
I’m absolutely making these. I love having these kinds of snacks on hand for when we need a boost, plus they look DELICIOUS! Gorgeous color (and perfect shape)
Thanks Kylee! You should see my hands afterwards heheh yellow! But it was worth it!
I’ve been on the lookout for a new energy ball recipe to back for work and these are calling my name! Love that lemon/turmeric combo 👌
Well I’m glad these recipe inspired you to make healthy work snack 😉
These sound really healthy. But I was surprised to not find any fat listed in the ingredients, because Turmeric is only fat soluble. Perhaps the chia seeds contain enough fat to help the turmeric absorb. I wonder if the addition of coconut oil would change their consistency too much. Thanks for sharing this recipe, and for the lovely pictures.
Thank you Jori. I’m glad you like the recipe 🙂 I used almonds and chia seeds in this recipe. Almonds same as chia seeds are very good source of healthy fats. Adding coconut oil in mixture wouldn’t change consistency too much but I think it’s not really a necessary.
Yum. These energy balls look so yummy. Lemon and turmeric! Perfect!
Thanks Elaine!
Ri recently read that turmeric tea, either made with ground turmeric or in a ready bought tea bags, was a pain relief for arthritis. As I suffer with this ailment, particularly in my hands, I approached this idea with some scepticism. I made the first 2 or 3 batches using the ground spice I already had. I then went away foa couple of weeks and bought some tea bags. It really does make a difference to the pain I suffer in the hands. It does not take the swelling away but I know when I have not had my regular dose of tuneric tea. These little lemon & tuneric bites will be on my plan for tomorrow’s baking. Thank you.
Hi Janet. Thanks for stopping by on my blog 🙂 I’m sorry to hear about your pain but I’m so glad that turmeric is helping you. I use turmeric daily and I find it very beneficial to my health. Hope you’ll like these turmeric bites 🙂
These energy balls are amazing for a great start of the day, Natalie! I will prepare this recipe because I need energy to make throughout the day!
Thanks Agness 🙂 Yes, these are true energy blasters. Love snacking these at work.
Am so loving these energy balls! Great tasting, and they definitely take the edge off! Question – have you determined how many calories each one of these has?
Thanks Erin 🙂 I’m so glad you like it! According to calorie counter, one ball has around 83 calories. I have updated the recipe now. I’ll soon have full nutritional table on all my recipes.
Made them. Love them. Lemon and springtime (almost 😉 go together so perfectly. Since I didn’t have chia in the pantry (what!?) I subbed with a 1/2 scoop of plant-based protein powder. They turned out GREAT! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Jenn 🙂 I’m sooo glad you like it! Adding protein powder is a GREAT idea!
These look excellent! Can’t wait to try them!
Thanks Hannah!
These were amazing! im so glad i came across your recipe on pintrest. I only got 18 balls instead of 24, but maybe i rolled mine bigger then your yours (mine are like the size of a ‘shooter’ marble). Also i had to add 1-2TB of oat flour as the mix was very moist, but i substituted golden raisins for the dates so maybe thats why my mix was soft. I added an extra 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric caz i love it and try to eat as much as i can every day, and it did not overpower the lemon at all. I will certainly be making these again!
Thank you SO MUCH for the feedback… and tweaks suggestion :* 🙂 I really enjoyed creating this recipe and I’m so glad you liked it.
These sound delicious. I’ll be making them very soon. I would like to know how many equal a the serving size?
Thank you 🙂 From this amount of ingredients, it turned out 24 balls, size a bit larger than marbles.
This are delicious and so easy to make.
Soooo easy… 🙂 Thanks Mary for stopping by 😉
These lemon balls sound and look so delicious! Perfect little treats for Spring time! 🙂
Thanks Marsha 🙂 I’m glad you like it!
These are cute lemon balls. They looked so delicious and refresh 😀 I think I’ll try to make them base on your careful guide. Thank you
Thank you Emily. I’m glad you like it 🙂 Let me know how it turned out for you 😉
I’ve been looking for a good post-workout snack. I’ve been more active lately and find myself a bit tired at times. I’m excited to try these energy balls to get that extra boost of energy. Thanks for the recipe!
PS Any suggestions for substitutions for the dates? Not everyone over here is a big fan. Thanks!
Hi, Anna. You can sub dates with any dried fruits – dried apricots, raisins, cranberries, or even figs. I would go with dried apricots in this one. But don’t quite know what amount you need to use here since I didn’t try with any other fruit than dates. I guess it would be 1:1 ratio, with maybe more addition of water (apricots are rather dry). Let me know how they turned out 😉
We don’t have gluten free oats in Australia (due to food regulatory laws) – can you suggest an alternative?
Hi Cara 🙂 Well from what I have heard you can substitute oats with quinoa flakes. I never try quinoa flakes in this recipe, but I guess you can try it. You may need to adjust the ingredients slightly. If mixture is to dry try adding a teaspoon of water, or if its to moist, add more flakes to dry the mixture. Let me know how it turns out 😉
Turmeric is really good. It’s an effective home remedy. That’s why asian people use turmeric to naturally treat stomach ulcers. I’m using turmeric powder every day for my stomach ulcer. And I really love the idea you made with this turmeric balls. It’s yummy and really helpful for me!
Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Thank you so much Lucy for your lovely comment 🙂 I’m really glad you like these turmeric balls. We do love turmeric a lot. I use it in my daily cooking. Such an amazing spice.
What’s the purpose of the lemon zest? Can it be left out if it’s not really liked?
Lemon zest gives strong lemon scent. Yes, it can be left out. 🙂
Hi Natalie
I’ve been taking a turmeric vitamin daily for 12 months now. I have not been sick at all. I also take a ginger vitamin. A Korean friend suggested especially in Winter. I am looking forward to making these but I was wondering if you have any idea for a coconut substitute ? I can’t do the coconut. It’s a texture issue for me. I love coconut milk, oil and even use flour for baking but cannot seem to handle the flakes. Thanks for your thoughts.
Hi Laura. I’m sooo glad to hear turmeric and ginger is so helpful to you. We love it too. This winter we didn’t get sick at all! Coconut flakes are more for dusting rather than for flavor purpose in this recipe. So you can easily do these balls without coconut flakes. But if you want some dusting over these balls, you can sub coconut flakes with almond meal. Enjoy!
Hi Natalie! I’m so excited to try these, but oats are really really really bad for me. What would you use instead? I was wondering about protein powder, or coconut flour – have you tried any variations on this with success?
Hi Bethany! No unfortunately I haven’t tried substituting oats with any other ingredients in this recipe. But guess you can try adding more almonds and use protein powder. If mixture is too dry just add a bit more water.
Or could you even try using cooked quinoa? You’d just need to not add any extra water, and maybe skip the soaking the dates part.
I like the sound of lemon and tumeric – Theres speculation to suggest turmeric decreases risks of alzheimer’s. Another good reason to try out this tasty looking recipe. thanks for sharing Natalie.
Thank you Neil 🙂
I am on the LOWFODMAP diet for IBS and was wondering how I could make this without dates. Normally I would just use prunes if i didnt have dates, but I can’t eat prunes now either. Any suggestions?
Maybe dried apricots? But please check if apricots are allowed in your diet 🙂
Loved them they are so tasty and refreshing can’t wait to share them with my family this weekend, do you have any other turmeric recipes? as I have a bad back and in constant pain, looking for ways to mange it with out drugs
Thank you so much Sarah 🙂 I’m glad you like these lemon balls. I use turmeric on daily basis really. I don’t have many recipes on my blog thou, but I can give you some examples how to use it…
For example you can put turmeric in your egg muffins, or scrambled eggs for breakfast.
You can make corn polenta or cornbread and add it there. Here’s my recipe for polenta with turmeric >> http://www.natalieshealth.com/2015/11/pumpkin-polenta-with-roasted-vegetables/.
You can add turmeric in any veggie soup or stew. Here’s some HEALING SOUPS I really recommend:
http://www.natalieshealth.com/2017/02/carrot-ginger-soup/
http://www.natalieshealth.com/2016/10/spicy-broccoli-soup/
http://www.natalieshealth.com/2016/01/roasted-cauliflower-garlic-soup/
You can add turmeric in smoothies.
You can use it to spice meat or side. Here’s a recipe for bulgur spiced with turmeric and coconut oil, sooo healthy >> http://www.natalieshealth.com/2016/05/soy-marinated-chicken-skewers/
Turmeric actually has mild taste and goes with almost any food. It’s just important to use it with some healthy fats. 🙂
Hi Natalie!
These look delicious! I can’t wait to try them 😀 However, Medjool dates are very expensive where I live – do you think I could use prunes instead?
I absolutely love this recepi it’s the best healthy sweet I’ve ever tried defiantly I will be making more of this
Glad you like it Yanci 🙂 Thank you so much.
I just made these energy balls! The taste was great, however i could not form them into balls. It was too sticky so i put the mixture in the fridge to see if it will change the consistency. please let me know if you have any advice.
The mixture was to moist. Just add more oats until mixture becomes more sticky.
These look awesome and would really like to try these out, but do you have any substitute for Almonds as I am allergic to nuts
Hmmm you could try sub almonds with seeds – like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. But I’m not quite sure about quantities you need to use nor the final taste (since I never try substituting almonds with seeds in this recipe). I guess sunflower seeds would be best options since they are mild in taste. Try it out and let me know 🙂
Hi these look great I’m going to make them tonight. Can I just ask about the nutritional facts my it says Lee serving is that one ball?
Thanks
Glad you like it Rebekah. Enjoy! 🙂 I’ll see if I can change serving size. Many people ask me this, so it’s a good point. Thanks!
Hi Natalie i did cook but miss caple of ingredeas now this is good and complet thanks vasi
Glad you liked it Vasi 🙂 Thanks!
Natalie, these energy bites sound awesome. But I was wondering if instead of chia seeds, if I can substitute flax seeds? I have a bag of ground flax seeds that I’d like to use.
Hmm I haven’t try making with flax seeds. It might work but I’m afraid that mix may be to dry. If too dry you can add coconut oil.
Love this flavour combo. Did butcher your recipe though. Thanks for the inspiration!
Forgot the chia and substituted oats for half cup almond meal half coconut, added 2 tsp melted coconut oil, substituted almonds for cashews. Added coconut at end to dry it out. Oh and a sprinkle of black pepper to help tumeric absorption.
Glad you like it Jac 🙂 Interesting addition of black pepper. Have to try next time! 😀
You need to eat turmeric with black pepper or the health benefits of turmeric won’t be absorbed.
Turmeric will be absorbed with or without pepper as long as you consume it with some oil/fat. Black pepper only increases the amount of the curcumin (active substance in turmeric) that will be absorbed in your body. So it’s not necessary to eat turmeric with black pepper. 🙂
Thank you Natalie,
I love this recipe. The only addition I made was a scoop of hemp powder to dry them out and add a little more protein. I also rolled them in unsweetened carob powder and hemp seeds with a dash of cinnamon. My son actually ate one and didn’t say yuck! He hates anything healthy with nuts. So success!!
Yeeey! So glad to hear that Lyra. 🙂 Love the addition of hemp powder and cinnamon… must try it soon!
Do you think I could use fresh grated turmeric in the recipe?
Absolutely 🙂
Hi Natalie. These sound amazing but I have a nut allergy. Is there anything I could substitute the almonds with?
Hi Paula. Maybe you can try substitute almonds with pepitas (green pumpkin seeds) or sunflower seeds. But since I haven’t tried that substitute in this particular recipe, you will have to experiment with ratios. Let me know how that turned out. 🙂
Love these so moist, used walnuts instead almond and cocoa for dusting, will get some almonds and coconut in for next time.
I’m glad you like it Bea 🙂
Great article, I like turmeric tea as well.
Thanks Lucy. Glad you like it. I never tried turmeric tea. Interesting.
Natalie, I was so skeptical as I haven’t found Tumerick to be to my liking but these were a amazing and the lemon seems to be the perfect foil. Thank you so much for this recipe. I found that I could double the Tumerick and still not tasted which allows me toThree balls and get my Tumeric it for the day
Thank you Laura for this lovely feedback. I’m so glad to hear that you find the way to intake your turmeric in a tasty way 🙂
OMG these are BOMB!!! soooo good!!! I will try VERY hard not to eat them all hahahah
Thank you!!
Hehe yes… sooo good and so HEALTHY! Thank you so much. Enjoy! 😉
Are these turmeric energy balls cooked in the oven or no-bake? The instructions state to place them on a baking sheet, but the instructions end there.
These are NO BAKE. I use baking sheet to place balls on to it so the balls don’t stick to bottom of box – container.
Thanks so very much for the quick reply and clarification! I just returned from the store with the ingredients, and I can’t wait to try this recipe!
It’s super healthy and sooo good for health. Enjoy! 😉
These Lemon turmeric energy balls are the best. I used quick oats (porridge) instead of rolled oats and stuck to the rest of the recipe. I was unsure about how it would taste with turmeric but they turned out perfect. 10/10!
Thank you so much Jackie for this lovely feedback 🙂 I’m sooo glad you like it.
I made these this morning and I am amazed at how good they are! I didn’t have coconut flakes (I’m not generally a coconut fan) but I used coconut flour instead and they are so good! I one-and-a-halved the recipe but didn’t have quite enough lemon juice so I used a little lime juice. To me they taste just like lemon bars! I will be making these regularly!
Oh I love the addition of lime… such a great idea. I bet lime gave so much freshness. Thank you so much for lovely comment. I’m so glad you like it.
I made these for an after school snack for my kids and the LOVED them!! They both asked that I put some in their lunch box tomorrow. Thanks for the awesome recipe!
Hi Shae! I’m sooo glad they like it. Thank you so much for lovely comment. Enjoy!
Hi .. how long do these stay good for in a air tight container? Do they need to be kept in the fridge?
Preferably in cold place, not necessary a fridge. They will last up to one week (7-10 days). You can freeze them, up to three months in freezer.
Thank you so much for this delicious recipe. Other than being so easy to make, I love that it includes turmeric. I also like that dates are used, because it gives it the right amount of sweetness, not overly sweet, like honey or maple syrup would make them. The first time I made them, I didn’t realize that I did not have vanilla, so I used half the amount of almond extract. They were still delicious, but now I use vanilla extract. These are a staple in my home. Thanks again and I look forward to more energy ball recipes.
Thank you Lana for your lovely comment. I’m so happy to hear you liked this recipe. Enjoy as much as you like – these are healthy and guilt-free.
Hello, in the recipe section it states that it makes 24-balls. Below that section is the nutritional information section. However it does not indicate what a serving size is. How many balls are in a serving?
I missed filling this info. Corrected now. Thank you for letting me know this. 🙂 Nutrition values in table refers to one ball.