I do not hide the fact I’m super picky with protein powders – they gotta be clean! Last month I wrote why I ditched whey protein and what are my favourite good tasting and healthy plant-based protein powders. A few weeks ago, I watched a documentary “GMO OMG” and wrote about what I learnt from it – very sad overall but we can change that! With every organic purchase we make we cast a vote, and define the landscape of our food system – for us and our kids.
So, meet Oriya Organics Superfood Protein Medley which is currently on top of my protein powders list. It meets all of my requirements – raw, vegan, organic, non-GMO, no additives/fillers/artificial ingredients. What makes Oriya’s protein stand out from other proteins are the superfoods – spirulina, chlorella and sprouted chia seeds. With each serving you get 53 mg of chlorophyll, 450 mg of omega-3’s, vitamins, enzymes, minerals and antioxidants. Even brown rice protein is sprouted which means more health benefits. It also contains 0 sodium unlike other plant-based proteins.
I also like the fact that Oriya is affordable. You can purchase it online (use coupon code: ifoodreal for 10% OFF) and in growing number of Whole Foods locations. Products can be shipped in the US and Canada.
Taste wise, this is not a protein powder you mix with water and drink. However, it is less gritty than traditional hemp protein and works great in many forms of cooking (hummus, smoothies, protein bars, burgers, etc.). It mixes extremely well in smoothies. It is not overpowering and will take on the flavour of the other ingredients or fruits you add to your shake. And that’s true. I got really creative with Oriya in the mornings – adding to overnight oats and making pancakes. Delicious and I could enjoy the taste of food rather than only protein. Chlorella and spirulina for breakfast?! Bring it on. I loved the convenience of superfoods and protein in one tub and frankly I have been buying protein powders for years but never thought of buying spirulina or chlorella on their own.
These bars came out delicious! My neighbour grabbed one and she texted me with lots of “wows” later and already asked a few times when I’m posting the recipe.
I decided to roast nuts for more flavour. I know they lose some nutritional value but I’m OK with that once in a while. I absolutely love some sort of crunch in my treats. That’s why a bit of melted coconut oil with chocolate chips on top, then sprinkled with fancy grade unsulphured coconut flakes. Bars keep well in a fridge for a week and then I transition them in batches from a freezer.
Enjoy and stay healthy!
Ingredients
- 2 cups almonds
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 7 Medjool dates, pitted
- 1/2 cup Oriya Superfood Protein Medley
- 1/3 cup cacao powder
- 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup canned coconut milk, light
- 2 tbsp chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 2 tbsp chocolate chips
- 3 tbsp coconut flakes (I used large flakes)
Directions
- Line 8" x 8" square baking dish with parchment paper and set aside. Toast almonds and walnuts in a small skillet on low-medium heat until lightly brown, about 5 minutes. Stir frequently and watch closely not to burn. Transfer to a food processor and process until finely ground.
- Add Medjool dates, protein medley, cacao powder, coconut flakes, salt and process until well combined and dates have been somewhat ground into small pieces. Add coconut milk and process until combined. My food processor had a hard time working at this point, so you might want to mix dough with coconut milk in a bowl. Add chocolate chips and pulse or stir just enough to incorporate.
- Transfer dough into previously prepared baking dish, flatten with your hands and then level with spatula, pressing dough into the dish all the time.
- In a small pot, combine coconut oil and chocolate chips; simmer until melted, stirring constantly. Pour over the bars, tilting baking dish and coating bars evenly; sprinkle with coconut flakes. Freeze for 45 - 60 minutes or refrigerate for 2 hours. Remove bars from the dish by holding onto flaps of parchment paper and place on a cutting board. Cut into 12 bars and enjoy chilled.
Nutritional Info
Servings Per Recipe: 12
Amount Per Serving = 1 bar:
Calories: 316.6
Total Fat: 21.9 g
Cholesterol: 0.0 mg
Sodium: 23.4 mg
Total Carbs: 23.5 g
Sugars: 12 g
Dietary Fiber: 6.9 g
Protein: 11.5 g
WW Points+: 9
Disclosure: I was compensated for my time to develop this recipe. I recommend only products I love, tried myself and fit Clean Eating lifestyle.