Chocolate Chai Chia Power Balls

It is cold outside and I am craving warming comforting chai tea and all things chai. I go through phases with chai tea and chai flavored foods. I think it depends on the weather. There have been years I have gone through gallons of chai tea when it is cold and then years where I have a huge container of chai tea that I am sick of and can’t even do iced chai when it warms up. It is like all things you need balance and can’t over do it or you can easily get sick of it. Sipping on a dirty chai latte (dirty= with espresso) I decided I needed to whip up some Chocolate Chai Power Balls! I also decided to use a new Barney’s Cocoa & Chia Almond Butter I picked up, so good! As you probably know if you frequent my blog I am a nut butter addict along with my girls and we have a cupboard full of nut butter. I was on a “nut butter ban” and was trying to eat many of the open nut butters we had open because apparently having around two dozen open is a bit much. What can I say we like our nut butter and having options! So how did I get around the ban… easy I put it in my Christmas stocking, yep Santa brought it! Haha! Looking for a new power ball to fuel your fitness or just looking for a healthy snack, this is a great one to try, especially if you’re a chai fan!

Are you a chai spice/tea fan? What is your favorite way to enjoy chai?

Chocolate Chai Chia Power Balls

Makes 16-18 balls (about 1″ diameter)

1/2c almond butter, or cocoa almond butter (used Barney’s Cocoa & Chia)

1/3 c maple syrup, coconut nectar, or honey

1/4 c cacao/cocoa powder

1 1/2tsp chai spice blend (Chai spice blend:  2 tsp ground cinnamon, 3 tsp ground ginger, 1 tsp ground cardamom, 1 tsp ground allspice, 1 tsp ground cloves)

1/2c protein powder Vanilla or Chai (Vega One Vanilla Chai)*

1/2-2/3c almond meal or coconut flour

¼ c chia seeds, you can grind them if desired I like the texture

2tbsp finely chopped maca chocolate, or dark chocolate of choice

*Or vanilla protein powder with 1/2 tsp more chai seasoning blend of choice, see below, or just add in more chia spice blend.

Like your chia tea dirty (with espresso)? Make Dirty Chai Power Balls by adding 2 teaspoons of espresso powder or mocha protein powder (such as Mocha Vega One). Roll balls in a mixture of 2 parts protein powder, 1 part espresso powder, optional.

In a medium bowl mix together cacao powder, chai spices, protein powder, almond meal, and chia seeds. In another bowl mix together almond butter and maple syrup. Mix wet ingredients into dry until well combine. I start with a spatula and finish using my hands. Add in chopped chocolate. Roll into balls, if making Dirty Chai Power Balls or wanting to roll into protein powder mixture or something else do this now. Place in the refridgerator, or freezer for longer storage, until ready to enjoy. If pulling from the freezer you may need to let them thaw a bit but this just takes a couple of minutes. Pulling from the freezer is also great when taking them on the go, they soften up as they warm up. Enjoy!

While I do receive some Vega products from time to time, which I used as an option in this recipe, I do purchase much of it on my own. It has been my plant-based protein of choice since before I started blogging. Even though most Vega products used are purchased by myself I do add this disclaimer. I do not make any money off any Vega sales or posts. I only write about foods I love, my blog is an extension of my hobby to make fun healthy food creations for me and my family.