Vanilla Cashew Collagen Bites | PALEO, Whole30

In case you haven't noticed, collagen is slowly taking over.  It's all over Instagram and YouTube, and sneaking into tons of skincare products too.  Are you guys on board with it?  Pretty sure you already know that I love it!

Collagen is great in coffee and smoothies, and I also love how it dissolves pretty effortlessly into most recipes.  A sneaky way to get in extra protein to snacks and meals that need a boost.

One snack I love on Whole30 in emergency cases (or just on the daily when I'm at work or need a little somethin' with my coffee, etc) is a Larabar or homemade fruit/nut bar.  The main drawback for me with these kind of bars/bites is the amount of carbs in each with little to no protein.  The perfect solution?  Add some collagen!

I've recently been back on the macro tracking wagon - not with a specific "goal" in mind, but really just to be more aware of what I'm consuming so that I can tweak things in a more controlled matter if you know what I mean.  So that means lots of you will be happy, because I'm including the nutrition facts for these "bites"!

Nails were painted, so I got to get in a hand shot ;)

I created them with nutrition in mind, in terms of ingredients (clean, Paleo, Whole30 compliant) and also in terms of macronutrients.  Each bite is right around 100 calories, with 12g of carbs, and 5g each of protein and fat.  Not bad for a snack if you ask me!  (Unless you are Dathan & come up from the garage gym to eat 6 in under one minute...)

Makes 18 servings.
Ingredients:

• 1 cup raw cashews*
• 1 cup (about 8 whole) Medjool dates, pitted
• 1/2 cup collagen peptides
• 1/4 cup shredded coconut
• 1 Tbsp coconut oil
• 1 Tbsp chia seeds
• 1 tsp vanilla extract*
• pinch of salt

Directions:

1. To a food processor, add the cashews and pulse until broken up, almost to a flour-like consistency.  Add the remaining ingredients and continue to blend until you have a smooth dough-like mixture that sticks together when you pinch it.
2. Roll the mixture into 18 bite-sized balls and store refrigerated.

*Notes:

• I always purchase cashew pieces as opposed to whole cashews.  They are less expensive, and easier to grind up quickly! 
• If you're making these on Whole30, double check your vanilla extract to be sure it's alcohol-free (I like this one from Amazon).  You can also substitute vanilla bean, or leave it out!