I finally got my hands on a bag of cacao nibs, and I’m a little obsessed.

I’ve been using cacao powder in healthy chocolate recipes for a while now, but I’d never tried nibs until recently. They’re like crunchy, naturally sweet chocolate chips, and they’ve quickly become one of my favourite ingredients to play around with in the kitchen.

I ordered my nibs from Inspiral, a brilliant food brand that focuses on raw and wholesome ingredients. After mentioning them in a few previous food posts, I finally took the plunge — and I’m so glad I did.

Today, I’m sharing a simple vegan cacao nibs energy balls recipe. It’s quick, healthy, and completely no bake — perfect if you love guilt-free snacks without the fuss.

Why Cacao Nibs Deserve a Spot in Your Kitchen

Cacao nibs come from the inside of the cacao bean once the shell is removed. They’re the most natural, minimally processed form of chocolate — full of deep flavour and an irresistible crunch.

Because they’re raw, cacao nibs retain more of their nutrients compared to cocoa, which is usually roasted at high temperatures. That means more antioxidants, more minerals, and more of that rich, satisfying taste.

They’re slightly bitter, a little earthy, and perfect if you love dark chocolate. Sprinkle them on porridge, add them to smoothies, or — my favourite — make them into raw energy balls.

Easy Vegan No-Bake Cacao Nibs Energy Balls Recipe

This recipe is so simple that even if you’re not much of a baker, you’ll nail it. Everything goes into a food processor, and within minutes you’ve got healthy, chocolatey bliss balls to pop in the fridge.

They make a great energy boost mid-morning, a quick after-school snack for the kids, or a homemade sweet treat that feels indulgent but is secretly full of good stuff.

Ingredients

• 1 jar of Meridian Cashew Butter (or your favourite nut butter)

• 1 small bowl of dates (soaked in warm water for 20 minutes, then drained)

• 1 cup oats

• 1 cup milled flaxseed

• 1 scoop each of goji berries, cacao nibs, cacao powder, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds (or any mix of seeds and dried fruit you’ve got in your cupboard)

This makes a generous batch — perfect for sharing or keeping in the fridge for the week.

Method

1. Add all ingredients except the soaked dates into a food processor and blend until well mixed.

2. Gradually add the dates and process in short bursts until the mixture forms a thick, sticky dough.

3. Once it starts clumping together, roll it into balls using your hands and pop them into paper cases.

4. Chill in the fridge for a few hours (they’re even better the next day).

If the mixture’s too dry, add a spoonful of nut butter or maple syrup. Too sticky? Add more oats or flaxseed.

The Perfect Snack for Busy Days

These raw cacao energy balls are my go-to when I’m craving something sweet but still want to eat well. They’re loaded with fibre, plant protein, and antioxidants — the kind of snack that actually gives you energy instead of a sugar crash.

And they’re surprisingly cost-effective too. Buying ingredients like oats, seeds, and nut butters in bulk saves a lot of money long term, especially compared to ready-made snack bars.

You can make a big batch for just a few pounds, and they’ll last all week in the fridge — though, honestly, they rarely last that long in our house.

Organic Raw Cacao Nibs from Etsy

The Health Benefits of Raw Cacao

Raw cacao isn’t just a chocolate substitute — it’s a true superfood. Here’s why I love adding it to recipes like this:

• Packed with antioxidants, more than green tea or red wine

• A good source of magnesium, calcium, and potassium

• Naturally rich in vitamin C and omega-6 fatty acids

• Contains PEA and serotonin, which can help improve mood and energy

• Has a low glycaemic index, so it doesn’t spike blood sugar

• Helps fight fatigue and boost alertness naturally

If you’re looking for ways to use cacao nibs beyond smoothies or desserts, energy balls are a brilliant place to start.

Roasted Cocoa Nibs • All-Natural Cracked Beans

Final Thoughts

Healthy snacks don’t have to be boring or expensive. With a few simple cupboard staples and some cacao nibs, you can whip up a batch of vegan no-bake cacao energy balls that taste amazing and do your body good.

They’re great for kids’ lunchboxes, work snacks, or even as a homemade gift. Plus, they show that plant-based eating can be simple, affordable, and incredibly satisfying.

Give them a try — and if you love these, you’ll probably enjoy my no-bake peanut butter balls recipe too.