vBar: Wholesome. Clean. Protein.

High Protein Energizing Bars

I finally created my own protein bar because I couldn’t find a truly clean one in stores or online (but drop me a message if you have one you love that I've missed!).

I had a few non-negotiables: over 15 grams of protein, less than 10 grams of sugar, healthy fats, only clean, wholesome ingredients (goodbye to "natural flavors”) and of course—great taste. I wanted to make sure I was fueling my body with something nourishing and satisfying.

RECIPE

Ingredients

1 cup almonds (sprouted if possible; or a mix of cashews/hazelnuts)

1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds

2 tbsp hemp seeds

6 soft dates or figs

2 scoops collagen

1 scoop protein powder (plant-based or whey; flavored optional)

2 tbsp peanut butter

3 tbsp coconut oil, melted

1–2 tbsp plant-based milk or water, as needed

Cacao nibs

Shredded coconut

Sea salt

• Optional Add-ins:

  • 1 tbsp raw cacao powder

  • 1 tbsp extra hemp seeds

  • Dash of cinnamon or cardamom

    
    

Instructions

1. In a food processor, pulse almonds (and any other nuts) until coarsely ground—adjust the texture to your preference depending on how chunky you like your bars.

2. Add pumpkin seeds and hemp seeds; pulse a few times to combine.

3. Add dates/figs, collagen, protein powder, peanut butter, and melted coconut oil. Blend until mixture starts to come together.

4. If it’s too crumbly, add 1 tbsp of plant-based milk or water at a time until the mixture is sticky and holds together when pressed.

5. Press into a glass Tupperware container.

6. Top with cacao nibs, shredded coconut, and a pinch of sea salt.

7. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing into 6 bars.

Nutrition per bar

💪 ~16g protein

🥥 ~23g healthy fats

🍬 ~8g natural sugar

🌱 Only whole-food ingredients

Tips

If you are using a flavored protein powder, be sure to check the ingredients—especially the sugar content—to keep the bar as clean as possible. That said, a flavored powder can add a touch of sweetness, which you might prefer, since these bars lean more savory than sweet. Feel free to play around with the sweetness level to suit your taste.

For best texture, enjoy the bars straight from the fridge. They’ll soften at room temperature and may not hold their shape as well.