New Year, New Ingredient: Goji Berries

The theme for January’s Recipe Redux  is a new or “new to you” ingredient you’re loving right now. We recently started incorporating goji berries into our recipes and can’t get enough.

Goji berries are native to Asia and have been used in Asian cuisine for centuries. Also known by the name “wolfberries,” goji berries have a tart/sweet flavor combination and the dried form can easily be incorporated into a variety of recipes to boost their nutritional content.

These little berries are a good source of vitamins A, C, fiber, iron, zinc and other antioxidants. Surprisingly, for a berry they are an excellent source of protein. They contain all 8 essential amino acids. A single serving (1/4 cup) provides 5g protein and 3g of fiber, making it a great snack by themselves. Our kids love snacking on them right from the bag!

However, they’re even better when incorporated into these simple, no bake protein bars. This recipe was modified from a favorite version of our guest blogger, Haley, to suit our kids’ taste preferences and make them our own. They are so quick to whip up and NO BAKING, yay!

These bars make a great addition to lunches, after-school snacks and even for breakfast! You might want to make a double batch, as they disappear quickly.

5 from 1 vote

Simple Goji Berry Protein Bars

An easy, no-bake, high protein and high fiber snack. 

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Servings 20

Ingredients

• 1 c oats gluten free, organic
• 1 c chopped almonds
• 1/2 c ground flax seeds
• 1/4 c chia seeds
• 3/4 c pure maple syrup
• 1 c peanut butter
• 2 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp butter, to coat pan
• 2 Scoops protein powder vanilla
• 1 tsp Sea salt
• 1/2 cup goji berries

Instructions

1. Combine maple syrup, peanut butter, vanilla, in microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 3 minutes, mix together well

   

2. Mix remaining dry ingredients in bowl. Add liquid to dry ingredients and stir until evenly mixed. 

   

3. Lightly coat pan with butter and pour mixture into a 9×13 or two 8×8 pans. Top with sprinkling of chia seeds on top.  Chill for 10 minutes in refrigerator to set. Cut into bars and store in airtight container at room temp. 

   

Hope you love this recipe as much and our kids and we did! Check out other Recipe Redux ideas below….