No-Added-Sugar Lemon Drop Energy Balls

Bright, chewy and naturally sweet, these No-Added-Sugar Lemon Drop Energy Balls are a burst of sunshine in snack form. Fresh lemon juice and zest deliver a tangy, refreshing flavor that pairs perfectly with the subtle sweetness of coconut and dates, eliminating the need for added sugar. They come together quickly in a food processor and are ideal for keeping in the fridge for grab-and-go energy. Find tips and customization ideas to make them your own below.

Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen

These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too!

• Blend just until the mixture comes together. Overprocessing can make the oils from the nuts release, leading to a greasy texture.
• To prevent the mixture from clinging to your hands, lightly wet your hands with water as needed before rolling.
• For a different flavor variation, swap out the lemon juice for Meyer lemon juice or lime juice.

Nutrition Notes

• Lemon juice and zest add a serious boost of antioxidants to these energy balls from vitamin C that can not only help to reduce inflammation, but also support heart health, immunity and collagen synthesis for skin health. Lemon zest contains an additional antioxidant called d-limonene which also helps reduce inflammation and has prebiotic and digestion benefits for better gut function.
• Medjool dates are naturally sweet while providing fiber, which helps reduce blood sugar spikes and keep energy levels steady. You’re also getting potassium, magnesium and folate to support heart health, along with anti-inflammatory polyphenols. Pre-pitted dates are a great time-saving option.
• Rolled oats support heart, gut and blood sugar health thanks to beta-glucans. This is a type of soluble fiber that has been shown in research studies to help lower LDL cholesterol, slow blood sugar absorption and help with weight management. This important nutrient also contains prebiotics to help feed healthy gut bacteria and reduce inflammation. Oats are naturally gluten-free, but they are sometimes contaminated with gluten during processing. If you’re following a gluten-free routine, be sure to purchase oats specifically labeled as gluten-free.
• Unsalted cashews and hemp seeds provide heart-healthy, blood sugar–friendly and energy-sustaining healthy fats, fiber and plant-based protein. They pair perfectly with the carbs found in the dates and oats to slow glucose absorption, making these energy balls a satisfying snack.