Salted Caramel Bliss Ball Indulgence

Try a Salted Caramel Bliss Ball or two for the perfect guilt-free treat. Indulge your sweet tooth while adding valuable nutrients to your diet. These bite-sized delights are packed with a delicious caramel flavor and a useful amount of protein, iron and potassium, making them an excellent choice for a post-workout snack, midday energy boost, or healthy alternative to a commercially produced treat.

These decadent salted caramel bliss balls are the perfect healthy snack. They can be made in advance and packed each day as part of a calculated meal plan. Or simply used as a smart plan, for when the sugar cravings hit.

The salted caramel flavor is achieved with dates a pinch of salt and Salted Caramel Protein powder. The layering of these ingredients gives and intense sweet nutty caramel bliss ball.

How Much protein Should I Eat?

This is a very common question. Everyone has a different idea on what the ideal protein intake should be. One of the reasons for this is because it varies for everyone. I have written an article that explains how much protein you need based on various circumstances.

When do you require more Protein?

There are various times in your life when protein needs will increase. It is important to have an understanding of how much protein you require in your regular day to day life first. This is best calculated by a nutritionist like myself.

A nutritionist will also educate you on good sources of protein that suit your dietary habits, food preferences and lifestyle.

Then if circumstances arise which require an adjustment to that protein level it is wise to see the same professional who can calculate your new requirements. This is the perfect time to discuss how you have been meeting your past health goals and set future goals.

Life changes requiring additional protein

• Starting a more labor intensive job
• Increasing your exercise regime
• Recovering from a significant injury or burn
• Embarking on a weight loss journey (requires a manipulations of macros)
• Peri-menopause and Menopause
• Senior years

Salted Caramel Bliss Ball Nutrients

• High Protein Content: 2 bliss balls contain almost 10 grams of protein. The protein comes from multiple sources, Creme Caramel WPI Protein Powder and plant protein from chia seeds and nuts. Protein is necessary for muscle recovery and maintenance, cartilage, skin and hair.
• Fibre: Sweetness is added with dates which are also high in fiber. I also added traditional rolled oat for some additional soluble fiber in the form of Beta Glucan. Chia seeds were added not only for their contribution to protein but also for some extra fiber.
• Potassium: Banana’s get the accolades when it comes to potassium, but on a weight basis dates have twice the potassium as banana’s. So this is a great post workout snack option.
• Iron: Women can have a tendency to have low iron levels, so snacks which contribute iron to the diet are valuable. Just one Salted Caramel Bliss Ball has 6.6% average RDI (recommended Dietary Intake).

Why I like Protein Balls

• Quick and Easy: Requires just a heavy duty food processor or Thermomix and a few ingredients to whizz up in a minute.
• Versatile: Easily customizable to suit dietary needs, such as gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, dairy free or nut-free options.
• Prepared In Advance: Bliss balls can be made as part of your weekend meal prep and keep well for at least 2 weeks or more. Making them in bulk reduces time in the kitchen.
• Portable: They are easily packed and taken to the gym, work, or just kept in a container for when hunger strikes and there isn’t a healthy option at hand.

protein Ball Ingredient List

• Raw cashews – you can choose your favourite alternate nut. I like the mild buttery flavour and texture of the cashew to pair with the salted caramel.
• Dates – natural sweetness, potassium, fibre and and earthy flavour.
• Chia Seeds – helps bind the protein balls and adds protein and fibre.
• Oats – helps bind the bliss balls and contributes to soluble fibre making them useful for those with cholesterol issues.
• Vanilla- well we all love vanilla and it helps boast that caramel flavour
• Salt – just a little goes a long way. It’s essential to get the flavor juxtaposition of sweet and salty.
• Amino Z WPI Creme Caramel Protein Powder – my favourite Australian brand of whey protein. This flavour ties all the other ingredients together full the ultimate indulgent Salted Caramel Protein Ball.

My Salted Caramel Protein Balls are simple to make and need only a few ingredients. They are the perfect nutrient dense snack. Whether you’re a gym junkie, busy mum, professional, or someone who craves treats, these bliss balls will satisfy!

How many Protein Balls?

Everyone will have a different meal plan and different calorie and nutrient requirements. In broad terms this is a snack food and should be supplementary to three balanced meals.

These Salted Caramel Bliss Balls are handy for topping up on protein or calories if required. They are not a meal replacement as they don’t have all the necessary nutrient RDI.

As a snack for a sedentary smaller female one bliss ball per day is likely to fit into a weight loss meal plan without adding problematic calories.

A male who regularly undertakes vigorous exercises or has a strenuous job could consume 4 protein balls through out the day as a means of adding the additional protein and calories needed.

Not all Protein Powders are the same

Not all protein powders are created equal. When choosing a protein powder, consider factors such as the protein source, bio-availability, and nutritional content.

WPI or Whey Protein Isolate is the most expensive form of protein powder because it is the most pure. WPI contains more protein and less fat, lactose, and carbohydrates, it has 90% protein. The next best protein source is WPC or Whey Protein Concentrate. This has up to 80% protein.

Vegetarian protein powders are next in line and then we go down to plant based protein powders that are lower in protein and less bio-available.

Amino Z stands out as a high-quality option. They supply WPI with no unnecessary additives, in an amazing array of flavours. They manufacture and distribute in Australia so they have to abide by our standards of health and safety, nutritional and labeling requirements.

Other Protein Powder Recipes

In addition to the recipe below for Salted Caramel Bliss Balls, don’t forget to take a look at my Scorched Peanut Bar Smoothie. This recipe is absolutely delicious and will take you from breakfast to lunch. I also like adding greens to my smoothies, so if you’re struggling to get the required 2 cups of leafy greens into your day why not try a Green Breakfast Smoothie.

How to Make Thermomix Bliss Balls

Salted Caramel Bliss Balls are even easier to prepare with the Thermomix. The powerful blades quickly blend dates, nuts, protein powder, oats and other ingredients.

Just add all the ingredients from the recipe card below. Secure the lid and select 30sec/Speed 9. Scrape down the bowl and repeat for a further 20 sec/Speed 9. Repeat again until the mixture feels like it will hold together when you push it.

Once the mixture is ready, roll it into 16 evenly sized balls.

Using the Thermomix ensures consistent texture and saves time in the kitchen. If you are interested in finding out more about the Thermomix, take a look at this article.

These Salted Caramel Bliss Balls are a staple in my kitchen. Let me know if you try them. Happy snacking!