Protein Energy Bites That Won’t Melt!

Protein Energy bites are great for those times you need a pick me up during a workout. Today we’re featuring a recipe for making homemade protein energy gel blocks that won’t melt during your run! These fruit punch flavored energy gel blocks contain protein powder, energy and electrolytes in every chew! (Gluten free, egg free, nut free, soy free, vegan version)

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What You Need:

For this recipe you will need: 

• Silicone Square Candy Molds

Get Silicone Mold Here

• Naked Nutrition Fruit Punch Whey Protein Isolate

• Sugar
• Unflavored Gelatin 
• Energy Drink or Electrolyte Drink
• Coconut Oil

Preparation:

In a saucepan you will bring the protein, sugar, gelatin and electrolyte or energy drink to a boil and allow it to boil for one minute. Remove it from the heat, then pour the mixture into your silicone molds. Fill the molds almost to the top. Place your mixture in the refrigerator for several hours, uncovered. (Place in the refrigerator for about three hours). 

After the three hours have passed, remove the gummies from the mold and place and cover them with parchment paper at room temperature. Allow them to dry at room temperature (under 80 degrees) for three days. Lightly brush them with a thin layer melted coconut oil once to twice a day during that time, making sure to wipe off any excess. 

After three days, place the gummies in the fridge again for three hours, then remove and store the blocks in an airtight container in a cool, dark area. 

How Long Will the Energy Blocks Store for?

They will last up to a few months if stored right. 

Will the Energy Blocks Melt?

By going through the preparation process above, it removes excess moisture in the blocks which is usually the reason homemade gummies melt quickly. My long runs are a couple of hours long and I usually re fuel half way through the run. They last well for me but have gotten softer. For best results you might want to store them in a pouch and not in your pocket! Even my Clif Shot Bloks usually become soft if I store them in my pocket and like to stick to the roof of my mouth or to my teeth which makes it fun while you’re running! 

Why Coconut Oil?

If you look at the ingredients in storebought gummies or energy blocks, it usually contains a wax. This wax goes on the outside of the gummy or energy block to further help it not melt or stick to the other blocks. You can use wax if you would like, but coconut oil seems to work well too and is more readily available. 

Why So Much Prep?

I’ll be honest, it really doesn’t feel like a lot of prep. It’s probably close to that thirty minute total if you add up the few minutes here and there you have to prep over the three days. It takes just a couple of minutes to make up the initial batch and then you really just forget about it. The coconut oil part is probably the most time consuming but I just do it once a day while dinner is cooking or the kids are doing homework.

Is It Really Cheaper to Make Your Own Energy Blocks?

Absolutely! This is the way that I like to make them now. A six pack of energy blocks at Walmart costs me $1.97. I go through 2-3 of the six packs a week…so about $6. 

The cost to make these is way less than that. I make them up every couple months and it makes a lot more. 

Frequently Asked Questions: 

Can I Substitute A Different Powder?

Yes! 

You don’t have to use the protein we use. But I do suggest it–it is so good! 

And I like having protein energy blocks. Most of the energy blocks on the market contain caffeine and sugar. I get to customize what I want and need in my energy block by making them myself. 

You can substitute a different powder but I would suggest that it has the consistency of a jello packet. 

YOU CAN EVEN SUBSTITUTE A JELLO PACKET FOR PROTEIN POWDER--SEE TIPS HERE!

My gummies didn’t set up! 

There might be a few different reasons for this:

• Did you use sugar free products? Certain sugar free products don’t set up well with gelatin. 
• Did you use pineapple? Pineapple juice doesn’t tend to set up well with gelatin. You can read more about that here. 
• Was it stored at room temperature? 

Can I make vegan energy blocks?

Yes! 

Substitute plant based protein powder . And make sure you use a plant based energy or electrolyte drink.

LOVE THESE? TRY OUR COPYCAT CLIF SHOT BLOKS! (GLUTEN FREE, DAIRY FREE, VEGAN, FODMAP)

Special thanks to Braised Anatomy and Julie’s Cafe Bakery for recipe and tips. 

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