I don’t mean the synthetic sugar rush induced by candy, but  instead I mean 'popping candy' which is exactly what the little hemp seeds in these bars reminded me of as they ‘pop’ when you bite into them…such a fun texture, why have I not played around with hemp seeds before!

I have made a few versions of these bars now, modifying the proportions of hemp protein each time to try and achieve the optimum taste vs highest protein content, after all these bars were originnaly conceived  as a high protein hit so this ratio was important to me.

 I’ve think I’ve nailed it with this recipe….but of course everyone is different, so if you find it a little too ‘hempy’ for your taste simple reduce the protein powder content accordingly or add more of the other ingredients into the mixing bowl to reach your desired effect.

These bars are also a superfood bar infused with chia seeds and maca powder…my perfect training buddies. I have recently read Thrive Fitness by Brendan Brazier, and even though I’d be aware of Maca before I wasn’t so aware of it ability to assist the body in post workout recovery and ‘adrenal fatigue’. Feel free to add any of your own superfood supplements if you fancy, just make sure you watch the balance of wet to dry ingredients since these bars will become very crumbly if the dry ratio is too high. I also experimented with adding a teaspoon of greens powder, but for me that tasted to green- some more experimentation needed I think!

I originally made these bars as a way to consume protein in a  non-smoothie form (not a huge fan in smoothies), so taste wasn’t the main factor for me…but these surpassed my expectations on that front, even my family agreed they were a great all round snack bar. A perfect alternative to my usual smoosh bars.

Recipe: Hemp protein ‘candy’ bars

Makes 8 x 45g bars (approx.)

1/2 cup (80g) pumpkin seeds

½ cup (50g) shredded coconut

¼ cup (40g) hemp seeds

¼ cup (50g) hemp protein

2 tbs chia seeds (15g)

1 tsp cinnamon

2 tbs cacao powder

1 tbs maca powder

1 tsp vanilla

½ cup packed raisins (or 10 dates)

3 tbs melted coconut oil

3 tbs oats or quinoa flakes

Method

Pulse the dry ingredients (other than oats/quinoa) together in a food processor so there are still coarse pieces remaining. Set aside whilst blending the dates/raisins with the coconut oil. Add dry ingredients and pulse to achieve a slightly crunchy sticky mixture. Mix through the oats/quinoa flakes last.