Prep time: 10 minutes - Cook time: 30 minutes - Makes: 15 balls (approx)

Raw raspberry, almond butter & cocoa bites

Filled with dates, almond butter and cocoa, these luxurious raw bites are a healthy indulgence. Raspberries offer vitamin C and folic acid, while dates, nuts and oats give fibre.

This dish : Dairy free • vegan • vegetarian • provides protein • magnesium • phosphorus • potassium

Each portion contains:

Nutrition value	Amount	% Reference nutrient intake
Energy	53kcal	3%
Fat	2.3g	3%
Saturates	0.3g	2%
Sugars	4.9g	5%
Salt	0.03g	1%

Nutritionist's tip

A little bit of what you fancy does you good, but try to reach for more nutritious treats if you can.

Ingredients

100g dates, pitted
2 tbsp oats
2 tbsp almond butter (no added salts or sugars)
3 tbsp finely chopped almonds
2 tsp cocoa powder
50g fresh raspberries (around 10-12)

Recipe contains the following allergens: gluten (oats), tree nuts (almonds) and sulphites. All nutritional claims based on analysis of 100g, but please note this is not the recommended serving size.

Nutritional benefits

* Dates: Provides fibre which can help prevent constipation caused by your hormonal changes¹

* Oats: Contains iron which can help ensure your baby receives the necessary oxygen and nutrients in pregnancy²

* Almonds: Contains Vitamin E. An adequate intake of vitamin E during pregnancy is associated with a lower likelihood of your child developing asthma and respiratory issues later in life^3,4

* Raspberries: Contains vitamin C which can help protect your cells and helps keep them healthy⁵

Method

Lay out a piece of parchment on a baking sheet and set aside.
Slice the dates in half, add to a blender and pulse until finely chopped.
Add oats, two tablespoons of the chopped almonds, the almond butter and the cocoa powder to the blender, and pulse until they form a sticky mixture.
Add the raspberries, then pulse briefly until blended in.
Wet your hands with water, then take a portion of the mixture and roll between your palms until it forms a small ball. Place the balls onto the baking sheet, taking care to keep them separate, and sprinkle with the remaining tablespoon of chopped almonds.
Leave in the fridge to set for 30 minutes before eating.

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View references

NHS. Your pregnancy and baby guide [Online] 2018 Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/common-pregnancy-problems/#constipation [Accessed June 2018].
British Nutrition Foundation. Nutrition and supplements during pregnancy [Online]. 2015. Available at: https://www.nutrition.org.uk/healthyliving/nutritionforpregnancy/nutrition-and-supplements-during-pregnancy.html?start=2[Accessed July 2018].
Turner SW et al. Associations between fetal size, maternal α-tocopherol and childhood asthma. Thorax 2010;65(5):391-7.
Devereux G et al. Low maternal vitamin E intake during pregnancy is associated with asthma in 5-year-old children. Am J Resp Crit Care Med 2006;174(5):499-507.
NHS. Vitamin C in pregnancy [Online] 2017 Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/vitamins-minerals-supplements-pregnant/#vitamin-c-in-pregnancy[Accessed July 2018].

Last reviewed: 7th September 2018