White Chocolate Collagen Bars (nut free, Keto, Paleo, sugar free, vegan, AIP)
White chocolate combined with body-supporting collagen to give you an easy-to-eat, nutrient-dense, snack or dessert.
Let me start by saying there is nothing greater than being able to indulge in something delicious while knowing it is supporting your body rather than depleting it.
For example, did you know that when we eat sugar it actually strips our body of nutrients?
Yup – besides sending us on a blood sugar roller coaster and messing with our metabolic processes, consuming too much sugar can lead to micronutrient depletion!
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news!
What nutrients are impacted?
Here’s a short list, but I’m sure there’s more:
Calcium
Magnesium
Vitamin D
Vitamin C
Scary right! And it’s not just the “bad sugar” (i.e., refined sugar found in common dessert food) but even too much fructose (the sugar found in fruit!) can exacerbate this issue.
But this is why I strive to make delicious, tempting recipes WITHOUT the negative impact and these White Chocolate Collagen Bars are a perfect example of tasty and functional!
The Benefits of Collagen
Collagen is a big buzzword these days! So many people are adding it to their coffees and smoothies but many don’t even know why! They know it’s “good for them” but they aren’t quite sure why. So here’s a breakdown of some benefits of collagen:
Improves digestion
Helps to heal leaky gut
Improves skin elasticity and promotes healthy skin
Accelerates hair and nail growth, thickness, and strength.
Increases bone and joint health
It’s an excellent source of easily digestible protein (but it is different than muscle-building protein so don’t rely on it alone if you’re looking to make gains or improve performance!).
What makes it so special?
Collagen protein is made up of amino acids, specifically glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, arginine, and glutamine.
Your body cells cannot produce enough of their own collagen if you lack the amino acids that combine to form collagen. The composition of collagen peptides ensures that it provides an excellent infrastructure for connective tissue and support for the musculoskeletal system.
It helps with mobility, cushioning, regeneration, and elasticity. Collagen is the most plentiful protein in the body and by adding collagen to your diet you can improve the health of your skin, hair, tendons, cartilage, joints, and bones.
For those who have trouble digesting proteins, collagen is the perfect supplement and can also be beneficial before, during, and post athletic events (in combination with other complete protein sources) for tissue recovery.
Ways to Use Collagen
As I mentioned, many of us take collagen powder and add it to our morning cup of coffee or even our breakfast smoothies. Both of these are good options!
Less of us, however, are baking with collagen!
Baking with collagen, aside from just mixing it into a drink or smoothie(link to smoothie template), is one of the best ways to integrate collagen peptides into your life! Because many of the brands sell unflavored collagen, you can add it to so many recipes without changing anything else!
Collagen peptides, by nature, are unflavored although you can buy some great flavored collagen peptides to add to green smoothies, tea, or coffee. For example, check out this mocha collagen creamer (in powder form!) from one of my favorite brands, Vital Proteins! Or their Collagen Lattes, which you just add water or your favorite milk to for a wonderful boost any time of day!
Collagen peptides will dissolve easily in both hot and cold liquid making them easy to use in a variety of drinks.
They are the perfect way to add protein to bars, fat bombs, smoothies, and other drinks because they dissolve and take zero prep time to use.
Sounds good right?
Now it’s time for you to go make these bars, knowing you’re not stripping your body of vital nutrients but instead adding important compounds that support your health and keep you strong and sturdy!
White Chocolate Collagen Bars (nut free, Keto, Paleo, sugar free, vegan, AIP friendly)
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut can use 1/2 cup coconut butter instead!
- 1/2 cup cacao butter
- 1 tbsp coconut oil or ghee
- 2 tbsp tapioca flour is optional but makes for more travel-friendly bars
- 1/3 cup collagen powder vanilla or unflavored
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla powder is only necessary if using unflavored collagen powder
- 1/4 tsp liquid stevia or 2 tbsp Swerve confectioners sweetener
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a high-powdered blender such as a Blentec.
- Using the nut butter or batter setting, blend 2 or 3 times through. You want to assure that the shredded coconut is blended completely.
- Soften the coconut butter and cacao butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Be careful not to overheat, it should just be soft enough to stir. Remove from the stove.
- Add the coconut oil, tapioca flour, collagen powder, salt, vanilla, and sweetener if using, and stir until well combined.
- Line an 8x4 baking pan with parchment paper or use a flat plastic container of a similar size, or have a silicon mold ready.
- Pour the mixture into the baking pan, plastic container, or silicon molds.
- Chill in the fridge until firm, about 30-45 minutes. Then cut into 8 bars and enjoy!
Notes
*You can make these bars in a high powdered blender, which is the preferred way if you are using unsweetened shredded coconut.
**If you are substituting coconut butter for the shredded coconut you can make these bars in a small saucepan over low heat.
Use additional sweetener and vanilla only if using unflavored collagen powder. Also if you are not planning to take these with you as a travel snack you can definitely leave out the tapioca flour.
You can store these melt-in-your-mouth bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. If desired, you can freeze them and take them out one at a time as you wish.
You may want to let them soften at room temperature before eating.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
212Fat
23Sat. Fat
17Carbs
3Fiber
2Net carbs
1Sugar
1Protein
1Sodium
133Cholesterol
31