Make this Lactation Energy Bites recipe for the perfect snack to enjoy whether you’re nursing or pumping. No-bake, ready in 15 minutes, easy to throw together and a delicious treat. Vegan friendly and gluten free.
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This recipe was a reader request from my expecting and nursing mamas.
If you’re looking for lactation recipes, ways to increase milk supply for your breastfeeding journey, or looking to support a new mama, this post is for you!
Looking to support new parents? Check out my tips in this post!
Why You’ll Love These Bites
- Just eight ingredients (almost all of which you likely have on hand)
- No baking required
- One bowl mixing (no food processor needed!)
- An easy and quick snack perfect for nursing mama
- Tastes like chocolate chip cookie dough
How Lactation Bites Help with Supply
Whether you’re nursing or pumping, or doing a combination of the two, enjoying these lactation energy bites may help support breast milk supply thanks to these three ingredients: rolled oats, flax seeds and brewer’s yeast.
Key Ingredients to Help Boost Milk Supply
- oats – Whole grain oats are thought to have properties that support the hormones responsible for making breast milk. They’re a source of iron, which can be beneficial in encouraging milk supply. (Low iron levels can inhibit supply.)
- flax seeds – we’re using flaxseed meal (also known as ground flaxseed) versus the whole seed because it’s believed when flaxseeds are milled down, they’re easier to digest. Flax seeds are a good source of essential fatty acids and also contain phytoestrogens that can influence breast milk production.
- brewer’s yeast – a nutritional supplement rich in B vitamins, iron, protein, chromium, selenium, and other minerals that can help with milk production and also boost energy levels. You can find it here.
And then we’ve got other ingredients used in traditional energy bites like honey (or brown rice syrup for vegan) to help hold the bites together and chocolate chips, because they’re everyone’s favorite add-in.
And they make these bites taste like chocolate chip cookie dough!
A note on Brewer’s Yeast
Brewer’s yeast is naturally gluten-free and is not the yeast used to make beer. It is also vegan-friendly. You can easily find brewer’s yeast powder on amazon and Target. You may be able to find in store, depending on your grocer.
If you can’t find brewer’s yeast, feel free to omit, or even replace with collagen peptides.
Find the full detailed instructions with measurements in the recipe card below, at the end of this post.
How to Make Lactation Bites
This recipe comes together very easily and in one bowl! It’s great to meal prep ahead of time when preparing for the new baby (they last in the freezer for months!) but they can also be made very quickly (and even when babywearing!).
Step 1 – pick your nut butter
Add your choice of nut or seed butter to a large bowl. I like cashew butter because I think it makes these bites taste like cookie dough. But almond butter, peanut butter or a combination or these all work. If you like tahini or sunbutter and want something that is nut free, that works too!
Step 2 – add sweetener
A liquid sweetener here is best. Raw honey is great and has some nutritional benefits. But brown rice syrup or maple syrup is a great vegan friendly alternative. Mix your liquid sweetener in with some coconut oil until everything is well combined.
Step 3 – add dry ingredients
Once you’ve mixed together the nut butter and sweetener, start adding in dry ingredients: brewers yeast, flax seed, oats and cinnamon (feel free to add a tablespoon of chia seeds here too!)
TIP: place the mixed dough in the freezer for 10 minutes to help make ball rolling easier.
Step 4 – roll
Use a medium cookie scoop or rounded tablespoon to get the perfect sized energy balls. Place on a lined cookie sheet or in a single layer in large container, stored in the fridge.
Your family will love them too, so don’t be surprised if you have to double the batch!
How to Store & Reheat
As you’re rolling the energy bites, place them in a single layer on a lined baking sheet. Once you’ve got all of the bites rolled, transfer the tray to the freezer for about 15 minutes.
Then after the balls have chilled, you can store them stacked in an airtight container and store in the fridge for easy snacking. If freezing, label and enjoy within 3 months.
Recipe FAQs
How many lactation energy bites should I eat per day?
Most people eat about 2 bites at a time, and up to 3–4 bites per day. It’s best to start with a small amount and see how your body responds.
Do lactation energy bites really increase milk supply?
Everyone’s body is different so you may or may not notice a large difference. That being said, lactation energy bites contain ingredients traditionally used to support milk supply, those being oats, flaxseed, and brewer’s yeast.
Do these lactation energy bites taste like brewer’s yeast?
You cannot taste the brewer’s yeast, thanks to the amount of cashew butter and honey, and other ingredients to balance it out.
Are lactation energy bites gluten-free?
As long as you use certified gluten-free oats, yes, this recipe is gluten-free.
Can you freeze lactation energy bites?
Yes – first freeze in a single layer, then you can store in a freezer-safe container, label and use within 3 months.
Let me know if you make these Lactation Energy Bites recipe by leaving a comment and rating below! It helps others learn more about the recipe too! Xx Ashley
Lactation Energy Bites
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy natural nut or seed butter, I used homemade cashew butter
- 1/3 cup raw honey, or brown rice syrup or maple syrup for vegan
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats, gluten-free as needed
- 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
- 3 tablespoons brewer's yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1-2 tablespoons melted coconut oil, or avocado oil
- 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips, dairy-free if needed
Instructions
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl combine cashew butter (or nut/seed butter of choice) and sweetener; use sturdy spatula or spoon to combine.
- Add dry ingredients: Add in oats, flaxseed meal, brewers yeast and cinnamon; stir until almost combined, adding 1-2 TBSP of melted oil as needed. Then add in mini chocolate chips, stirring until evenly mixed in.
- Freeze: Place bowl in freezer for about 10 minutes (or fridge for 20 minutes). The cold mixture will make forming the energy balls a lot easier.
- Scoop: Using a 1/2 round tablespoon or small cookie scoop, scoop mixture into rounded balls and roll between palms to shape. You should get roughly 24 rounded tablespoon size balls.
- Store balls in fridge, up to two weeks or keep in freezer for about 3 months.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition Information
More Healthy Snacks for Breastfeeding
I hope you enjoy these bites as much as we do!
Source on breastfeeding foods here.
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