Pick of the bunch

Are bliss balls really healthy?

With sugar as nutritional public enemy No.1, sweet biscuits and confectionary are out of favour. Snack balls have filled the gap, claiming health and taste. But do they? We set out to investigate, comparing two market brands with a homemade variety.

Nutrition comment

Commercial and homemade are very similar – based on similar nutrient-rich ingredients with no additives. They are sweetened by dates, which while high in sugar, are rich in fibre, helping mitigate any negative effects on blood sugar control. Dates also deliver minerals, B vitamins, and phytonutrients. The other main players are nuts, rich in protein and heart-protective fats, plus cacao, the richest food source of antioxidants in the world. But like many nutrient rich foods, they are also high in kilojoules.

Bottom line

While homemade is likely to be fresher and therefore tastier, packaged snack balls are great for convenience. A useful alternative to nutrient bereft confectionery and biscuits.

Recipe: Homemade peanut butter and cacao bliss balls

cup whole almonds; 14 dates, soaked in boiling water for 1 hour then drained; 2 tablespoons cacao or cocoa; 2 tablespoons peanut butter; 2 tablespoons water; 2 tablespoons coconut.

Blitz all ingredients except coconut together, roll into balls with wet hands, then roll in coconut. Makes around 16 balls.