Made with whole food ingredients, natural sugars, and complete protein, these Coconut Almond Protein Bars are paleo and vegan-friendly for a satisfying snack that is no-bake and delicious. Make them ahead of time for quick breakfasts, on-the-go snacks, post-workout, and more!
Your New Favorite Protein Bars!
I don’t know about you, but when I’m running around from place to place, I like to keep a protein bar or two on hand to hold me over when hunger strikes. In fact, my husband often eats them for breakfast as he runs out the door for work or the gym!
Of course, you can find a million different protein bar options at your local grocery store. However, they’re often full of processed ingredients and added sugars. Not to mention, they can be super expensive, too! So, instead of spending an arm and a leg, I decided to create my own paleo protein bars!
Protein Bar Ingredients
Unlike many packaged varieties, these protein bars are made with simple, whole-food ingredients you likely already have waiting in your kitchen! Nutritious on their own, they come together to create a delicious superfood-filled bar you’re going to love.
- Almonds – Nutrient powerhouses, a serving of almonds provides 3.5 grams of fiber, 6 grams of protein, and 14 grams of fats 9 of which are monounsaturated! Not to mention they’re full of vitamins and antioxidants!
Pro-Tip: For easier blending, soak the almond in warm water for 10 minutes.
- Unsweetened Coconut Flakes – Used for added texture and sweetness, coconut flakes are also a good source of fat, contain protein, minerals, and vitamin B. As a result, they can help improve cholesterol levels, regulate blood sugar levels, and boost immunity.
- Dried Mango or Dried Fruit of Choice – If made without added sugars, dried mango-like Mariani’s Simply Dried version, is a great source of nutrients. For instance, it’s an excellent source of vitamin C, copper, and folate. It’s also packed with polyphenols that help boost immunity, improve hair, skin, and nails, and more!
- Protein Powder – Depending on the type of protein used, each powder has different nutritional benefits. However, including an adequate amount of protein in your diet can help build and maintain muscles, strengthen bones, regulate hormones, and more.
- Honey or Maple Syrup- A better unrefined sugar alternative, both honey and maple syrup are rich in minerals and antioxidants that can boost immunity.
Ingredient Alternatives and Add-Ins
The great thing about this recipe is that it can easily be adapted to fit everyone’s taste buds and dietary needs! For instance, if followed exactly, the recipe creates perfect paleo bars. However, if you’re looking for a vegan protein bars recipe, feel free to swap out the honey for maple syrup, and use a plant-based protein powder. You can also swap out the almonds for any other nut you prefer. Or, get creative with fun add-ins like seeds, chopped nuts, cacao nibs, and more!
No Baking – No Stress
If you’ve been following along for a while, you’ll have seen recipes like Orange Coconut Oatmeal Muffins, my Creamy Cocoa Low Carb Shake, and these Apricot Fig Bliss Balls. So, it’s no secret that I’m a big fan of coconut. With one of the main components in hand, I started testing recipes. What resulted was a perfectly soft, slightly chewy protein bar made with whole foods, no added sugar, and of course, protein.
Thanks to the use of almonds instead of peanuts, they’re a much more allergy-friendly option perfect for healthy breakfasts, pre or post-workout fuel, traveling, lunchboxes, and everything in between! Even better, they can be thrown together in less time than it would take you to run to the store.
How to Make Almond Protein Bars
The key to making these bars is to make sure all of the ingredients are well-combined. Luckily, doing so is super simple when you follow the steps below!
- Blend. To start, add the whole almonds and coconut to a high-powered blender or food processor, and grind until an almond meal-like texture is formed.
- Grind. Remove the almond and coconut mixture, and grind the mango into pieces.
Note: Mangos are sometimes hard to process. If you don’t have a high-powered blender use a knife to cut them into pieces instead.
- Mix. Combine the ground almonds and coconut, mango, protein powder, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl mixing the ingredients well. Then, in a separate bowl, combine the honey, hot water, and vanilla extract, stirring well.
- Form the bars. Add the wet ingredients to the dry, and mix it all with your hands until the ingredients are evenly distributed, and press the mixture into a lined baking dish. To finish, place the dish in the fridge for at least 1 hour, and slice your bars!
Pro-Tip: If the batter is too thick, add more hot water or honey. Or, if it is too wet, add more protein powder or flour of choice. You want the bars to be sticky enough to stick together but not so sticky that they don’t set.
How to Store No Bake Protein Bars
Once formed, these bars can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for 5-7 days. Or, place them in the freezer for 2-3 months.
More high protein
Bars & Bites You’ll Love
Coconut Almond Protein Bars
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8–11 bars 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These paleo protein bars are made with whole food ingredients and natural sugar for a nourishing snack that is great for travel, breakfast, and more! Paleo and vegan options.
Ingredients
- 2–½ cups raw almonds
- ½ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- ¼ cup dried mango (about 4–5 pieces). Note – dried apricot and pineapple can be substituted.
- ¼ cup or 2 scoops (60 grams) protein powder of choice (see notes below for options)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- pinch of sea salt
- ⅓ to ½ cup honey or maple syrup
- ⅓ to ½ cup hot water (purified)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- First add the almonds and coconut into a high powdered blender or food processor and grind until an almond meal-like texture is formed.
- Pour into a large bowl and set aside.
- Next grind up the dried mango. They are sometimes tough to process. If a high-powered blender or food processor is not available, use a sharp knife to cut the mango into smaller pieces.
- Remove from food processor and mix the dried mango with the almond coconut mixture. Stir in the protein powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate small mixing bowl. Combine honey or maple syrup, hot water, and vanilla extract. Stir to combine, then add to dry ingredients.
- If the batter is too thick, just add more hot water, or even a little honey. If it’s too wet, add more protein powder or flour of choice. Mix well with hands then press into a lined 8×8 baking dish. Let bars cool in the fridge for 1 hour or longer, then cut into squares.
- Keep refrigerated and consume within 5 to 7 days.
Notes
About the protein powder: Egg white protein works best with this recipe, however, 100% whey protein isolate, Pea Protein, or Brown Rice Protein can be substituted. Depending on what is used, the texture and taste will be a little different, so adjust honey/water accordingly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: no bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 273
- Sugar: 12.1 g
- Sodium: 236.7 mg
- Fat: 19.9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 5.1 g
- Protein: 8.1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
These were very good!
You may want to remove the bit about substituting with flour of your choice however, or at least make a note not to use raw wheat flour. Raw flour is a E. Coli/salmonella risk!
Thank you for feedback, Melissa! I’m not seeing that note. Is it in the recipe card? But you are correct, ground oats or blanched almond flour are a pretty safe substitutes, but not raw flour.
My kids love these bars! And I love that there is protein in there!
Awesome, so glad!
Mango coconut almond paleo protein bars recipe is yummy.
Thank you!
Thanks for sharing! Do they keep long?
This looks so good! I love the flavor combinations in this recipe!
Thank you!
Hi Lindsay, when you say scoops how much in cups do you mean. Since scoops are different sizes for the protein powder, my powder has a large scoop in it. These sound fabulous!!!
1 scoop is usually 30 grams but what type of protein are you using?
I am using whey protein isolate. I would say 1 scoop is about 1/4-1/3 of a cup.
Hey!
This recipe looks exciting. Just wanted to know which variety of dried mango should be used as an ingredient as it is on of a crucial element?
Thanks
I buy the natural no sugar added dried mango. Hope that helps!
Will hemp powder work as sub for egg white powder
it should! I used a pea protein once before. Just might be a little different consistency. Keep me posted!
Do you think collagen will work instead of protein powder?
which kind? I think it depends on the brand and type you use. I think if you mix it in last it might work! the one that doesn’t dissolve. Keep me posted!
I have vital proteins collagen peptides (I think that’s the right name, not the gelatin 🙂 ) I’m AIP right now and that’s all I have but my husband can have nuts so I’ll just try it and see why happens! Thanks
got it! well that will dissolve in the mix but I still think it will work! keep me posted. and feel free to use maple syrup versus honey.
How do you grind dried mango?
I grind in food processor or vitamix. Grind a little at a time. Does that make sense? you could chop them finely if need be.
Planning on making these, just curious, is the nutritional information based off how many bars? Cause it says makes 9-12, so if you remember could you let me know? Thanks!
I calculated these with the egg protein for 11 bars i think. KEep me posted!
Hi,
I’ve only managed to find whole egg powder. Will this be ok or should I use one of the substitutes?
Thank you.
That should probably work. It’s more for the clean protein content. I’ve used whey protein and pea protein too. Keep me posted
How much protein are in these bars?
Are you using the egg white powder or other protein?
What size baking pan did you use?
I used a square brownie pan. Let me know if you try!
Oh God! It looks so tasty. I want to have a bite right now.
Yum! And such a great idea with the egg white powder! I have never thought of using that as a protein choice.
Carly, you’d love these!! ???
I have a friend who loves mango, so I bet he would love these!! We like to work out together too so it would be a great post-workout snack for us 🙂
Mango and coconut…love this SUMMERY flavor combo!! Is it really fall soon?
OOPS – OMG 🙂
just move here and i”ll feed you!
First, of course I want those but I will not make them… I would have to buy too many ingredients! 😉
On life – OPMG, I understand!!! HUGE HUGE HUGS!!!!!!!!
Haha – I like what you did here – “So here we are… talking about Balance and Bars. Not to be confused with Balance Bars” – these sound amazing, BTW. I am gonna have to get me some dried mangoes ad\nd try this for sure!
Hope you and your kiwi find balance among all the transitions. xx
I don’t know how you have the time, or the creative mind, to come up with all these recipes – but I am glad you do.
haha i don’t run anymore. LOL! More time. P.s 512 market made some extra sugar free healthy bites. I told them you might want to buy them. Yes? let me know if so!
i used to be so regular at running but now with so much happening in my life, i barely get to even work out. sometimes its all about the priorities and it sucks how workout is taking back seat 🙁
i would totally go for these protein bars right now.
I’ll have to try that mango and coconut combination!
Lovely recipes and stunning pictures Lindsay. 🙂
thanks friend! p.s. Can’t wait to hear about your hike!
These look fab Lindsay! Perfect for David’s packed lunch and I know he would love them!
David and I are both finding the transition from Scotland to Australia tough – especially having to take a months break from crossfit (we did it week in week out for 2 years) but we try and keep going by fueling our bodies right, doing some fun hotel gym workouts and combining that with enough rest and some yoga. Next week we move into our new house and will trial out new crossfit boxes – I miss it but I know this rest has done my body the world of good during this time of stress!
wish we could be resting and adjusting together! keep me posted on you and david!
YuM! I’ve so been there. Adjusting to a 9-5 hit me harder than I thought it would movement wise. While I love my job I do have to stare at a screen all day and it’s not the best for my health.
The bars look FAB. Love all the ingredients
Gah, i feel ya. but at least your doing what we love! and fabulous at it!
I’m kind of a texture freak, and these look like perfection to me *insert heart-eyed emoji here* And I’m -loving- the combination of flavours, too! Can I pretend that I have a plate of these in front of me? With a cup of coffee? Mm yes.
you sure can! although I wish it was coffee with me now!
What a unique combination! I love it, and I can’t wait to try it!
let me know if you do! <3
I love that you make time to get in little workouts, even when you’re busy! I try to do the same thing. I walk during my lunch break, do squats at random times (I’ve even taken a bathroom break and do some squats in the bathroom at work!)
I love the flavor of mango and my boyfriend does, too. I think we would enjoy these bars, Lindsay!
yes! please do! <3 and wish i could walk with you
My kids and I love dried Mangos- but I can’t eat them lately due to flare of TMJ — maybe these could be dunked in a glass of almond milk to make them soft??? Oh my goodness, I’m like a grandma— “let’s get her some applesauce and pureed carrots!” As someone who thinks of food as a hobby this is prison sentence!
haha, i love you!
These look amazing. The perfect on-the-go treat!
yes!! for sure! let me know if you try them rachel
So simple! and some of my favorite ingredients 🙂 I <3 mango and coconut together – especially when it is in a yummy snack!
I love all the nutrition details in your posts! Complete protein is a fascinating topics for me (like all things nutrition haha). I hope you and kiwi continue to do well with the transition – you have such a wonderful attitude, of course you will! These look so tasty – so much yummier than any store-bought bars!
yes yes! my fellow nutrition nerd! <3
Yum..those bars look delicious! Fitness wise… Weights & Hot yoga! Food.. All the fat. I can’t get enough coconut oil. avocado & nuts these days.
Oh this sounds soo yummy!! I wish Dave could have nuts, but he’s still pretty sensitive. But I think this might be ok with sunflower seeds!
yes! or i’ve used pumpkin seeds before too!
ooh those look fabulous and love the mango in there! Thanks for linking up with us today for Meatless Monday
thank you for hosting!
If there were only enough hours in a day to be in my kitchen! My oldest would love these, pinning for later! I’m going to try them with Coconut Almond Vega One protein!
I personally appreciate all your hard WORK. These looks ballin’.
These sound so much more delicious than balance bars! I love the mango/coconut combo!
O goodie, I thought you were going to leave me with an egg filled recipe 😉
Yum! These looks so good. I love the mango and coconut combination. Pinning for later!! xo
You know what does work? This post and these beautiful bars. They look amazing and I just so happen to have dried mango in the pantry.
And I just stuck a batch in the fridge to harden. The sneak peek I snagged off the spoon tasted great so I know they’re going to be good.
did you really? gosh i love you more for that!
Perfection! I’m sure I can handle making them on crutches too.
These look fantastic! I can’t wait to make them! Transition is always hard to adjust to, but it’s good that you guys are embracing it and looking at it as a positive 🙂
Working on finding that balance right now too…Although I feel like we are always trying to find it…Let us run away for a little bit…HA! Too funny that the Kiwi was sore after those squats…Whatever works when life is busy!
Mango + coconut = AMAZING! Thanks for sharing this awesome recipe!
These look great! I have not tried much dried fruit in protein bars, other than blueberries and cranberries… I’m digging this mango! Definitely need to try it.
I’ve been prepping for my cPT exam and focusing on the blog as well as starting another little side business venture. I’ve been a little spent. So my gym life and nutrition has taken a tole… but I am trying to just remember to take one day at a time and have faith that things will get back to normal eventually! <3
These look fantastic. I feel like I say that a lot 😉
These look delicious, girl! And, BTW, tell the kiwi that I’m feeling his pain on the body weight squats — those always get me as do walking lunges 😉
Mango and coconut is a dreamy combination!
Food wise I am still eating ALL the fresh summer produce I can get my hands on…
Fitness wise, my routine has changed a lot. I ended my gym membership, as I am moving soon, and have now been doing a lot of home workouts, yoga and running, which has been a nice change for the summer months. Things will continue to shift when I actually move, but I am open for change and adapting to what feels right.
To be fair, you do you different muscles for body weight exercises (because of being unemcumbered by the weights), so he might have been sore regardless, but I totally understand. I can’t imagine the transition to “civilian” life for him. He must think he his loafing around, but in reality he is probably still doing way more than most people ever do!
it’s been a hard transition for sure, but he really is more like a normal person. haha meaning regular fitness. and i think these bars are more chewy but you can easily make them more crunchy.
LINDS! These sound amazing, exactly what I love to eat as a protein bar….I have one question, are they crunchy or chewy? I am gonna give them a go, oh my yum!
Oh and, I am so glad to hear you are working on WYCWYC! Me too, its tough, but you feel SO much better!
these are definitely chewy! let me know if you try them! xxoo sorry for the delayed response
That must be such an odd feeling for him but of course it makes sense, our bodies adapt to training or lack thereof! I’ve seen it in myself over the years. As for the recipe I think I’ll have to add it to my after school snack rotation – yum!