Matcha is more than just a latte. Lately, we’ve been seeing a lot of matcha-inspired baked goods. So, we had to give it a try. We crafted these No-Bake Matcha Chocolate Bars to give you a boost of energy and to satisfy your cravings! These bars are filled with so many great ingredients that your store-bought oat bars are lacking! The best part, no artificial or hidden ingredients!
How often do we really look at the nutrition labels on the groceries we buy? Most times, not hard enough! Just because it’s a breakfast bar, doesn’t mean it’s completely healthy. Let’s dive in!
Added Sugars
There is a real difference between natural sugars and added sugars. Typically, we find natural sugars in fruits, called fructose, and milk, called lactose.
Added sugars are sugars and syrups added into the preparation or processing of foods. So adding sugar into your oatmeal is added sugar.
But is one worse for you than the other? Yes.
“Added sugars contribute additional calories and zero nutrients to food”
Fruits do have natural sugars, but they also contain a ton of nutrients and vitamins. So, yes you are intaking sugar but along with it comes other benefits. Unlike unpowerful added sugars.
How to Find Added Sugars
Luckily, nutrition labels make it easy to detect sugars. There is “Total Sugars” that count natural and added sugars. Within the same area, you will find “Added Sugars” which you know aren’t nutritious.
The Recipe
To avoid Nutrition Label Confusion with store-bought breakfast bars, you can make this easy and nutritious recipe!
The only sweetener in these bars is pure maple syrup which is naturally occurring sugar. You won’t find artificial sweeteners or ingredients here!
No-Bake Matcha Chocolate Bars
Equipment
- Baking Dish (8x8 in.)
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Parchment Paper
- Bowls (2)
- Spatula
Ingredients
Matcha Bars
- 1 3/4 cups Oat Flour
- 2 packets Original Yum Matcha Single Serving Packets
- 3/4 cup Almond Butter
- 1/2 cup Pure Maple Syrup
- 1/2 cup Soy Milk
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 tsp Salt
Chocolate Coating
- 1/2 cup Chocolate Chips
- 1 tbsp Coconut Oil
Instructions
- Line an 8x8 baking dish with parchment paper.
- Stir the oat flour, Yum Matcha packets, and salt in a large mixing bowl until well combined.
- Add the pure maple syrup, soy milk, almond butter, and vanilla extract into the bowl. A ball of 'dough' should begin to form.
- Wet hands and press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and the coconut oil. Melt them in 20 second intervals to avoid burning. Stir each time.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the bars.
- Place them in the refrigerator for three hours to chill. Slice them into 10 bars. Enjoy!