Budget Bars (Great Flavors, Affordable, Actually Easy)

Budget Bars are a revolutionary, on-the-go addition to every balanced diet. The recipes aren’t finicky, and picky eaters won’t turn ’em down! They’re vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, and contain filling compounds such as protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Get your whole grains, nuts, and fruit in 1 simple, compact delivery method. Switch it up for different seasons!

Budget Bars= Larabar x Plant-Based RXbar

I don’t buy protein bars anymore for wallet and quality purposes. If you want to dabble in homemade protein bars, I have a bunch of recipes that use similar ingredients. Shop once, create on repeat:)

Banana Protein Balls/Bars

Strawberry Shortcake Protein Truffles

Speculoos/Biscoff Protein Bars

Chocolate Hazelnut Protein Balls

Wrap the bars in wax paper and take them on a hike! Or eat a whole batch for lunch. Can’t say I’ve never done that…

Frugal, fruity, fast. For every variation, add 1 tbsp of liquid. This could be maple syrup, agave nectar, sugar-free coffee syrup (which is what I use,) or a plant milk for less sweetness. With only a near-empty pantry and primal desperation, these bars were brought into the world.

Budget Bars

GORP (good old raisins ‘n’ peanuts) version:

• 1/3 cup (60g) raisins
• 1/2 cup (40g) oats
• 1/4 cup (30g) powdered peanut butter, such as PBFit/PB2
• 1/4 cup (28g) peanuts
• Cinnamon, vanilla, & salt (optional, for extra deliciousness)

PFF (pumpkin-free fall) version:

• 1/3 cup (56g) cranberries
• 1/2 cup (40g) oats
• 1/4 cup (20g) vegan protein powder
• 1/2 cup (50g) walnuts

SCC (salted caramel cashew) version:

• 1/3 cup (60g) dates
• 1/3 cup (30g) oats
• 2 tbsp (15g) ground flax
• 2 tbsp (16g) powdered PB
• 1 tbsp (10g) maca powder
• 1/3 cup (42g) cashews
• Coarse sea salt and vanilla

BFC (black forest cake) version:

• 1/3 cup (60g) dried cherries
• 1/3 cup (30g) oats
• 1/3 cup (42g) walnuts
• 2 tbsp (10g) shredded coconut
• 3 tbsp (15g) cocoa
• 3 tbsp (15g) vegan protein powder

Instructions:

1. Cover dried fruit with water and microwave for 1 minute, until softened.
2. Pulse dry oats into a grainy powder.
3. Add remaining dry ingredients (protein, nuts, etc.)
4. Drain dried fruit and dump that, along with 1 tbsp liquid, into food processor. Let it roll.
5. Once everything has been blended together, check the texture by pinching. Be like Goldilocks- not too sticky, not too chalky.
6. Press into a mold or desired shape. Refrigerate for however long, and cut into however many bars you want.

Info de Nutrition, because I know you’re gonna ask for it: 120 calories, 6g protein, 5g fat, 3g fiber per 1/6 of the GORP recipe

That’s a thin bar, so I usually make 4. You can even go for 3 if you like really thick ones!

Best Dishes,

The Hippie Happy Foodist™