These chocolate sea salt protein bars taste just like the popular RX bars! Chocolatey, chewy, and PACKED with filling fiber and protein from wholesome dates, nuts, and protein powder!

 

Have you tried my peach protein bars  yet? I actually made this version around the same time as those…and am just now getting around to posting this recipe! I am even more excited for this version…because CHOCOLATE. For breakfast. Or snack. Or anytime of the day. It’s safe to say with how much I appreciate chocolate that I like this version even better than the last (and the peach version is still delicious!).

Dates: Nutrition

In case you can’t tell by now , I use dates a LOT in recipes. You just can’t beat the natural sweetness and texture they add! The dates not only provide natural sweetness (from fruit!) in this recipe, they create a sticky binder that helps hold everything together. Just 1 Medjool dates contains 2 grams of fiber! Dates also contain 50% more potassium than bananas (by weight)!

What kind of dates to buy?

There are two common varieties of dates you’ll find in grocery stores: Medjool and Deglet door dates. I always buy Medjool dates now, which are larger, softer, and sweeter (often described as caramel-like in taste and texture!). However, Medjool dates are usually more expensive than Deglet noor dates, which are the most common variety sold in the US. Deglet noor dates are much smaller than Medjool dates, and have a firmer texture. However, the good news is that both varieties should work in this recipe! Tip: if using Deglet noor or if your dates seem a bit dry, try soaking them in hot water for about 10 minutes before using (make sure you drain the water before using!).

Where to find dates

I’ve always found Medjool dates in the fresh produce section. Fun fact: even though they look dried…did you know that dates are technically a fresh fruit? Most fruits contain 75-95% moisture, but dates contain only 30% moisture (source). They are actually harvested from the trees like you buy them in the store…they aren’t dried afterwards! However, Deglet noor dates may be in the dried fruit aisle.

Substitutions

As mentioned in the peach protein bars, you can omit the egg white protein powder if you don’t have it, or sub with another plant-based protein powder of your choice (I haven’t tried this personally, but it should work!). I like using a combination of both almonds and cashews, but you can use all of one or the other if you want.

Storage

Since I made these at the same time as the peach protein bars and since I’m always trying new recipes, I put these in the freezer for longer storage. I can personally vouch they keep extremely well in the freezer for up to 2 months! Just let thaw at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before eating (or in refrigerator overnight). These keep best stored in the refrigerator versus room temperature…they should keep well for at least 2 weeks in the fridge! I like to individually wrap these bars in saran wrap so they are ready to grab and go from the fridge or freezer whenever I need them!