These homemade Vegan Mint Protein Bars are the perfect healthy snack to satisfy sweet cravings while boosting protein intake. They have a soft texture, sweet peppermint flavor, and gluten-free and dairy-free ingredients. For extra indulgence, drizzle them with dark chocolate.
Made with plant-based protein powder and sweetened with pure maple syrup, these no-bake protein bars are free from artificial or non-nutritive sweeteners, making them easier on digestion. They also freeze well for meal prep and can be enjoyed straight from the freezer.
Why homemade protein bars are a smart option
- Healthier ingredients: Making homemade protein bars allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring they’re free from preservatives and artificial additives often found in store-bought bars. You can choose wholesome ingredients like high-quality protein powder, pure maple syrup, and oats for a healthier option.
- Cost-effective: Homemade protein bars are often much more affordable than buying pre-made bars, especially those made with high-quality ingredients. By preparing a large batch, you can stock your freezer and save money over time.
- No artificial sweeteners: These homemade vegan mint protein bars are sweetened with pure maple syrup, which can be gentler on the stomach than many store-bought bars that rely on artificial or non-nutritive sweeteners.
- Flavor and texture: Homemade protein bars give you the freedom to customize the flavor and texture to your liking. Unlike store-bought bars that can be too bland, too sweet, or have an unpleasant texture, you can adjust the mintiness and sweetness of these bars to create the perfect snack.
Are vegan mint protein bars good for meal prep?
These vegan mint protein bars are perfect for meal prep since they can be frozen for up to three months. They maintain a biteable texture even when frozen, so you don’t have to defrost them if you want one right away.
The recipe makes 10 bars in an 8 x 4 inch loaf pan. However, you can easily double the recipe to make 20 bars in an 8 x 8 inch square pan. This allows you to prep ahead and stock your freezer with a healthy snack for weeks to come.
Ingredients for vegan mint protein bars
- Almond butter: Helps bind the protein bars together, eliminating the need for added oils, while providing healthy fats. Cashew butter is a great substitute if you prefer.
- Rolled oats: Oats combine with the protein powder to give the bars structure and a soft, slightly chewy texture.
- Plant protein powder: Unflavored plant-based or vegan protein powder is ideal to prevent overpowering the mint flavor. You can substitute extra rolled oats if you prefer, which is explained in more detail below.
- Maple syrup: Lightly sweetens the bars. For sugar-free protein bars, a sugar-free maple syrup substitute can be used, though it may slightly alter the texture.
- Food-grade peppermint oil or peppermint extract: Provides the minty flavor. Adjust the amount to suit your taste.
- Vanilla extract: Pairs perfectly with the mint flavor.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bars.
- Water: A small amount of water helps bring the mixture together and achieve the right texture.
- Dark chocolate: Melt and drizzle over the bars for a chocolate-mint experience and a nice textural contrast.
Using oats instead of protein powder in protein bars
If you prefer to make protein bars without protein powder, you can substitute rolled oats blended into a flour consistency. Since oats are often used in protein bar recipes like this one, simply replace the protein powder with an equal weight of extra oats. For accuracy, measure the oats in grams using a kitchen scale. If you don’t have a scale, blend the oats into flour and then measure the equivalent amount using a measuring cup.
Keep in mind that using oats instead of protein powder will slightly alter the texture and nutritional profile. While the bars won’t be as high in protein, they will still be delicious and satisfying.
Storing and freezing vegan mint protein bars
To store these vegan mint protein bars, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. This will help maintain their freshness and texture, so they’re ready to enjoy whenever you need a quick snack.
For longer storage, freeze these protein bars for up to 3 months. Simply place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn. You can enjoy them straight from the freezer if you prefer a firmer texture, or let them defrost at room temperature for a few minutes or in the fridge overnight.
More vegan protein powder recipes
- Vegan Peanut Butter Oat Protein Bars
- No Bake Vegan Brownies without Dates
- Choc Mint Protein Balls
- No Bake Peanut Butter Oat Energy Balls
Check out the Protein Powder Recipes page for more ideas.
Vegan Mint Protein Bars Recipe
Serves
10 bars
Prep time
15 mins
Cook time
30 mins chilling
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup / 68 g rolled oats
- 3/4 cup / 180 g almond butter
- 1/3 cup / 80 ml / 106 g maple syrup
- 1 tbsp / 15 ml / 15 g vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp fine salt
- Food-grade peppermint oil or peppermint extract, to taste (see Note 1)
- 2 tbsp / 30 ml / 30 g water, plus more as needed
- 3/4 cup / 75 g plant protein powder (or more oats, see Note 2)
- 1.4 oz / 40 g dark chocolate, for drizzle
Method
- Blend the rolled oats in a blender or food processor until they turn into a flour. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla, salt, peppermint, and water. Mix until well combined. Add the blended oats and protein powder, and stir until combined. Then, knead by hand until you form a smooth dough (see Note 3).
- Line an 8 x 4 inch / 20 x 10 cm loaf pan with parchment paper. Press the dough firmly into the pan in an even layer. Chill in the fridge for about 20 minutes to firm up.
- Once firm, remove from the fridge and slice into bars. Melt the dark chocolate in the microwave or using a double boiler. Drizzle it over the bars and return to the fridge for another 10 minutes or until the chocolate has set.
Notes
- Peppermint flavor – Food-grade peppermint oil is highly concentrated, while peppermint extract is more commonly found in stores. I use Obbekjaers Pure Peppermint Oil, which has a sweet mint flavor without a harsh menthol taste. Start with 5 or 6 drops, then adjust to taste. For peppermint extract, start with 1/2 teaspoon and add more if needed.
- Protein powder – Unflavored protein powder is best to avoid overpowering the mint flavor. Flavored powders can sometimes give an artificial taste, but if you have one that you enjoy, something neutral like vanilla or chocolate should work ok. Alternatively, you can substitute extra rolled oats blended into a flour. For accuracy, measure the same weight of oats in grams on a kitchen scale before blending them.
- Kneading the mixture – It’s easiest to knead the mixture while wearing a food preparation glove to prevent it from sticking to your hands. The recipe video above shows how I do it. If the mixture is too dry, add a little extra water. If it’s too wet, add more protein powder or oat flour. Taste the mixture and knead in more peppermint oil or extract, if needed.
- Storage – Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months. You can eat them straight from the freezer, or let them soften for a few minutes at room temperature or defrost in the fridge overnight.
Nutrition Facts
- Serving size: 1 bar (with 70% cocoa dark chocolate drizzle)
- Energy: 212 Calories / 889 Kilojoules
- Total Fat: 10.8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.7 g
- Total Carbohydrate: 14 g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.8 g
- Sugars: 8.8 g
- Protein: 11.8 g
- Sodium: 105 mg
- Potassium: 231 mg
