GF Oatmeal Raisin Chocolate Chip Protein Bites

 

Have you noticed by now that you never see me drinking smoothies, pulverizing greens into juice or speaking about protein powders?

Well, that’s because I don’t drink them, make them or use them and I think it is most likely because I have always preferred to chew my food.

I always opted for ice cream sundaes with a spoon instead of milkshakes (or Friendly’s Fribbles) with a straw and even when I was given the opportunity to review Red Mango smoothies last summer (one of the highlights of my blogging life!), I added chocolate chips and consumed it with a spoon for the eat-and-chew factor.

I never bought into the protein powder hype because in my mind, if you eat a balanced diet of real food, you just don’t need it.

However, when I was so sweetly contacted by Skoop, I will admit that even I was a bit intrigued by their products.

I first learned about Skoop through reading a couple of reviews by my fellow bloggers (click here and here to read).

Since Skoop is a plant-based powder, I decided it was something I did want to try for myself and then provide the review to you guys since I felt that most of you do like a good protein powder and smoothie idea/option.

Being that I don’t consume protein powders on a regular basis, I asked my Skoop contact, Madelyn, a couple of questions before I received the product:

If you eat a nutrient dense fruit/veggie plant-based protein packed diet, do these powders do anything? Like, are they necessary?

I wouldn’t mind you explaining some of the benefits for someone who already receives their nutrients through food…. 

A Game (our superfood formula) still provides nutrition that isn’t consumed on a regular basis such as adaptogens and a wide range of antioxidants.

We have different greens most people don’t consume daily, such as barley grass, wheat grass, spirulina, and chlorella.

Then there’s the vegetable blend that serves as “insurance” for your already plant-based diet.

Quick Stats on A-Game:

41 organic fruits, veggies and herbs, rich in antioxidants, adaptogens and probiotics.

• Dairy-Free
• Soy-Free
• Gluten-Free
• Omega-3’s
• Super Veggies
• Antioxidants
• Green Grasses
• Super Reds

The protein powder (B-Strong) is plant-based as well, made with brown rice and pea protein (16 grams of protein per scoop!) but it also has prebiotics for a healthy and happy belly, amino acids for the building of protein, and Mediterranean fruits for antioxidants.

With that said, our products are very alkalizing in the body. If you’re experiencing any type of stress, Skoop fights inflammation and promotes a very healthy response to every day life. 

We’re organic and non-GMO which isn’t so bad either!

My thoughts:

I like the taste and flavors of both the Skoop A Game and B Strong powders just not mixed into a beverage but guess what?!

You can add protein powders to other things besides drinks!

I made Skoop chewable by adding it to the following:

* Oatmeal

*Greek yogurt

*Banana Soft-Serve

*Pancakes

*Mixed with PB2

And my favorite way, in these Gluten-Free Oatmeal Raisin Chocolate Chip Bites!

I know I am not the first to create a bite or combine these classic ingredients, however, if you are looking for a different way to get your protein powders and/or A Game nutrients into your diet via chewable snack-form, I highly recommend this simple, convenient on-the-go goodie.

 Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup Gluten Free Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
• One heaping tsp chia seeds
• 1/3 cup nut butter of choice (I used Peanut Butter & Co. Crunch Time)
• One scoop or 1 single packet of Skoop B Strong
• 1/4 cup raisins (or more)
• Mini chocolate chips (not measured – adjust to your liking)

Directions:

In a small bowl, mix chia seeds with two tablespoons of water and set aside. In another bowl, combine oats, Skoop B Strong, nut butter, raisins and chocolate chips. Add in chia seeds and mix well.

Roll into balls (I made a total of 16 bites) and place on aluminum foil covered plate. Refrigerate until firm.

You can store the bites in a Ziploc baggie or sealed container in the freezer, fridge or in your pocket.

If in your pocket, you will eat them before they go bad so no need to question their shelf-life.

Ordering Skoop:

Click here to order!

10% of all sales are donated to fill school salad bars with fresh, local produce.

Basically, every time you have a serving of Skoop. a child has a serving of fresh produce!

Skoop provided me with free product in return for my review. As always, all opinion expressed are my own.

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Are you a protein powder user? Which are your favorite brands?

Have you ever tried Skoop?

Do you like shakes and smoothies and juices or do you prefer to chew your food like me?

What are your running plans/goals for this weekend?