High-Iron Chocolate Orange Bliss Balls (Vegan, Gluten-Free, High-Protein)

Name: High-Iron Chocolate Orange Bliss Balls (Vegan, Gluten-Free, High-Protein)
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 1 cup pumpkin seeds; ¼ cup hemp seeds; ¼ cup sunflower seeds; ¼ cup black sesame seeds; 2 tbsp almonds; 1 cup dried dates, soaked and excess liquid squeezed out; 3 tbsp goji berries (or chopped dried apricots); ¼ cup + 1 tbsp cacao powder, plus extra for dusting; Zest of 1 orange; Juice of 1 orange; Small pinch of salt

SnacksSweet Treat

22 Jun

Written By Emily Maun

image of high iron chocolate orange vegan bliss balls

These iron-rich bliss balls are a simple, nutrient-dense snack designed to support energy, iron intake, and overall mineral balance, especially for those following a plant-based diet.

Plant-based iron (non-haem iron) is not absorbed as efficiently as iron from animal sources, so including iron-rich foods regularly throughout the day can be helpful for maintaining healthy iron levels. These bliss balls are built around some of the most iron-dense plant foods available - pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and hemp seeds - making them a convenient, yet delicious way to increase intake without much effort.

To support iron absorption, they also include orange and goji berries, which provide vitamin C. Vitamin C plays an important role in enhancing the uptake of non-haem iron.

Alongside their iron content, these bliss balls are also a solid source of plant-based protein (10g per serve) and fibre (6g per serve), making them a more sustaining snack than a typical sweet treat. They’re also rich in a range of key minerals, including magnesium, copper, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, and antioxidant compounds such as vitamin E, supporting everything from energy production to nervous system and muscle function.

With nearly 4 mg of iron per serve, they’re a practical, nutrient-dense option to help support daily intake. Plus, they are free from added sugars as they use date and orange as natural sweeteners.

image of high iron chocolate orange vegan bliss balls ingredients

Why You’ll Love These Iron-Rich Bliss Balls

These bliss balls are the kind of snack that ticks a lot of boxes - they’re nourishing, satisfying, and genuinely convenient to keep on hand throughout the week.

They’re:

Naturally high in plant-based iron (~4 mg per serve)
A good source of protein (10 g per serve) to help keep you fuller for longer
Packed with fibre (6 g per serve) to support digestion and steady energy
Rich in key minerals like magnesium, copper, manganese, potassium, and phosphorus
A source of vitamin E, an important antioxidant nutrient

They’re also:

Free from added refined sugar, relying on natural sweetness from dates and a little from the orange and goji
Snack-prep friendly, making them perfect for batch preparation at the start of the week
No-bake and quick to make, with minimal effort and cleanup required
Portable and lunchbox-friendly, ideal for work, study, or on-the-go snacking
A great option for keeping in the fridge or freezer for easy grab-and-go snacks when you need something satisfying

What You’ll Need To Make These Healthy Bliss Balls

These bliss balls come together with a mix of seeds, nuts, dried fruit, and cacao to create a naturally nutrient-dense snack.

You’ll be using:

A combination of iron-rich seeds (pumpkin, hemp, sunflower, and black sesame) for minerals and healthy fats
Dates for natural sweetness and binding
A small amount of almonds for texture and flavour
Goji berries for sweetness and vitamin C (with apricots as an easy substitute if needed)
Cacao and orange for a rich, slightly bitter chocolate base balanced with freshness and citrus

Everything is brought together in a food processor for a simple no-bake prep.

Tips & Variations

These bliss balls are very flexible and easy to adapt depending on what you have in the pantry.

Swap goji berries for dried apricots or another dried fruit
Add a little extra cacao if you want a deeper chocolate flavour
Use extra orange zest for a brighter citrus note
For a nuttier flavour, lightly toast the seeds and almonds before blending

Because they’re naturally sweetened with dates, they really don’t need any added sugar.

Storing Your Bliss Balls

Store these bliss balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days. They also freeze well for up to 2 months.

Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating if frozen.

They’re ideal for keeping on hand for quick snacks throughout the week, especially when you want something satisfying and nutrient-dense ready to go.