Crunchy High-Protein Quinoa Bites

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These crunchy quinoa bites are a delicious snack packed with puffed quinoa and almond butter, offering a satisfying crunch and a boost of plant-based protein. Similar to popcorn, puffed quinoa has been heated until it pops, creating a light, crispy texture that works perfectly in this healthy snack.

Active Time:
40 mins
Total Time:
1 hr
Servings:
8
  • Puffed quinoa adds protein and fiber to boost this recipe's nutritional profile.
  • Almond butter provides essential nutrients like protein and heart-healthy unsaturated fats.
  • To prevent burning and keep the chocolate glossy, microwave it in short intervals and stir often.

These Crunchy High-Protein Quinoa Bites are our new snack-time favorite. Made with fiber-packed puffed quinoa and vitamin E-rich creamy almond butter, they’re the perfect combination of light and satisfying while also providing plant-based protein. Toss in some shredded coconut, dried fruit or chopped nuts if you’re feeling creative—these bites are endlessly customizable. Read on for our best tips and tricks for making these tasty bites part of your snack time.

Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen

These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too! 

  • The quinoa mixture is sticky, so try to avoid using your hands when scooping. Scooping up the quinoa mixture with a tablespoon and then sliding it onto the baking sheet with another spoon works best.
  • To avoid burning your chocolate, melt it gently in the microwave using short intervals—stirring well between each round to keep it smooth and glossy. No microwave? No problem! Use the double-boiler method on the stove: place a heatproof bowl over a pot of gently simmering water to melt the chocolate slowly and evenly.
  • You can substitute semisweet chocolate if you prefer. 

Nutrition Notes

  • Puffed quinoa has all the nutritional benefits of quinoa, but with a light, airy texture. Quinoa provides protein to this recipe and also contains plenty of fiber to help support digestion. The healthy grain-like seed contains flavonoids and polyphenols, two antioxidants that may reduce inflammation in the body. 
  • Almond butter offers protein, vitamin E and heart-healthy unsaturated fats. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects our cells from damage, while the unsaturated fats work to support heart health. Almond butter is also fairly high in gut-healthy fiber, with 2 tablespoons of almond butter providing 4 grams of fiber.
an image of the ingredients to make the Crunchy High-Protein Quinoa Bites

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 8 servings

  • cups unsweetened puffed quinoa

  • ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons smooth almond butter

  • cups finely chopped vegan 70% dark chocolate

  • ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt

Directions

  1. Line 2 large rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. Combine 3¾ cups puffed quinoa and ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons almond butter in a large bowl.

    Cooked quinoa in a blue bowl with a spoon

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

  2. Microwave 1¼ cups chopped chocolate in a medium microwave-safe bowl on High in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between intervals, until melted and smooth, 1 minute 30 seconds to 2 minutes.

    A bowl of melted chocolate with a blue spatula in it

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

  3. Pour the melted chocolate over the puffed quinoa mixture; using a rubber spatula, stir until thoroughly combined. Using a tablespoon measure or small cookie scoop, spoon rounded tablespoonfuls of the quinoa mixture onto the prepared baking sheets, gently pressing to flatten. Sprinkle evenly with ½ teaspoon salt. Refrigerate, uncovered, until firm and set, about 20 minutes.

    an image of the Crunchy High-Protein Quinoa Bites

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

To make ahead

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 months or freeze for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I use a different nut butter?

    Yes! Peanut butter, sunbutter or tahini all work well.

  • What else can I stir into these quinoa bites?

    Try stirring in toasted coconut, dried chopped fruit like cherries or cranberries, or some chopped toasted almonds for extra crunch. You can add a drop or two of vanilla or almond extract to enhance the flavor.

  • Where can I buy puffed quinoa?

    You can find puffed quinoa in well-stocked supermarkets, natural-foods stores or online. Can’t track it down? No worries—puffed rice (especially brown rice) makes a great stand-in, offering a similar light crunch and toasty flavor. Keep in mind it will offer less protein than quinoa.

EatingWell.com, May 2025

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

252 Calories
15g Fat
23g Carbs
9g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Serving Size 6 bites
Calories 252
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 23g 8%
Dietary Fiber 7g 25%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 9g 19%
Total Fat 15g 19%
Saturated Fat 2g 8%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Vitamin A 0µg
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Vitamin D 0µg
Vitamin E 5mg 33%
Folate 20µg
Vitamin K 0µg
Sodium 136mg 6%
Calcium 75mg 6%
Iron 9mg 47%
Magnesium 76mg 18%
Potassium 209mg 4%
Zinc 1mg 9%
Vitamin B12 0µg
Omega 3 0g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

Additional reporting by
Hilary Meyer
Hilary Meyer
Hilary Meyer is a recipe developer, tester, and content creator. After graduating from culinary school, she started working the EatingWell Test Kitchen in 2006, developing and testing recipes.
and
Alex Loh
Square Headshot of Alex Loh
Alex Loh is EatingWell's food editor. As part of the food team, she creates healthy, delicious recipes for the EatingWell audience. Alex also writes informative food and cooking articles that range from how to store ground beef to the best picks from Trader Joe's. Alex conducts product and taste tests to find the best options, from salad spinners to salsas.
Sources
EatingWell is committed to using high-quality, reputable sources—including peer-reviewed studies—to support the facts in our articles. Read about our editorial policies and standards to learn more about how we fact check our content for accuracy.
  1. U.S. Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central. Nuts, almond butter, plain, with salt added.