Snack Clusters (Low Sugar, Grain Free, Gluten Free)

Crunchy, slightly sweet, and nutritious…these are some of my favorite characteristics of a good snack.  These snack clusters just happen to have all three requirements and couldn’t be easier to make.

I get this question all of the time from clients, “what can I have for a snack?”  Other than the more obvious things like fruit or vegetables sometimes they want something a little different.  Especially things that they can easily take with them on the go.  I love including healthy fats in snack options since they are more satisfying and help keep your blood sugars balanced and feeling full for the long haul.

Snacks are meant to be small bites to keep hunger at bay until it is time to eat your next meal.  They should also help keep your blood sugars from dipping too low in between meals.  You don’t want to be so hungry at your next meal that you end up overeating.

These snack clusters are a great option and because they are only slightly sweetened you can still have that nutrient dense piece of fruit or vegetable along side for a perfectly balanced snack.  Of course these snack clusters make a delicious snack but these can also be used in place of granola.  Make my homemade coconut yogurt and top with fresh fruit and these clusters for added crunch!

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Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Servings 8

Author Sara

Ingredients

• 2 cups coconut flakes
• 2 cups sliced almonds
• 2 tablespoons raw honey or maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 4 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla powder or extract
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F.
2. Add the chia to the water and let sit a couple of minutes until it gels.
3. Mix all of the ingredients together in a large bowl until coconut and almonds are well coated.
4. Spread the mix out onto a lined baking sheet in an even layer.
5. Bake in the oven until the coconut and nuts are golden brown and toasted, about 1 hour 30- 1 hour 45 minutes.
6. Watch the baking process carefully as oven temperatures vary and you don't want the clusters to burn.
7. Allow the mixture to cool and crisp up.
8. Break into clusters and store in an airtight container for up to one week.