When I was pregnant with our daughter, I was determined to do everything in my power to make labor as smooth as possible. Exercise ball, perineal massage, primrose oil supplements – you name it, I was doing it (with permission from my OBGYN of course). I’d also read in a study consuming dates during the last weeks of pregnancy helped shorten labor. But in order to get the desired effects, one needed to eat at least 6 dates a day. And I’m not sure about you, but I personally don’t find that very appetizing. So, I decided to find a yummy way to do that instead – make a chocolate date bite dessert! I’d eat at least 4 of these every day after week 37. And guess what? My entire labor only lasted 10 hours. I literally arrived in the hospital 7cm dilated and 85% effaced. Everyone in my care team kept asking me “are you sure this is your first baby?” and called me superwoman. But I truly do think it was a combination of everything I was doing – plus these date snacks! You don’t have to be pregnant to enjoy these. They make a delicious healthy snack when you’re craving a healthy version of Reeses peanut butter cups. And yes, you can find all the ingredients low waste (especially if you have access to a refillery). Here’s how to make my easy chocolate date bite recipe.
Disclaimer: I’m not a medical professional and cannot offer medical/pregnancy advice. I’m simply sharing what worked for me.
Easy Chocolate Date Bite Recipe
Why make your own desserts?
If you have the time, making your own desserts is a great way to reduce packaging waste. So many snacks and treats are prepackaged in plastic.
Plus, you’re in control of what goes into your food! No artificial sweeteners or fillers. It’s a healthier option, especially if you have any allergies or food sensitivities.
You can get the ingredients for this mostly plastic-free by opting for items packaged in glass, cardboard, or paper. If you have a refillery near you, you may even be able to get a majority of these package free! Taking your own container is way more eco and fun to refill.
If you want more low waste dessert ideas, be sure to check out my chocolate cake recipe, apple cinnamon muffins and banana bread!
Ingredients:
- 15 Pitted medjool dates
- 1/3 cup peanut butter (or any nut butter)
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 pinch of salt (optional: extra flaky salt for topping)
- Melted chocolate chips (or any dark chocolate)
Directions:
- Soak dates in hot water for 10 minutes.
- Add dates, almond butter, vanilla, coconut oil, and salt to a food processor. Process until combined.
- Add mixture to a glass snapware container (under some compostable parchment paper) and freeze until solid.
- Cut into bite size squares. Dip in melted chocolate and sprinkle some flaky salt on top.
Storage and consumption: Store in the freezer and enjoy! If you’re pregnant and trying to shorten your labor, try to have at least 4 of these a day after 37 weeks (that’s what worked for me). Feel free to double the recipe to make a larger batch so you have more! But these also make great consumable gifts – just put them in a thrifted decorative tin and tada!
Would you try these chocolate date bites? Let me know in the comments!
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