It’s fair to say that 2021 was an epic year for most home cooks. With most of us still stuck at home, baking and cooking have been wonderful ways of passing time and getting experimental. Whether you’ve discovered some new household favourites or find yourself remaking recipes you know and love, we’ve all learned a thing or two about our cooking skills – and our tastebuds.
But like most things, balance is key. And while we’re all about indulgence, it’s nice to know we can always opt for guilt-free options that still support our health. Every week our Holistic Nutritionist Lena Fischer creates feel-good recipes packed with nutrition for your everyday, without compromising flavour.
With a variety of savoury recipes and delicious beverages sharing the spotlight, our recipes in 2021 were a big hit for sweet–tooth lovers alike – with over half of our top 10 list being dessert-based alone.
Whether you found our Chlorophyll Cleansing Spritzer a treat for healthy digestion, or you couldn’t get enough of our healthy take on a Raw Snickers Slice, here are 10 of our most popular recipes of 2021 – delightful to remake or try out this year too.
Our Top 10 Recipes from 2021
1. Oaty Protein Bites
Whether you’re working out or looking to up your protein levels, these Oaty Protein Bites are fantastic for fuelling your body before or after a good workout. It’s also great as an easy on-the-go breakfast option. Being plant-based, this tasty snack is suitable for vegans, vegetarians or anyone looking to cut back on dairy.
Aside from being simple to prepare, they’re also an affordable alternative compared to store-bought protein bars. Featuring ingredients like oats, nut butter, protein powder and sunflower seeds, these bites make an excellent source of fibre and healthy fats – allowing you to feel fuller for longer.
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2. Chlorophyll Cleansing Spritzer
For post-holiday digestion, you can’t go wrong with this delicious spritzer. Featuring chlorophyll – a nutritious superfood known to help support the natural cleansing, alkalising and detoxifying functions of the body, this refreshing beverage includes mint, cucumber and lemon for added taste.
Filled with nutrients that gently cleanse and revive, this spritzer is a wonderful choice that can be enjoyed any time of the day.
Tip: For healthy digestion, we love short walks in between and after meals, as well as taking a Fibre Supplement of your choice and drinking plenty of water.
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3. Raw Snickers Slice
What could be better than a guilt-free alternative to the much-loved traditional Snickers Bar? Aside from being as decadent and droolworthy as you’d expect, this slice has plenty to offer in the way of nutrition. Loaded with gooey coconut caramel and a peanut butter cream filling, it’s hard to believe this is made with wholefood ingredients like dates, hazelnuts and cacao nibs.
As many of us head back to work or school, this slice makes the perfect lunchbox companion - especially on days when you need an extra boost of energy. Ditch the afternoon sugar crash with a refined sugar free option that is free from gluten and tastes delightful.
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4. Lemon, Ginger & Mānuka Honey Truffles
For an after-dinner treat that’s sure to make your tastebuds zing, these dreamy truffles are an easy favourite. Naturally sweetened using monk fruit and mānuka honey, this recipe is refined sugar free and suitable for anyone following a dairy free diet.
Using a lovely blend of lemon, ginger and turmeric, these truffles boast an impressive flavour profile thanks to the homemade white chocolate shell and an oh-so creamy filling. What’s more, they’re incredibly easy to make and can be prepared in as quick as 20 minutes.
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5. Cashew Caramel Cookie Dough Bites
For a mouth-watering snack idea that’s sure to make your morning or afternoon, these bites are almost too good to be true. And after all, what’s not to love about cookie dough? Featuring chocolate, protein powder and gooey macadamia butter, this recipe has everything you need for a healthy balance of carbs, protein and fat.
Prepared in as little as 15 minutes, it’s no wonder this easy on-the-go snack has become a fast favourite from 2021.
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6. Vegan Chickpea Kumara Burger
With warmer months here, outdoor picnics and BBQs are on repeat. This gluten free burger recipe is a winner on the grill and makes a delicious weeknight dinner idea for the whole family. Being plant-based, this burger is a wonderful way to get your daily intake of vegetables while enjoying a healthy, wholesome meal that feels – and tastes – great.
Filled with nutrient-dense ingredients like quinoa and chickpeas, enjoy a hearty meal packed with protein, fibre and minerals.
Tip: Follow a low-carb diet? No worries! Swap out your burger bun for lettuce or portobello mushrooms – both easy and keto-friendly alternatives that don’t sacrifice taste.
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7. Avocado Chocolate Mousse
Loaded with good fats from avocado, it’s easy to see why this healthy treat was a hit in 2021. Using raw cacao in place of regular chocolate, this recipe is high in antioxidants and tastes every bit decadent as it is creamy.
This cool treat is wonderful for satisfying a sweet tooth on warm days, or whenever you’re in need of a delicious pick-me-up. Much like the traditional classic, this mousse is everything you’d expect – being velvety smooth and thick. Good for you, and your tastebuds – we're all about this avocado mousse.
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8. Turmeric Pancakes with Sweet Chilli Sauce
Switch up your school or work-day lunch with this light, umami-flavoured meal idea. In addition to being antioxidant-rich, this recipe is made using unique ingredients like rice flour and tapioca flour. To take it to the next step, we’ve balanced out sweet and savoury with the addition of tamari and coconut sugar. Better yet, the homemade sweet chilli sauce is even refined sugar-free!
Whether you’ve already got this recipe on repeat or yet to try it, it’s an easy option that’s not to be missed.
Tip: If you don’t have the veggies listed in our ingredients, feel free to add any you have on hand – including leftovers in your freezer or fridge.
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9. Pumpkin and Feta Savoury Waffles
Because who said waffles can’t be savoury? For a twist on the sweet brunch classic, this veggie fritter – turned waffle – is a nourishing, fulfilling option to inspire any next lunch or dinner meal idea. On top of being incredibly moist, the pumpkin and feta make a wonderful pair on your tastebuds.
Being so versatile, these waffles can be enjoyed with a variety of different toppings. From herby yoghurt sauce to avocado or pickled vegetables, the choice is up to you.
Tip: Short on time? We know the feeling. Whip this recipe together in 15 quick minutes for an easy meal your tastebuds will thank you for.
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10. Spiced Almond Butter Cookies
Last but certainly not least, these cookies call for comfort, and we’re here for it. Using cinnamon spices to elevate flavour, these cookies can be enjoyed any time of day – and taste delicious dipped in your choice of milk. Pack these cookies in your next lunchbox or keep them handy as a delicious morning or afternoon tea snack.
If you’re looking for a sweet treat that adds an element of crunch, these guilt-free cookies are a match made in heaven. While you can enjoy these all year-round, they also make a delightful winter treat as seasons change.
Being refined sugar free, dairy free and gluten free, this recipe is great for supporting sensitive dietary requirements and health goals – a win in our books and clearly in yours too!
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Feeling inspired? Our recipes don’t stop here. For meal inspiration that keeps your health top of mind, we have a wide range of recipes that we think you'll love. From sweet treats like our Salted Miso Caramel Gelato to comforting dinner ideas like Cashew Cheese Potato Dauphinoise, discover your next favourite with our growing list.
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