I’ve been meaning to post this recipe for weeks now and I’ve even told some of you that it was being posted weeks ago, so if you were waiting for this recipe, I sincerely apologize.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or know someone who is, then you must share this recipe for Moringa Lactation Bites with them. Pronto.
Especially if you are Grain Free, Gluten Free or Paleo. It is REALLY hard to find a lactation cookie or lactation treat that is free of grains and sugar. These Moringa Lactation Bites are not only Grain Free but Refined Sugar Free and Vegan!
If you are not familiar with Moringa (Moringa Oleifera also called “Malunggay”), it is a multi-purpose tree traditionally grown in the Philippines and native to parts of Africa and Asia. It is often called the “Miracle Tree” or “Tree of Life” as almost all of the parts are edible and used for different medicinal purposes.
Today, we are talking about the leaves which are dried and ground up into a powder. I buy both the powder form from Organic India and the capsule form from Organic Veda. You can use the powder to make these Lactation Bites or to toss in smoothies. I know some moms who also throw a pinch or two into tea but I don’t like the taste as a tea (too grassy). As for the capsules, I take those 3x a day to help increase my breast milk supply.
I first heard about Moringa from a lactation consultant here in Seattle. I’ve been having a really hard time with breastfeeding my newest little one and after running into some supply issues early on was desperate for anything that would help.
I tried Fenugreek, Mother’s Milk tea and even oatmeal but none of it really did anything for me. When I started taking the Moringa capsules I saw a 30% increase of my supply within 48 hours (which has been maintained!). I know exactly how much I produce because I have been exclusively pumping (around the clock) and bottle-feeding Baby Brother since he was about 3 weeks old. That is a long story and for a whole different conversation.
If you are unsure of Moringa, there is a lot of info on the internet about Moringa’s different uses. For me, I chose to go with the recommendations of the lactation consultants and also I read this double-blind scientific study from the Philippine Journal of Pediatrics showing the increase of breast milk supply in moms of pre-term infants who consumed Moringa.
As for the taste, Moringa can be quite grassy. This recipe really conceals that heavy grassy taste and even more so when you pop these in the freezer!
If you like Matcha (real Matcha powder – don’t compare it to Starbucks – they blend their Matcha powder with sugar!), you won’t mind the taste and smell of Morigna leaf and can add it to smoothies, teas, etc.. If you are not crazy about the real Matcha/Moringa super grassy taste and just want the nutritional benefits, stick with this recipe and you won’t really taste it!
NOTES:
- This is not medical advice and I am not advocating for anyone to begin taking Moringa. I am just sharing what has worked for me.
- You should check with your Dr. or lactation consultant before taking any herbal supplements.
Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating below!
Moringa Lactation Bites. Paleo Lactation Bites.
- 1 cup (about 15 to 16) large pitted Medjool dates
- 1 cup unsalted dry toasted pecans or pecan pieces
- 1/4 cup organic virgin coconut oil
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup moringa leaf powder
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- pinch finely ground sea salt
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut,
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, toasted (for rolling)
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Begin by placing the pitted dates, pecans, coconut oil, vanilla, moringa, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and sea salt in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the chopping blade.
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Pulse until chopped and a chunky paste is formed. Next, add the 1/4 cup of coconut and pulse a couple of times until incorporated.
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Remove moringa mixture to a bowl and set aside. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, wax paper or a Silpat.
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Next grab the remaining 1/2 cup shredded coconut and quickly toast in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. If you need a tutorial on how to toast coconut - click here. Transfer toasted coconut to a shallow bowl and allow to cool for a few minutes.
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Using a teaspoon, scoop the moringa mixture and gently roll into balls. Dip each ball into the toasted coconut until well coated and transfer to baking sheet. Repeat until all of the mixture is used up.
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Place tray in fridge or freezer to set. Once set, transfer bites into a container and keep in the fridge or freezer (depending on which texture you prefer). Eat as desired and Enjoy!
Did you make this recipe? Tag @EverydayMaven on Instagram with the hashtag #EveryDayMaven and please give a star rating below.
I’m allergic to coconut & would love to try these! What would you recommend rolling the balls in other than coconut?
Hi Tori, You could roll them in cocoa powder or ground nuts!
Great ideas! Thanks so much!
Thanks for the recipe. can this be stored at room temperature and for how long?
Hi Kay! I prefer to store these in either the fridge or freezer to ensure that the ingredients do not go rancid but I have totally put a handful in a small container or baggie and kept them in my diaper bag for the day and they are totally fine!
What can I substitute for the coconut oil?
Hi Sierra,
Melted butter or Ghee would be a good sub. You can use a mild oil like refined avocado oil, or a nut oil like pecan or walnut oil. I think olive oil would overpower the flavor. Let me know how they turn out and which fat you use!
turned out great! I subbed in a but of coconut butter for the coconut oil and put a tablespoon of cashew butter too. Taste amazing!
Perfect Kathryn!! Love those changes 🙂
I came here looking for a lactation cookie recipe that specifically had moringa in it because I ran out of Boobie Bars, and can’t run to the store at the moment. I’ve just had my 8th baby and ever since I tried the Boobie Bars 2 babies ago I’ve had such an easy time getting my milk in. Before that, it was always so painful and hard to get my milk in, though I always just pushed through the pain and exclusively breast fed. The main active ingredient in the Boobie Bars is the moringa. The Boobie Bars are pretty pricey though. But totally worth it ! Thank you so much for this amazing recipe. I’m LOVING your site. I’m so glad I found it.
Hi Emily! So glad you found these. They were my lifesaver when I was nursing and really helped me with my supply!
Just made these to help with my supply and they are DELISH. I love that there’s no added sugar—just dates and coconut! Yum.
Awesome! And, here are good vibes that your supply increases!!
Thanks for the recipe! I just made them tonight and they are very good. I hadn’t heard of moringa until I saw this post and while my milk supply has always been pretty good, I figured it was worth seeing if it could improve at night when it’s a bit lower and I want to tank baby (#4) up for the night. I tried 1t of the powder with water the last two days and it definitely made a difference in my night supply quickly! It will be nice to have these Moringa bites going forward because they definitely taste a lot better than throwing the powder in my mouth and washing it down with water! 🙂
Yay! So glad to hear you like them Emily! Moringa was essential for me while nursing and I totally know what you mean about the taste plain. It’s a little rough 😉
Question – can a non lactating person (menopause) take this? How would it affect people (male or female) who would not be taking it for lactation reasons?
Hi Antoinette,
From my understanding, anyone can take Moringa (except pregnant women before 36 weeks). In parts of India, it is used to help malnourished children and adults and there are numerous health benefits besides increased lactation. Oh, and as for males, both my husband and son love these bites (although I have now hid them from them lol). Always check with your Dr. or ND. though before taking any herbal supplements. Have a great weekend!
Thanks!
Moringa or malunggay can be eaten even for pregnant women of any period.In the Philippines, its considered a superfood & we create soup dishes with them! Chicken tinola w/ moringa is the usual dish that helps lactating mothers.Anyone can eat it, even my baby at 10mos.
You can take moringa for anything, at anytime. However, pregnant women SHOULD NOT take anything with moringa seeds in it. The leaves are fine, and used to treat a number of ailments.
Thank you so much for posting this. I have had supply issues as well. My little guy is almost 9 months old. I have had highs and lows, but I have worked through it. I love how beneficial breastmilk is for our little ones. I have tried just about everything to up my supply, except this. 🙂 I might give it a whirl and see if I can bump it up. I don’t want to stop breastfeeding until he is ready, not because I lose my supply. Thank you again and keep up the good work mama!
After privately discussing my supply issues with Alyssa i started taking moringa capsules. I can attest to the gact that they worked for me! After having a lactation consultant come to my home and being diagnosed with suppressed lactation at 1 week postpartum , I was told to feed and then pump every two hours. It was a nightmare and I spent most of the day doing this and not enjoying my new baby.
But after starting on the Moringa, I have been pumping then bottle feeding my milk to my now 1 month old and have seen daily production imcrease from 4 ounces to 10! Plus I can get away with pumping every 4 hours now without a drop in production. This has been a lifesaver to me. Alyssa, I am forever grateful that you took the time to correspond with me.
Allyson – I am SO GLAD to hear that it is working for you as well. I’ve been thinking about you and hoping that things were getting easier! I am so happy you reached out and I could share this info with you. I am also forever grateful to the Lactation Consultants here who shared with me so just want to spread the message and hopefully help other new moms! <3
It’s so common Jamee – breastfeeding is sooooo hard (for some of us!). I hope it works for you like it has for me – good luck!