Fast delivery.png){kind=small}
Fair prices
The ingredients of the no-bake brownie — and why this choice
Raw cacao nibs: the aromatic and nutritional base
Raw cacao nibs are not industrial chocolate. They are fermented and dried cacao beans, simply crushed—without roasting, sugar, or milk. This way, they retain their flavonoids (epicatechin, theobromine), its Minerals (magnesium, iron, zinc) and its active enzymes. In this brownie, it provides the crunchy texture and the aromatic intensity characteristic of 100% dark chocolate, without any denaturing cooking.
Raw cocoa powder complements the cocoa nibs by binding everything together in a smooth and uniform matrix. According to a meta-analysis published on PubMed (Katz et al., 2011), the flavonoids in cocoa are associated with a cardiovascular protective effect and measurable antioxidant activity. It is precisely this profile that cooking would destroy — and that the raw recipe fully preserves.
To learn more about this superfood: the benefits of raw cacao.
Barley grass: the secret ingredient that changes everything
In this brownie, the barley grass powder plays a dual role: it adds a slight vegetal note (comparable to matcha, but milder) and enriches each bite with an exceptional micronutritional profile. Barley grass is one of the most concentrated plant sources of chlorophyll, in Vitamins B, C, and K, in superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme, and in essential amino acids.
The works of the Dr. Yoshihide Hagiwara have notably documented the antimutagenic properties of barley grass extract, which neutralizes certain oxidizing compounds. Its intense green color, sprinkled on finished brownies, is not just decoration — it's a marker of this rare nutritional density.
Want to explore other ideas with this superfood? Discover 3 recipes to enjoy the benefits of barley grass.
Medjool dates, almonds, and coconut oil: the binding trio
The Medjool dates are the natural sweetener and binder of this recipe. Despite their caramelized taste, their Glycemic index remains moderate. (IG ~42) thanks to their soluble fiber content (~7 g/100g). They also provide potassium, magnesium, and copper. The almonds or pecans (pre-soaked for 8 hours) provide unsaturated fatty acids and plant proteins that give the brownie its melt-in-the-mouth consistency. Thevirgin coconut oil, used at room temperature, ensures cohesion and provides its medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs).
No-bake brownie recipe — steps and tips
Ingredients (for a dish of 16-20 squares)
- 100 g of almonds or pecans previously soaked for 8 hours and drained
- 40 g of raw organic cacao nibs
- 10 pitted Medjool dates
- 3 tablespoons of virgin coconut oil (at room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon of organic barley grass juice powder
- 1 tablespoon of organic raw cacao powder
- 1 pinch of unrefined sea salt
- Optional : ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
Preparation in 5 minutes
- Mix Soak the almonds (or pecans) until you obtain a coarse flour.
- Add Pitted Medjool dates, coconut oil, raw cocoa powder, salt (and vanilla if used), and blend until a smooth and dense paste forms.
- Incorporate Gently fold the raw cocoa nibs with a spatula (do not blend to maintain the crunch).
- Press the dough in a rectangular dish lined with parchment paper, about 2 cm thick.
- Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours.
- Unmold, cut into squares and generously sprinkle with barley grass powder.
Storage tips and variations
These brownies can be stored 5 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They also withstand freezing (1 month), but the texture may slightly change. For a creamier version, use soaked cashews instead of almonds. To intensify the chocolate bitterness, increase the cocoa nibs to 60 g. If you don't have barley grass, the spirulina powder constitutes a green alternative with comparable properties.
What science says about raw cacao and barley grass
The flavonoids of raw cocoa and their documented effects
Raw, unroasted cacao retains a concentration of Polyphenols and flavonoids significantly higher than processed chocolate. Industrial roasting at over 120°C degrades a large portion of these bioactive compounds. The meta-analysis by Katz et al. (2011, PubMed) provides strong evidence on the association between the consumption of cocoa flavonoids and cardiovascular health, notably an improvement in endothelial function. TheEFSA also recognizes that cocoa flavanols contribute to the maintenance of normal blood circulation.
Important: This article is informative. No food can replace personalized medical or nutritional guidance.
Barley grass: a concentrate of chlorophyll and active enzymes
Barley grassHordeum vulgare) is one of the few terrestrial plants to concentrate so many micronutrients in its young shoots. It contains superoxide dismutase (SOD), an antioxidant enzyme that the human body naturally produces but whose levels can be supplemented through diet. It is also rich in chlorophyll (whose structure is similar to hemoglobin), in vitamins A, C, K, and in minerals (calcium, potassium, iron). Barley grass juice powder — obtained by low-temperature drying — concentrates these properties without degrading them, unlike plant powders dried at high temperatures.
Frequently Asked Questions About No-Bake Brownies
Can Medjool dates be replaced with other sweeteners ?
Yes, with Deglet Nour dates (firmer texture), rehydrated dried figs, or soft apricots. However, Medjool dates remain the best choice for their naturally soft texture and fiber content. Avoid using agave or maple syrup alone — without the fiber from the dates, the mixture will be too wet and won't hold together.
Is this brownie gluten-free ?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free: almonds, pecans, raw cocoa, dates, coconut oil, and barley grass are all inherently gluten-free. However, be cautious: barley grass is a cereal grass. It does not contain gluten (Hordeum vulgare at this stage of growth), but individuals with severe celiac disease should ensure the gluten-free certification of the product used.
Can these brownies be frozen ?
Yes, freezing is possible. Cut the brownies into squares before freezing them individually on a tray, then transfer them to an airtight bag. Upon defrosting (20 minutes at room temperature), the texture will be slightly softer than when taken out of the refrigerator, but the taste will be the same. Storage in the freezer: up to 4 weeks.
What is the difference between cocoa nibs and cocoa powder ?
Cacao nibs (or nibs) are raw crushed cocoa beans: they are crunchy, intense, and retain all the natural oils of cocoa. Raw cocoa powder is obtained by pressing the nibs to extract the cocoa butter, then grinding the paste into a fine powder. Both have similar nutritional profiles, but the nibs provide a texture and a higher concentration of cocoa butter.
Does barley grass really change the taste of the brownie ?
Barley grass powder has a very mild vegetal taste, similar to matcha but less pronounced. In the dough, it is almost imperceptible under the intensity of raw cacao. Sprinkled on top, it adds a slight note of "herbaceous freshness" that balances the bitterness of the cacao. If you are not accustomed to its taste, start with half a tablespoon.
In practice: the opinion of Eric Viard, tropical agronomist engineer
"This no-bake brownie is one of the classics of raw cuisine that I have been making for years. The combination of raw cacao and barley grass is not just aesthetic — it's a thoughtfully designed nutritional pairing: the flavonoids in cacao and the chlorophyll in barley grass together form one of the most accessible antioxidant cocktails in raw food. And it must be admitted: for a dessert that takes 5 minutes to make and keeps for a week in the fridge, you can't do better." — Eric Viard, founder of Biovie.
Update: April 2026. Article approved by Éric Viard, founder of Biovie and engineer ISTOM, co-author of " Seaweed in everyday life "(Gallimard, 2024) —" Best cookbook in the world, Gourmand Cookbook Awards 2025, and Best cookbook in France, National Academy of Cuisine 2025.
Warning: The information presented in this article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet or supplementation. As part of a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
Find all our organic ingredients for raw food on https://www.biovie.fr/en/
