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Golden Turmeric Bliss Balls

Cross-Cultural Fusion

Golden Turmeric Bliss Balls

Dense with curcumin and healthy fats, these no-bake bites calm systemic inflammation while providing gentle caloric support for cachexia and low-appetite days.

RA-FocusedUC-FriendlyMCAS-SafeCachexia SupportHigh Anti-Inflammatory
Prep15 min
Cook0 min (chill 30 min)
Serves12 balls
Energy220 kcal
Carb ProfileLow carb

Ingredients

  • 1 cup almond butter (or sunflower seed butter for nut-free)
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 3 tbsp raw honey or pure maple syrup
  • 1.5 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp freshly grated ginger (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger)
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of black pepper (enhances curcumin absorption — omit for strict MCAS)
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats (or shredded coconut for grain-free)
  • 2 tbsp chia seeds
  • Pinch of fine sea salt
  • Optional coating: 2 tbsp shredded coconut or cacao powder

Preparation

  1. 1

    Mix the base: In a large bowl, combine almond butter, melted coconut oil, and honey. Stir until smooth.

  2. 2

    Add the spices: Mix in turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, and salt until evenly incorporated.

  3. 3

    Fold in dry ingredients: Add rolled oats and chia seeds. Stir until a thick, rollable dough forms. If too sticky, refrigerate for 10 minutes.

  4. 4

    Roll: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll between your palms into smooth balls.

  5. 5

    Coat (optional): Roll each ball in shredded coconut or cacao powder.

  6. 6

    Chill: Place on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until firm. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Clinical Adjustments & Swaps

Make It A Light Option

Reduce calorie density while keeping the anti-inflammatory curcumin punch:

  • Use 2 tbsp coconut oil instead of 1/4 cup to reduce fat content.
  • Replace half the almond butter with unsweetened applesauce for a lighter binder.
  • Use 1 tbsp honey instead of 3 tbsp — the spices carry the flavour.
  • Skip the coconut coating and serve plain.

Trifecta Flare Safe — UC / Gastritis / MCAS

  • Omit black pepper entirely for strict MCAS — the turmeric still provides curcumin benefit.
  • Use sunflower seed butter instead of almond butter if tree nuts are a trigger.
  • Rolled oats are generally well-tolerated for UC; substitute shredded coconut for grain-free.
  • Ginger is soothing for gastritis — keep it in unless it is a personal trigger.

Modular Rebuild — Cachexia / Anabolic Boost

For cachexia support and low-appetite days, these bites are a high-density, easy-to-eat caloric vehicle:

  • Increase coconut oil to 1/3 cup for extra caloric density.
  • Add 1 scoop unflavored collagen peptides or whey protein to the mix.
  • Roll in cacao powder for added antioxidants and a small caloric boost.
  • Eat 2–3 balls as a between-meal snack to maintain caloric intake without a full meal.

Each ball is approximately 110–120 kcal — easy to portion and track for cachexia management.