Collagen Date, Fig & Strawberry Chocolate Bark
This festive collagen chocolate bark is a no-bake Christmas treat that balances indulgence with nourishment. It combines naturally sweet fruit, healthy fats, and added protein to create a dessert that satisfies cravings while supporting steadier energy levels.
Why it matters: many festive treats are high in refined sugar and low in satiety, which can contribute to energy dips and increased cravings. This recipe offers a more balanced alternative that still feels celebratory.
The key drivers behind this approach are simple: whole-food sweetness instead of refined sugar, fat–protein pairing for satiety, and minimal processing. These same principles underpin practical nutrition strategies used in Nutritionist London consultations—focusing on nourishment without removing enjoyment.
If you enjoy recipes like this, you’ll find more festive and everyday inspiration in my collection of balanced, nourishing recipes, designed to support enjoyment alongside wellbeing.
Ingredients
- Fresh figs, sliced
- Strawberries, sliced
- Bananas, sliced
- Dates, pitted and halved
- ½ cup natural peanut butter
- 1 tbsp collagen powder Ossa Organic (use code MILENAKALER15 for 15% off)
- 200g dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher)
- Pistachios, roughly chopped
- Desiccated coconut
Why These Ingredients Work Together
- Fruit and dates: provide natural sweetness alongside fibre, which slows digestion
- Peanut butter: adds healthy fats that support satiety and blood sugar balance
- Collagen: increases protein content without altering flavour or texture
- Dark chocolate: contains polyphenols and less sugar than milk chocolate
Method
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Arrange the sliced fruit evenly across the tray.
- Mix the peanut butter and collagen powder until smooth.
- Spoon the mixture evenly over the fruit.
- Gently melt the dark chocolate over low heat.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the layered ingredients.
- Sprinkle with pistachios and desiccated coconut.
- Refrigerate until fully set, then break into bark-style pieces.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overheating the chocolate, which can cause bitterness or separation
- Using sweetened nut butter, which adds unnecessary sugar
- Skipping fats altogether, reducing satiety and balance
The Bigger Picture: Festive Treats Without Extremes
Pairing carbohydrates with fats and protein slows digestion and improves satiety—particularly helpful during the festive season when grazing patterns are common. This can support more stable energy, appetite regulation, and enjoyment.
If you enjoy flavour combinations like figs and chocolate, you might also like these white chocolate and pistachio figs, which follow a similar balance-first approach.
For something quick and snackable, festive energy-style treats such as white chocolate strawberry energy balls or collagen banana chocolate bites can be helpful options when you want sweetness with staying power.
Recipes like this are often suggested when people want festive food that feels good both physically and mentally. The aim isn’t perfection, but creating options that reduce the cycle of overindulgence followed by restriction.
If festive eating feels overwhelming or unpredictable, structured nutritional support can help rebuild confidence around food—without removing pleasure or flexibility.
Disclaimer
This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace personalised nutritional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is collagen chocolate bark healthy?
It is a more balanced alternative to traditional chocolate treats, offering protein, healthy fats, and fibre alongside sweetness.
Does collagen change the taste of chocolate?
No. Collagen is neutral in flavour and blends seamlessly into nut butter or chocolate.
Is this suitable for blood sugar balance?
Compared to standard desserts, the combination of fat, fibre, and protein helps reduce rapid glucose spikes.
How long does chocolate bark last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it keeps well for up to seven days.
Working with a Nutritionist
Book an appointment today if you feel like you need more assistance or direction to reach your goals.
Online consultation with a Nutritionist is available for clients who live outside the London area or who are unable to come to my London office. You can enjoy the online consultation from the comfort of your home or office and you will be given the same level of personal attention and care that you would experience coming to see the Nutritionist in person.
Please note, the links provided are Amazon affiliate links. If you buy something using these links, I will receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Rest assured that all products recommended have been personally used and endorsed by myself.
Milena Kaler is a clinically trained, Registered Nutritionist based in Mayfair, Central London, with specialist expertise in weight management, stubborn weight loss, PCOS, Hashimoto’s, hypothyroidism, menopause, digestive health (including IBS and IBD), food intolerances, skin health, and sports nutrition.
Milena is trained in the principles of Functional Medicine and uses a scientific, root-cause approach to personalise nutrition and lifestyle strategies for each client. She works both in person at her Central London clinic and via online consultations for clients across the UK and internationally.
Over the course of her career, Milena has helped thousands of people improve their health, lose weight sustainably, and enhance their digestion, hormones, and energy. Her client base has included royalty and public figures, and her expertise has been featured in leading publications such as The Telegraph, Women’s Health, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Cosmopolitan, GQ, and Women’s Fitness.
Milena is a full member of the British Association for Applied Nutrition and Nutritional Therapy (BANT) and is registered with the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC), the only UK register for Nutritional Therapy recognised by the government and NHS. She is also a member of The Royal Society of Medicine and The Primary Care Society for Gastroenterology (PCSG).
Having overcome her own chronic health and weight challenges, Milena brings empathy, relatability, and lived experience to her work. She takes time to listen, understand each person’s unique concerns, and create tailored recommendations based on clinical assessment and, where appropriate, laboratory testing.
If you’d like personalised support, you can learn more about my nutrition consultations here.
