Tempting diners to good health with good food

The "energy balls" and "super-food mocha" from Sprout Lifestyle Cafe in Shanghai have won a place in the hearts of patrons of the city's cafes and food boutiques. But for Kimberly Ashton, the co-founder and owner of the cafe, the snack and beverage are just sweet and aromatic bait to get diners hooked on a lifelong agenda of eating food that is both enjoyable and healthy.

The energy balls, arguably the healthiest dessert in town, use all natural ingredients including nuts, goji berries, Medjool dates and raw cacao, and are free of any refined sugar or artificial sweetener. The result is to satisfy your sweet tooth and appease your conscience, even after a mouthful of the ping-pong-ball-sized treat.

The super-food mocha blends black coffee with coconut oil and raw chocolate powder, with optional coconut sugar and nut milk as a replacement for refined sugar and conventional dairy.