Protein Balls Recipe

Name: Protein Balls Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 cup quick cook oats (certified gluten-free); 1 cup vanilla protein powder; ½ cup peanut butter (or almond butter); ⅓ cup maple syrup (or honey); 1 tablespoon chia seeds; ¼ teaspoon cinnamon; pink Himalayan salt (pinch of); 1 tablespoon water (plus more if needed which depends on the type of protein powder used (see notes below)); ½ cup dairy-free mini chocolate chips

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Super easy and mouth-watering no-bake protein balls! Not only are they bursting with delicious flavor, they only take 10 minutes to make and are packed with protein, oats, and nut butter to ensure a healthy protein breakfast or snack.

What do protein balls do? They help build lean muscle mass, aid in weight management, and increase energy - making them the perfect snack. My son says these taste like peanut butter chocolate candy!

Be sure to also try our high protein oatmeal, protein cookies, and energy balls too!

Why make these protein balls

Protein balls are a quick source of protein that tastes delicious and are simple to make! These protein balls come together with sweet rich peanut butter and chocolate flavor and are a must have in the refrigerator at all times!

They are the perfect snack on the go or for after a workout!

Made with simple healthy natural ingredients! Each little ball contains natural protein from plant-based ingredients. Every bite is filled with protein from protein powder and oats. Yes, oats contain protein and just one ½ cup serving of oats contains 6 grams of protein.
Vegan and dairy-free healthy snack! These no-bake protein balls use vegan ingredients like maple syrup (but you can use honey too), and use certified gluten-free oats for a gluten-free treat.
Versatile and can be turned into different flavors. Protein and energy bites contain a few basic ingredients that have flavors added to make them different. These tasty and healthy balls have peanut butter and chocolate taste. You can also use almond butter, sunflower seed butter, chocolate protein powder, and add white chocolate chips or cranberries to change the flavor.

What ingredients go into these no-bake balls

ingredients for protein balls of oats, protein powder, peanut butter, chocolate chips, maple syrup, and salt in bowels

1 cup quick cook oats - make sure the package says certified gluten-free for gluten-free
1 cup vanilla protein powder - use your favorite kind! We tested this recipe with whey protein powder and a lighter vegan version that absorbs less liquid.
½ cup peanut butter or almond butter
⅓ cup maple syrup or honey
1 tablespoon chia seeds
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
pink Himalayan salt
1 tablespoon water plus more if needed which depends on the type of protein powder used.
½ cup dairy-free mini chocolate chips

How to make protein balls

FIRST: Line a large baking pan with parchment paper.

SECOND: In a large bowl combine the oats, protein powder, peanut butter, maple syrup, chia seeds, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt and mix well. Add 1 tablespoon at a time of water (up to about 3-4 tablespoons) until the consistency is like a dough and all the oats stay together without crumbling. Mix in the chocolate chips.

protein bites rolled into balls on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper

THIRD: Using a tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop out the dough onto the cookie sheet. Using your hands, roll each ball of the dough into smooth balls and set each back on the parchment paper. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Alternative food processor method

You can also grind the ingredients (except chocolate chips) in a food processor to smooth the oats and make the consistency smooth. When doing this method just add 1 tablespoon of water and after the dough is mixed then check the consistency to see if it needs more liquid. Then fold in the chocolate chips and roll the dough into balls.

stack of balls of protein bites in parchment paper

Tips for success using protein powder

The type of protein powder changes the consistency. Some protein powders absorb more liquid than others. When adding water start with 1 tablespoon and add up to about ¼ cup. If using a food processor less might me ok. If you use too much water, just add more oats.
You can use a plain protein powder or chocolate protein powder. Just add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
If the balls are sticky when you are trying to roll them, then keep them on the baking sheet and place them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to harden. Next, roll them into balls.

Flavor variations for protein bites

You can swap out the chocolate chips for pieces of dried fruit like dates, raisins, or cranberries. Or turn them into chocolate protein balls by adding chocolate protein powder in place of vanilla.

How to store them

Store this protein balls recipe in a sealed airtight container in the refrigerator. This hardens the peanut butter so they are not super sticky and keeps the shape of the balls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are protein balls healthy?

Yes, protein balls are healthy! These protein balls have fiber, iron, and 5 grams of protein per ball. They are made with protein powder, oats, and vegan ingredients like maple syrup. You can eat just one for a quick refuel or have a bunch!

Do protein balls work?

Protein balls are made to add an instant boost of energy and protein in small bites! They do exactly what they are meant to do and are a quick protein snack at about 100 calories per bite.

What types of oats do I use for protein balls?

Rolled oats or quick cook oats. I prefer to use quick cook oats since them have a softer texture. It makes these no-bake protein balls melt in your mouth and have a smooth consistency that absorbs delicious flavors of peanut butter and vanilla.

When should I eat protein balls?

Protein balls are high in fiber and rich in protein. They are perfect to eat as an energizing snack in the day and both for a pre-workout and post-workout snack.

bunch of homemade no-bake protein balls in a bowl lined with parchment paper

I hope you enjoy this easy no-bake protein balls recipe! Follow along with me on INSTAGRAM, PINTEREST, FACEBOOK, YOUTUBE and TWITTER for a feature and for more recipe inspiration! And don't forget to rate the recipe in the recipe area and leave a comment below.

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