Faqs About This Protein Balls Recipe
Are protein balls good for you?
Generally, yes protein balls can be very good for you. As long as you’re eating protein balls that are made with natural healthy ingredients and aren’t made with too much sugar or processed add-ins. This recipe is the perfect example of a healthy protein balls recipe. It uses all nutrient-packed ingredients like nut butter, rolled oats, and protein powder.
What is the purpose of protein balls?
Protein balls are ideal for healthy snacking and make for a great dessert if you have a sweet tooth. They are a nutritious way to solve sugary snack cravings and give you extra energy. These energy balls are packed with healthy fats, fiber, and protein to keep you full and satisfied in between meals, improve your workout, or aid in recovery post-workout. Also, they’re a popular alternative to the usual protein powder shakes as they deliver all the benefits of your favorite protein powder but in a delicious bite-sized form.
Peanut Butter Protein Balls: Ingredients & Substituions
Let’s discuss the ingredients in this recipe, as well as possible substitutions.
- Creamy peanut butter. Any nut or seed butter can be used in this recipe, you can also use crunchy if you like little bits of peanuts in your protein balls.
- Honey. any liquid sweetener can be used in place of honey if desired . I suggest maple syrup as a great alternative.
- Old-fashioned oats. Quick-cooking oats can be used as well.
- Shredded coconut. I prefer to use unsweetened coconut so there are no added sugars. If you don’t prefer coconut you can omit it all together and replace it with and additional ½ cup oats.
- Flaxseed. Almond meal can be used in place of flaxseed if you don’t have any on hand, or it can simply be omitted.
- Mix-ins. We love adding mini chocolate chips to these peanut butter energy balls because there’s no better combination than chocolate and peanut butter! I’ll discuss more mix-in options later.
Protein Balls Are Too Dry Or Crumbly
Some protein powders will soak up more liquid than others and some nut butters are drier than others. This is totally normal and it might cause your your protein ball mixture to seem a little dry or crumbly. If this happens, just add a little water or almond milk to the protein ball mixture, 1 teaspoon at a time until the mixture is moist enough to form into balls. Just be careful not to add too much liquid.
I love to make a batch of these on the weekend so that I have grab-n-go snacks throughout the week. Theyre also perfect for a pre or post-workout snack . I usually eat two a time!
Recommended Reading: Fairlife Core Power Protein Shake
Can You Change The Ingredients Of This Protein Ball Recipe
One of my favorite things about recipes like these is the versatility and the ease in which you can swap out many of the ingredients, or even add some of your favorites. There are a lot of ways you can make this protein ball recipe your own. Obviously some of these changes will alter the taste a bit, but you can easily make this recipe adaptable for you and and your family the possibilities are endless!
- As mentioned before, you can swap the peanut butter with other nut butters
- Add little bits of dried fruit or you could just add raisins if you dont want to do any dicing!
- You can also add chocolate chips if you want a little bit of extra sweetness!
- For a little bit more protein, you can add some chia seeds or a little bit of protein powder for an extra nutritional boost.
More peanut butter snack recipes:
Peanut Butter Protein Balls
by Natalie ·
These Peanut Butter Protein Balls are the perfect energizing snack that is both satisfying and nutritious. They are sweet, nutty, and full of flavor, utterly delicious. Also, super easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. The best protein balls!
I’m under a lot of stress lately. Stress snacking is reality and I’m barely holding up. I often find myself raiding kitchen cabinets or our fridge, looking for easy snacks.
Luckily, I don’t keep anything in kitchen cabinets that would ruin my healthy diet. And our fridge is full of fresh fruits, salads, and healthy spreads.
I also have a freezer stocked with energy balls. They are the perfect quick snacks. The combination of fiber, protein, and fats in energy balls helps control blood sugar levels and suppress hunger.
Chocolate Maca Balls are my favorite right now. The perfect treat for the stressful exhausted mind. Also, I made Peanut Butter Protein Balls. These high protein balls are extra energizing and delicious.
Recommended Reading: High Level Of Protein In Urine
How To Make Protein Balls
So, you can make a batch of about 12 of these protein balls in just three easy steps: mix, scoop, and refrigerate.
Yup, making these is as easy as that!
That’s basically all there is to it! There’s no baking, chopping, or melting involved, so this is the ultimate snack to make when you’re busy or aren’t in the mood to bake.
Now, let’s not waste any more time and I’ll show you how to make energy bites!
Step 1: Combining the Ingredients
First, measure out all your ingredients – the rolled oats, natural peanut butter, honey or syrup, protein powder, and chocolate chips.
Then, mix everything together in a large bowl until fully combined and you have a somewhat compact protein ball mixture.
I find a rubber spatula gets the job done the quickest, but a spoon, fork, or even clean hands with gloves would work too.
Step 2: Shaping your Protein Balls
When all the ingredients are fully combined, you can get shaping.
Use a small cookie scoop – or a regular spoon – to scoop out equal amounts of the peanut butter protein balls and use clean hands to shape each energy bite into a ball.
Now, if your protein balls somehow won’t stick together, you can mix in an extra tablespoon of natural peanut butter until it’s sticky enough to shape.
Then, once that’s done, you should end up with around 12 protein balls.
Step 3: Refrigerate and Set
Finally, transfer your protein balls into an airtight container and refrigerate until they set, around 30 minutes.
More Energy Bite Recipes
If you like this recipe, try another one of my protein/energy bite recipes!
Paleo Protein Brownie Bites also use protein powder and you can make them paleo-friendly by using my favorite paleo-friendly protein powder, Rootz.
Blueberry Muffin Larabar Copycat have bits of dried blueberry for a burst of fruity flavor.
If you make this recipe, be sure to post it to social media and tag me at @perrysplate or #perrysplate so I can send you some love!
Prep Time: Total Time:
These soft & delicious peanut butter protein balls are a perfect little snack full of protein and healthy fats. Add some freeze-dried strawberries for a PB& J taste!
- 1 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder
- 1/4 cup peanut butter protein powder
- 1/4 cup smooth or crunchy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 2 Tablespoons honey or other liquid sweetener
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup freeze-dried strawberries
Read Also: The Best Protein Powder For Weight Loss
How To Make Energy Balls:
To make these energy bites, simply
If you have trouble getting the energy balls to hold together, I recommend adding in more peanut butter to make the mixture a bit more sticky. Or if you would rather, you can also just press the mixture into a square baking dish to make flat energy bars instead of round energy balls.
Tips To Make The Best Recipe
- If your peanut butter is extra smooth and drippy, you can skip the microwaving step and simply add it straight to the dry ingredients.
- For a nut free option, replace the peanut butter with tahini or sunflower seed butter.
- Fold through up to 1 full cup of your favorite mix-ins, like chocolate chips, dried fruit, or chopped nuts.
Read Also: Isopure Protein Powder Zero Carb
Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls
These chocolate peanut butter protein balls taste like a Reeses peanut butter cup. Dead serious. When youre searching for a pick-me-up snack, or just a low calorie protein ball recipe.. this is it! Not to mention it tastes AMAZING! In fact, my husband made multiple comments saying, These are by far the best protein balls youve ever made.
It doesnt stop there. He continued with:
These are so good, I eat them as dessert.
When are you making more of those chocolate peanut butter protein balls?
Are you planning on posting them to your blog? Because you should. I really like them.
And last but not least, Sunday night we sat down to eat a slice of leftover chocolate birthday cake and my husband turned down the cake because hed rather eat one of these healthy balls. You guys!! I was stunned.
For another delicious and healthy peanut butter treat, try my Peanut Butter Bliss Balls!
Never before has he made soooo many comments about one particular recipe.
Im considering this hands down the BEST protein ball recipe ever. Obviously I needed a breakfast recipe that tastes just like this one, so I made chocolate peanut butter protein oatmeal. Its amazing!
I also have a snickerdoodle protein balls recipe that is absolutely delicious too!
How Much Protein Do You Need
People often ask us how much protein they should be getting. The answer varies, depending on your body size, fitness level, and goals. Thats why we love the Protein Calculator, a helpful tool created by The Strong Inside. You can discover your appropriate daily protein range based on your target goal weight. You can also get a range based on your goals, whether that is healthy aging, general fitness, weight loss, or muscle building.
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Easy No Bake Protein Balls
The easiest no bake protein balls on the internet with four different flavors chocolate peanut butter, tahini chocolate chip, cinnamon raisin and almond joy. Take 10 minutes to whip up a batch of these protein balls and snack healthy all week long!
Who knew one snack could have so many names?! Protein balls, energy bites, just balls. . . Im sure there are even more out there. No matter what you call them, one thing is for sure: they are one of the best snacks to have on hand for easy, healthy snacking!
I know some people love their store-bought protein bars but I honestly really like making homemade protein balls because I can control what ingredients go into the mix AND theyre way cheaper. Plus, coming up with the different flavor combinations is so fun!
Do I Need A Food Processor To Make Protein Balls
Nope, but it makes it a LOT easier and quicker to get a smooth consistency. I use my food processor ALL the time. Its one of my most-used appliances.
I love this Cuisinart 12-cup model. Psst they have a similar one at Costco for quite a bit less!
If youre not using a food processor, just use a sturdy spoon or your hands to blend everything.
Tip: Make sure your coconut oil is somewhat soft, but not melted to make sure it gets incorporated well. This is especially important if youre mixing by hand.
Also Check: Best Whey Protein For Beginners
Are Protein Balls Healthy
There is some debate as to whether protein balls are healthy or not. Some say that they are a great source of protein and can help with weight loss, while others claim that they are nothing more than glorified candy bars. However, the majority of experts seem to agree that protein balls are a healthy snack option, as long as they are not consumed in excess.
Protein balls, as a snack, are gaining popularity in Ireland. How do you choose the right product? There are hundreds of different varieties to choose from. Does food actually have protein in it? Are peanuts satisfying to eat? Is this exactly another way for wellness obsessed Instagrammer to make more money? When used in a healthy diet, protein balls can provide nutritional benefits. It is not a good idea to eat them as a panacea for all ills. protein balls typically cost around 2-2.50, or about 40 grams, and are sold in bulk.
If you just finished working out, bring a protein ball or two to replenish your muscles and help you recover. If you want to sleep well at night, have a protein ball ready to go before bed so you can stay full and satisfy your appetite.
What Protein Powder Is Best For Homemade Protein Balls
There are so many different types of protein powder on the market it can be overwhelming to know which one to choose!
Ive tried many different brands and flavours of protein powder, and the one I find to be the best is the Epic Protein from Sprout Living. I use the original epic protein which is unflavored in this recipe. I find this protein has the smoothest taste and texture in recipes. You can save 20% off your order with sprout living with the code choosingchia.
Read Also: Best Plant Base Protein Powder
Ingredients To Make Protein Balls
Again, 5 ingredients are all you need to make this chocolate peanut butter protein balls recipe.
And there’s a good chance you already have everything you need at home since these are all super common pantry staples.
So, to make this protein balls recipe you’ll need:
- 1 ½ Cup Rolled Oats
- 1 Cup Peanut Butter
- ¼ Cup Honey or Maple Syrup
- 2 Scoops of Chocolate Protein Powder
- ¼ Cup Sugar Free Chocolate Chips
Super simple, right?
Now, if you want to keep these energy bites as healthy as possible, I suggest using sugar free chocolate chips. I like to use these Lily’s sugar free ones, but you can use anything that you want!
For the maple syrup, I highly recommend making my sugar free maple syrup. Not only is it sugar-free, but it’s carb-free and calorie-free too.
Also, if you have any oats leftover after making this recipe you can always put them to use by making this protein overnight oats recipe next.
Oh, and if you’re interested in a fat bombs version of these energy bites, I also have a peanut butter cookie dough fat bombs recipe that’s just as tasty and it’s perfect if you’re following a low carb or keto diet.
Customize Your Protein Balls
Alright, so the great thing about this protein balls recipe is that there are a ton of ways to switch it up. Basically the possibilities are endless with how you make ’em, so you really won’t ever get tired of them!
Basic Energy Ball Ingredients
Protein Powder for the basic energy ball recipe, I use vanilla protein powder.
But any flavor will work!
Chocolate protein powder is also delicious, and my personal favorite way to switch things up is to use half vanilla and half chocolate protein powder.
To make vegan just use your favorite vegan protein powder.
Honey the sticky sweetener needed to help it all stick together.
If you want to make these vegan, you can also use pure maple syrup!
Peanut Butter I use creamy no stir peanut butter which has just a tiny bit of added sugar in it.
Salt just enough to make the salty sweet flavors pop!
Rolled Oats Rolled oats are inexpensive and delicious and help these energy balls taste like cookie dough!
Chocolate Chips I prefer to use mini chocolate chips so that there is chocolate and crunch in every bite!
For dairy free chocolate chips, I like Enjoy Life brand.
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Why You’re Going To Love Protein Balls
These sweet and healthy protein balls have a delicious chocolate/peanut butter combination.
Here’s why they’re going to become a favourite in your house:
- healthy – these balls are made from raw ingredients – there’s no additives, flavourings or nasties!
- protein-packed – great for a post workout pick-me-up, lunch box or after school snack
- energy boosting – the dates and almonds give you a nice little boost
- 5 minute prep time – if you’ve got a food processor, Thermomix or blender, you’ll have a batch of protein balls ready in just a couple of minutes
- less than 55 calories per serve – making them a deliciously healthy treat.
Why You Need To Try Them
- They are sweet, nutty, and perfectly flavored. Soft and chewy. Wholesome and seriously delicious.
- They are no-bake, made with simple pantry ingredients in 15 minutes.
- They are nutritious – full of fibers, packed with proteins and healthy Omega-3s.
- They are made without processed unhealthy sugars.
- Low in calories, and very satisfying.
- Perfect high-protein pre-workout, post-workout, or midday snack.
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No Bake Energy Bites Ingredients:
To make this no bake energy bites recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- Old-fashioned oats: Also called rolled oats these will serve as the base ingredient for our energy bites.
- Shredded coconut: Which I highly recommend toasting either briefly in the oven or in a sauté pan before adding to the energy bites.
- Creamy peanut butter: I have used both traditional creamy peanut butter and natural creamy peanut butter in this recipe, and both work!
- Ground flaxseed: To add some extra protein, fiber and omega-3s to our energy bites.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: I photographed this recipe with standard-sized semisweet chips, but mini semisweet chips mix in easier.
- Honey: To add some natural sweetness and also help to bind the energy balls together.
- Vanilla extract: For a touch of extra flavor.
- Chia seeds : Feel free to skip the chia seeds, if you do not have any on hand. But I love adding in a tablespoon or so when I do!