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These six-ingredient protein balls are perfectly poppable and sweet as can be.
Although I have a huge sweet tooth, I like to eat healthy as often as possible. I’m also a rampant snacker—and recipes that are healthy, sweet and good for snacking are sometimes hard to come by.
Protein balls check all three boxes: They make a great high-protein snack that’s also indulgent enough to taste like dessert! Keep our recipe for protein balls on hand for whenever you need a sweet and satisfying morsel (or three).
Key Ingredients in Protein Balls
Protein balls are generally very customizable, but here are the important elements in our recipe.
Oats: Oats are a common base ingredient for many no-bake protein ball recipes. Their flavor pairs well with anything and they add a little bulk. (Of course, there are plenty health benefits of oats to keep in mind, too.)
Honey or maple syrup: No matter which you choose, honey or maple syrup will add just the right amount of natural sweetness without turning to artificial options.
Nut butter: Peanut butter adds flavor and acts as a sticky binder for all of the other ingredients.
Chia seeds: In our recipe, chia seeds aid the chocolate chips in adding some crunch. (In recipes like chia pudding, they absorb liquid and aren’t as crunchy.) Chia seeds also contribute calcium and fiber.
Protein powder: While you can technically make protein balls without protein powder, it’s an easy and quick way to increase the amount of protein in each ball if you have some at home. Be sure to use a protein powder with a flavor you like—many powders out there aren’t as pleasant as they’re marketed to be. Our recipe calls for chocolate or vanilla, but feel free to branch out a bit if it means you get to use a taste you like.
How to Make Protein Balls
Our recipe yields 2-1/2 dozen protein balls, or 30 servings if you only eat one at a time (unlikely). The amount of protein each ball provides depends on the protein powder you use.
Ingredients
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1-1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
1/2 cup chia seeds
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup vanilla or chocolate protein powder
1/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
Directions
Step 1: Mix the ingredients together and refrigerate
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In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Refrigerate for 1 hour, or until the mixture is firm enough to roll into balls.
Step 2: Roll the mixture into balls
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Shape into 1-1/2-in. balls and transfer them to an airtight container.
Step 3: Store and enjoy
Store your homemade protein balls in the refrigerator. Sneak some from the container whenever the craving strikes!
Protein Ball Variations
With just a few easy swaps, you can make protein balls with different flavors. Here are some of our favorites.
Almond Coconut Protein Balls
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1-1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
1/2 cup almond butter
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup vanilla or chocolate protein powder
1/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
Combine all of the ingredients. Refrigerate for 1 hour, or until the mixture is firm enough to roll. Shape into 1-1/2-in. balls, rolling in additional coconut if desired. Store in the refrigerator.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls
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1-1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup chocolate protein powder
1/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
Combine all of the ingredients. Refrigerate for 1 hour, or until the mixture is firm enough to roll. Shape into 1-1/2-in. balls. Store in the refrigerator.
Other Protein Ball Ideas
It’s easy to make protein balls your own! Instead of mini chocolate chips, you could use M&M’s, white chocolate chips or even raisins. Use any kind of nut butter you like. (Flavored varieties would be a great way to add more flavor without additional ingredients.) Otherwise, add spices like cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to the mix.
Tips for Making Protein Balls
Can you use different types of oats to make protein balls?
We recommend quick-cooking oats, but you could use old-fashioned if that’s what you have on hand. Protein balls with old-fashioned oats will just be a little bit chewier since the oats aren’t as processed. Learn more about the different types of oats.
Why are my protein balls falling apart?
If your protein balls are falling apart, they need a little more moisture. Add a little extra nut butter or liquid sweetener to keep everything together. Some recipes even recommend adding a splash of your favorite milk.
How do you serve protein balls?
Protein balls are a wonderful healthy snack to have on hand. Each ball is low in sugar and clocks in at under 100 calories. However, you can also eat them as a health-conscious dessert or sweet finish to a high-protein breakfast. You could also eat one alongside your favorite protein bar, or a couple in place of a protein bar before or after a workout.
How long will protein balls last?
Protein balls will last for up to a week in an airtight container in the fridge. We’re sure they’ll disappear more quickly than that, though!
Can you freeze protein balls?
Definitely. If you want to freeze them, keep them in a freezer container for up to 3 months. Pull them out of the freezer the night before you plan to eat them—otherwise you’ll have to gnaw at them instead of enjoy them for the chewy, crunchy bites that they are.
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