No-Bake Healthy Protein Balls
Today I'm going to share my favorite no-bake healthy protein ball recipe, along with some ways to for you to customize it to your liking.
With winter in full-swing and the cold temps keeping us indoors more, I've been motivated to stock my fridge and freezer with some healthy goodies. My latest obsession - homemade protein balls. I've made protein balls from many different recipes in the past, and this is the combination that works best for me and the one that my kids like the most. I've been experimenting a bit with different protein powder flavors and nut butters, but the basic recipe has stayed the same.
With a few simple ingredients you can stock your fridge with this healthy snack this weekend! Check out these no-bake healthy protein balls.
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Why Make Protein Balls?
There are so many great things about these little protein balls.
They are a balanced snack. These have a combination of protein, healthy fats and carbs. This makes them a great option for pre or post-workout, a quick snack on-the-go, or even a sweet treat. My kids like these for breakfast or as an after school snack as well. These protein balls are also gluten free.
They are easy to meal prep. You can make a batch of these on the weekend and eat them all week long. I keep mine in the fridge since they go pretty quickly, but you can also freeze them.
There are only a few ingredients. This recipe has only 7 ingredients and they are no-bake which makes them super easy to whip up.
They are easy to customize. If you start with this basic recipe, you can customize based on your preferences. You can use any kind of nut butter, different flavors of protein powder, white or dark chocolate chips, etc. My kids like rainbow sprinkles mixed in for 'birthday cake' inspired protein balls.
What Do You Need for These Protein Balls?
Dates. I use pitted medjool dates. Dates are a good source of fiber and are also high in antioxidants. You can get these at most grocery stores. This is a key ingredient in getting the right texture in your protein ball, and they add sweetness as well. Tip: If your dates are a bit dry, you may want to chop them up a bit before putting them in your food processor.
Rolled Oats. A good source of fiber, along with vitamins and minerals. Use certified gluten free oats if you are gluten free!
Protein Powder. You don't have to use protein powder, but I like it for that extra boost of protein. I used vanilla protein in these, but I've also used chocolate. I like to look for protein powders with very limited ingredients, and no added sugar. This one is my favorite.
Ground Flaxseed. Flaxseed provides protein, fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
Nut Butter. Peanut butter or cashew butter are my go-tos, but you could use any type of nut butter. My kids are peanut butter obsessed, so that's what I usually use. Look for peanut butter with only peanuts and salt as the ingredients, many have added sugar. My favorites are Smuckers Natural or Costco's organic peanut butter. Peanut butter provides protein and a dose of healthy fats.
Unsweetened Almond Milk. I've only used unsweetened almond milk in these, but I'd guess you could use any type of milk.
White Chocolate Chips. You could use regular chocolate chips, mini chocolate chips, white chocolate chips or skip this altogether. For a lower sugar option, I like Lily's chocolate chips. I used white chocolate chips for the protein balls pictured above. I like the combination of white chocolate chips with the vanilla protein powder.
How To Make These No-Bake Healthy Protein Balls
Add 8 dates to a food processor and pulse a few times. They will start to form a thick paste.
Add in 1 cup of rolled oats and pulse again until mixture is combined.
Place date and oat mixture into a large bowl. Stir in 1/4 cup protein powder (can add up to 1/2 cup, but I prefer the taste with 1/4 cup), 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed, 1/2 cup nut butter, and 1/4 cup almond milk. The mixture will be thick. You can add a bit more almond milk if the mixture seems too dry.
Stir in 1/4 cup white chocolate chips.
Scoop dough from the bowl with a spoon and roll into a ball. I added some festive sprinkles here for my kids - totally optional!
Store in an air-tight container in the fridge or freezer.
I hope you'll try these no-bake healthy protein balls and let me know what you think! Leave me a comment below or message me over at @thelifestylenotes.
For more healthy homemade treats, check out my favorite homemade granola and this warm and cozy breakfast bowl.
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