A mix of protein-packed ingredients like peanut butter, protein powder, flaxseeds, and chia seeds, along with a touch of honey for natural sweetness and chocolate chips for good measure, these easy protein balls take fewer than 15 minutes to pull together and don’t require any special equipment. No food processor, no mixer. Just you, a bowl, and all the peanut butter you care to lick off your fingers! This high protein ball recipe is lightly adapted from my go-to Energy Balls, with the addition of protein powder. Like the originals, they are filling and wholesome, but (thanks to the protein powder), they offer more grams of protein per ball.
About Protein Balls
Keeping quick-fix snacks on hand is a sure way to keep hanger at bay. When your refrigerator or desk are stocked with healthy options like these peanut butter oatmeal protein balls, you’ll be less likely to turn to processed foods or expensive store-bought protein bars (which often have lots of sugar). Protein balls are the perfect size for munching between meals or to enjoy as a post-workout snack.
Yes, this recipe uses high fat ingredients like peanut butter, but it’s healthy fat. Further, fat is important to make the protein balls satisfying.Other important factors to consider when weighing the health benefits of protein balls is the amount of fiber, protein, and sugar.Fiber and protein (along with fat) make a snack filling so that you aren’t digging in the pantry again an hour later, still hungry.
The Ingredients
Peanut Butter. While drippy, natural style peanut butter may not be the best in baked recipes where it can separate (like these Peanut Butter Protein Cookies), it works wonderfully for no bake protein balls like these.
Oatmeal. Fiber-rich oats make these peanut butter balls filling and help hold them together.Flaxseed Meal. This super food is loaded with omega-3s and fiber (more here).
Chia Seeds. Another super food! These cutie seeds pack a wallop of fiber and omega-3s in a low calorie package.Vanilla Protein Powder. Adding protein powder is the best, easiest way to create a high-protein snack that’s still reasonably low calorie. You can use any vanilla protein powder you enjoy. (Garden of Life, About Time, Bob’s Red Mill, and Optimum Nutrition are my favorites.)
Honey. Just 2 tablespoons are all you need for perfectly sweet protein balls. Feel free to add more to taste (you’ll want to add more protein powder or oats if the dough feels too sticky and lose).Chocolate Chips. Because why settle for just peanut butter when you can have CHOCOLATE peanut butter protein balls? I like the mini chips here, which roll in the balls nicely.
The Directions
Storage Tips
To Store. Refrigerate protein balls for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container.To Freeze. Freeze protein balls for up to 3 months or longer (if they are airtight, you can freeze them practically indefinitely). Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature if you are in a hurry.
Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe
Measuring Spoons. These stay well organized in your drawer thanks to their magnetic feature.Spatula. Silicone spatula that’s stiff, easy to clean, and exceptionally heat resistant.
Let the happy snacking begin, forever and ever amen!
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