How to Make Protein Balls
📌 Overview and Key Takeaways
This is a Dietitian’s recipe for protein balls.
Discover how to make delicious protein balls with protein powder.
Protein Balls Recipe
Chocolate Chip Protein Balls Recipe
PREP TIME
5 min
COOK TIME
0 min
SERVES
2
Ingredients
- • ½ cup natural creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup Drink Wholesome Protein Powder
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 1 tbsp mini chocolate chips
- ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
Instructions
Combine the peanut butter, sweetener, protein powder, and oats in a food processor or blender. Pulse until well combined. Add in the chocolate chips and coconut and pulse a few more times. Use your hands to roll the dough into 10 balls. Eat them immediately or store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
Why Should I Make Protein Balls?
Protein balls (or bites) are the perfect grab-n-go snack.
They are portable and can be made in minutes.
Plus, once you nail down the recipe, you can customize them endlessly to suit your tastes and dietary needs.
They pack really well and are a great source of energy, not to mention protein.
How Do I Make Balls with Protein Powder?
Making no-bake protein bites requires no cooking skills and or fancy equipment, and can be done in less than five minutes.
All you need to do is mix a few simple ingredients and roll the dough into balls.
I recommend using a blender or food processor, but you do not need one.
The main sources of protein are protein powder and nut butter, both you which you probably already have in your kitchen.
For extra protein (and crunch!), you can add nuts, seeds, or toasted coconut.
Depending on the type of protein powder you use, you may have to adjust ratios, but I have found that once you get your hands the right protein powder, this recipe is foolproof.
Keep reading to learn more about what makes some protein powders better for this recipe than others.
Protein Intake Calculator
Why Should I Use Drink Wholesome?
We make our Protein Powders from whole food protein sources like egg whites and almonds.
Our Ingredients
egg whites
coconut
vanilla
monk fruit
NOT Our Ingredients
acacia gum
acesulfame potassium
artificial flavors
carrageenan
erythritol
guar gum
inulin
maltodextrin
'natural' flavors
silica
soy lecithin
sucralose
xanthan gum
xylitol
Other protein powders are made from ultra-processed protein concentrates and isolates, which have been mechanically and/or chemically stripped of everything but the protein.
As a result, they have a chalky aftertaste and rubbery texture.
Whole foods, on the other hand, taste like real food.
It is worth adding that we sweeten our protein powders with monk fruit – a small, melon-like round fruit native to Southeast Asia.
We like monk fruit because it is sweet like sugar.
Other sugar substitutes, including artificial sweeteners, sugar alcohols, and stevia activate bitter taste receptors (J Agric Food Chem, 2016).
As you can imagine, this aftertaste might ruin your recipe!
Order Samples to taste (and feel) the difference.
Sources
- Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry (J Agric Food Chem). Docking and Molecular Dynamics of Steviol Glycoside-Human Bitter Receptor Interactions. 2016.
Frequently asked questions
How long do protein balls last?
Protein balls can last up to a week when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can also be frozen for up to three months. it is best to thaw frozen protein balls in the refrigerator overnight before eating them.
Are protein balls healthy?
Yes, protein balls can be a healthy snack option, especially when made with wholesome ingredients. They provide a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates, which can help with energy levels and satiety.
Can I make protein balls without protein powder?
While protein powder is a common ingredient, you can make protein balls without it. Just use extra nut butter, nuts, and seeds to make sure you are still getting lots of protein.
Can I customize this recipe to fit my dietary needs?
One of the great things about protein balls is their versatility. You can easily tweak this recipe to fit various dietary needs and preferences. For example, you can use gluten-free oats for a gluten-free version, swap out nut butter for sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version, or use plant-based protein powder for a vegan version. The possibilities for customization are nearly endless.
How much protein is there per serving?
1 serving (2-3 protein balls) contains about 10 grams of protein.
Author(s)
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