The Best Pumpkin Protein Balls

Written by Jack Schrupp and reviewed by Ella McGonagle, M.S. Nutrition

---

Sick of protein shakes? Pumpkin protein balls are also a great way to boost your protein intake. Jump to the recipe.

Why make pumpkin protein balls?

How do I make pumpkin protein balls?

Why drink wholesome? 

Jump to the recipe.

Make the best pumpkin protein balls with drink wholesome.

Why make pumpkin protein balls?

---

This pumpkin protein ball recipe is to-die-for! It is insanely delicious, easy to make, and contains only 5 simple ingredients. It is the perfect autumn snack, and a must-have for hikes and other outdoor adventures. Anyone with half a tastebud will adore this recipe, and I challenge you not to eat the whole batch in one sitting! Seriously, it is that good. I must add that you cannot beat the convenience of protein balls. If I can muster enough self-control, this grab-n’-go snack will last me a whole week. I just keep the balls in the fridge, and nibble on one or two when I am feeling hungry or in need of a protein boost. Finally, one of the best parts of this particular recipe is how customizable it is. You can add nuts, seeds, chocolate, etc. to keep it interesting and get the whole family hooked.

How do I make pumpkin protein balls?

---

Making healthy pumpkin protein balls is easy. It requires no cooking skills and or fancy equipment, and can be whipped up in less than five minutes. The main sources of protein are protein powder and nut butter, and the only ingredients you might not already have at home are pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice. If you are anything like me, you will be making these pumpkin oat protein balls regularly, so I recommend stocking up on these ingredients. Depending on the type of protein powder you use, you may have to adjust ratios, but I have found that if you can get your hands on a good protein powder, this recipe is foolproof. 

Why drink wholesome?

---

This recipe was made with drink wholesome – the only protein powder made with 100% real foods. Given its simple ingredient list, it makes delicious no-bake pumpkin protein balls. Most protein powders, on the other hand, do not make good protein balls because they are made with protein isolates. Isolates, which are listed on the ingredient list as “pea protein” and “whey protein” as opposed to “peas” and “whey,” are foods stripped of everything but the protein. Unlike real foods, they are missing the nutrients that make food taste good. It follows that protein isolates taste like chalk and turn protein balls into hockey pucks. Avoid them at all costs. 

our ingredients: 

egg whites, coconut, vanilla, monk fruit

the alternative:

Protein Matrix Comprised of (Whey Protein Concentrate,  Whey Protein Isolate, Calcium Caseinate, Micellar Casein, Milk Protein Isolate, Egg Albumen, Glutamine Peptides), Polydextrose, Sunflower Creamer (Sunflower Oil, Corn Syrup Solids,  Sodium Caseinate, Mono- and Diglycerides, Dipotassium Phosphate, Tricalcium Phosphate, Soy Lecithin, Tocopherols), Natural and Artificial Flavor, MCT Powder (Medium Chain Triglycerides, Nonfat Dry Milk, Disodium Phosphate, Silicon Dioxide), Lecithin, Cellulose Gum, Salt, Yellow 5, Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium, Papain, Bromelain.

*This is the actual ingredient list of one of the best-selling protein powders in the United States.

Another reason why drink wholesome is perfect for pumpkin protein balls is that it is sweetened with monk fruit. Monk fruit, also known as lo han guo, is a small, melon-like round fruit native to Southeast Asia. It is turned into a sweetener by removing the seeds and skin, crushing the fruit, and collecting the juice, which is then dried into a powder. Monk fruit sweetener is sweet like sugar, unlike the artificial sweeteners and stevias used to sweeten most protein powders. Artificial sweeteners and stevia have an awful bitter aftertaste because they activate bitter taste receptors in addition to sweet taste receptors. They may be sugar-free, but they will ruin your protein balls. Now without further ado, here are our favorite pumpkin spice protein balls recipe.

The Best Protein Pumpkin Balls Recipe

Ingredients:

-1/2 cup pumpkin puree

-1/4 cup almond butter or peanut butter

-1 cup rolled oats

-1/2 cup drink wholesome vanilla protein powder

-1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

-1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions:

In a large mixing bowl, mix the dry ingredients. Add the pumpkin puree and mix well. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips. Place the mixture in the fridge for 30 minutes. Once the dough is firm, roll it into balls. Pumpkin spice protein balls will store up to 2 weeks in the fridge and up to 3 months in the freezer. Other great add-ins include pecans, toasted coconut, and chia seeds! 

★★★★★

delicious

“Really enjoy this protein powder. I like that it doesn’t have a chalky artificial taste, and I like that it’s not overly sweet.” – Mary

Read more reviews or take the quiz.

Boost your protein with drink wholesome.

---

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. drink wholesome is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.