When it comes to snack time it can get hard to choose the right thing to eat. If you go for something you’re craving you’re probably going to end up with a chocolate bar or grabbing an energy drink, or maybe a bag of chips. But in order to live a healthier and happier life it’s important we take better care of our health.
Sadly, this doesn’t come easy. It takes discipline and execution to make healthier choices. So to prevent our snack habits from sabotaging our health try preparing one of the 18 protein ball recipes below.
Protein balls are the best kind of healthy snack because they’re delicious, nutritious, convenient, and super easy to make. Most of the recipes include no more than 6 ingredients. And the best part is your cupboard probably has all the ingredients you need!
And to make these sugar-free protein balls try using organic stevia extract instead of sugar and add more antioxidant superfoods such as cacao powder, maca powder, spirulina, or chia seeds.
The reason I’m certain the following 18 protein ball recipes will be a hit for you is that I have tried every one of them myself, and I can definitly tell you they’re nothing short of absolutely delicious!
When’s the best time to eat protein balls?
- Morning tea
- Afternoon tea
- Pre-bed
- Traveling snack
- Plane food snack
- Beach food snack
- Any time of the day snack
Why are protein balls good for health and weight management/loss?
Because they are:
- High in fiber (keeps you fuller longer)
- Low in sugar (great for diabetics)
- High in antioxidants (good for overall health)
- Plant Based (great for overall well-being)
- Slow absorbing (balanced energy levels)
- Dairy Free (positive for health)
- High in Healthy Fats (Excellent for brain function)
Hot! Protein Ball Making Tips:
- Make them every Sunday for the coming week
- Keep protein balls refrigerated and they will last 7 days
- Roll them into small portion ball sizes to avoid consuming too many calories
- Rub your hands in coconut oil below rolling the mixture to avoid the mixture sticking to your hands
- Add no more than 5 ingredients per ball to avoid over flavoring them
- Make 2-3 batches at a time
- Store large batches in the freezer to last longer than a week
- Enjoy your protein balls with a nice herbal tea to really enjoy them
- Rolled oats, coconut flour, protein powders etc. Use any of these you prefer
- Use only moderate to very low sugar, if you need any at all.
Why Homemade Protein Balls are better than Brought Ones:
There are loads of pre-made protein balls you could grab on the go but decided to make them yourself and save on money and the unwanted sugar most are loaded with.
And over a month all this extra sugar you saved with start adding up and you will have an extra boost of energy, better moods, and clearer skin. This is why I would recommend you make them yourself. So to get healthier everyday swap your normal snack for one of these protein balls.
Note Nutritional Information is Per Protein Ball
18 Healthy Protein Ball Recipes:
(SF = Sugar-Free) (GF = Grain Free) (LS = Low Sugar) (NF = Nut Free)
All recipes that include rice protein powder can be subbed for Rolled oats, LSA, almond meal, or your favorite protein powder.
Best Peanut Butter Protein Ball (SF)
Makes 15
Calories per ball: 116
Ingredients:
- 1 cup organic rolled oats
- 1/2 cup organic 100% peanut butter
- 1 tbsp. flax seeds (or chia seeds)
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup chocolate chunks ( I used 85% dark chocolate and broke up into little pieces)
- 3/4 tsp of Organic stevia extract
- 3 Tbsp. Water
Directions:
- Combine oats, flaxseeds, cinnamon, and stevia into a bowl and mix well.
- Add in Peanut butter and vanilla extract and mix well again.
- Add in chocolate chips and gentle stir
- Add a tablespoon of water per time to get the mixture to the right sticky consistency.
- Roll mixture into 15 balls
- Refrigerate for an 1 hour before enjoying.
Simple Chocolate Protein Balls (SF, GF, Paleo, Vegan)
Makes 12
Calories per ball: 104/ Protein: 8g/ Carbs: 3g/ Fat: 7g
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup (96g) Vanilla Brown Rice Protein
- 1/2 cup ground Almonds
- ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
- 3/4 tsp of Organic stevia extract
- 2 tbsp.(12g) cacao powder
- 2 tbsp. water
Directions:
- Ground Almond into a meal or use almond meal if you have on hand
- Combine rice protein powder, almond meal, stevia, and cacao powder and mix well.
- Add melted coconut oil and combine
- Add a tablespoon of water per time to get the mixture to the right sticky consistency.
- Roll mixture into 12 balls
- Refrigerate for an 1 hour before enjoying.
Chocolate Tahini Balls (SF, GF, Paleo, Vegan)
Makes 10
Calories per ball: 109/ Protein: 12g/ Carbs: 4g/ Fat: 5g
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (128g) Vanilla Brown Rice Protein
- 2 tbsp. (26g) chia seeds
- 1 tbsp. coconut oil, melted
- 3 tbsp. (45g) Tahini Paste
- 3/4 tsp of Organic stevia extract
- 3 tbsp.(18g) raw cacao powder
- 3 tbsp. water
Directions:
- Combine rice protein powder, chia seeds, stevia, and cacao powder and mix well.
- Add melted coconut oil and tahini paste and combine
- Add a tablespoon of water per time to get the mixture to the right sticky consistency.
- Roll mixture into 10 balls
- Refrigerate for an 1 hour before enjoying.
Chocolate-Chip Cookie Dough Protein Balls
(LS, GF, Paleo, Vegan)
Makes 12
Calories per ball: 113/ Protein: 11g/ Carbs: 2.8g/ Fat: 6g
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup (96g) Vanilla Brown Rice Protein
- 6 tbsp. (96g) Almond butter
- 2 tbsp. (16g) coconut flour
- 3/4 tsp of Organic stevia extract
- 30g of 85% Dark Chocolate, broken into little pieces (could sub with chocolate chips)
- 2 tbsp. water
Directions:
- Combine rice protein powder, coconut flour, and stevia. Then mix well.
- Add almond butter and combine
- Add a tablespoon of water per time to get the mixture to the right sticky consistency.
- Add broken pieces of chocolate and gently combine
- Roll mixture into 10 balls
- Refrigerate for a 1/2 an hour before enjoying.
Creamy Macadamia Protein Balls (SF, GF, Paleo, Vegan)
Makes 20
Calories per ball: 122/ Protein: 6g/ Carbs: 4g/ Fat: 10g
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (64g) Vanilla Brown Rice Protein
- 1/2 cup (38g) unsweetened desiccated coconut
- 1 cup (250g) coconut butter
- 1/2 cup (55g) crushed up raw macadamia nuts
- 1 tsp. vanilla essence
- 3/4 tsp of Organic stevia extract
- 2 tbsp. water
Directions:
- Combine rice protein powder, desiccated coconut, crushed macadamia nuts, and stevia. Then mix well.
- Add almond butter and vanilla essence, then combine well.
- Add a tablespoon of water per time to get the mixture to the right sticky consistency.
- Roll mixture into 20 balls
- Refrigerate for a 1/2 an hour before enjoying.
Matcha Date Protein Balls (GF, Paleo, Vegan)
Makes 20
Calories per ball: 83/ Protein: 5g/ Carbs: 12g (10g sugar)/ Fat: 2g
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup (96g) Vanilla Rice Protein powder
- 1/4 cup raw almonds
- 12 fresh Medjool dates, pitted
- ¼ cup (19g) unsweetened desiccated coconut
- 2 tsp.(8g) matcha powder
- 1 tbsp. coconut oil
- 1 tbsp. water
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients in a powerful food processor and combine for one minute until everything is blended well.
- Roll mixture into 20 balls
- Refrigerate for a 1/2 an hour before enjoying.
Lemon Chia Protein Balls ( SF, NF, GF, Paleo, Vegan)
Makes 10
Calories per ball: 73/ Protein: 11g/ Carbs: 3g/ Fat: 2g
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (128g) Vanilla Brown Rice Protein Powder
- ¼ cup (19g) unsweetened desiccated coconut
- juice of 1 lemon (4 tbsp)
- 3/4 tsp of Organic stevia extract
- 8 tbsps. water
- 1 tbsp. (13g) chia seeds
Directions:
- Combine rice protein powder, desiccated coconut, chia seeds, and stevia. Then mix well.
- Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and water and combine well.
- Roll mixture into 10 balls
- Refrigerate for an hour before enjoying (but they actually taste better the next day!)
Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls
(SF, GF, Paleo, Vegan)
Makes 12
Calories per ball: 123/ Protein: 11g/ Carbs: 4g/ Fat: 7g
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (128g) Vanilla Brown Rice Protein Powder
- 1 tbsp. coconut oil
- 1/2 cup (125g) organic 100% peanut butter, melted
- 2 tbsp. (12g) cacao powder
- 3/4 tsp of Organic stevia extract
Directions:
- Add all ingredients into a mixing bowl and combine well using your hands.
- Make 12 protein balls
- Refrigerate for 1/2 an hour before enjoying (taste amazing the following day!)
Carrot Cake Protein Balls (NF, GF, Paleo, Vegan)
Makes 15
Calories per ball: 86/ Protein: 6g/ Carbs: 9g (7g sugar)/ Fat: 3g
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup Vanilla Brown Rice Protein Powder
- 1/3 cup (25g) unsweetened desiccated coconut
- 6 Medjool dates, pitted
- 1/2 cup (60g) grated carrot
- 1 tbsp. chia seeds
- 2 tbsp. coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp. ground cloves
- pinch of sea salt
Directions:
- Add dates and desiccated coconut in a high-power food processor until combined.
- Add protein powder, grated carrots, cinnamon, cloves, coconut oil and sea salt. Blend well together. (use hands if processor is having a hard time)
- Add chia seeds but do not blend, just combine well using your hands.prote
- Roll mixture into 15 balls
- Refrigerate for an hour before enjoying!
Pumpkin Spice Protein Balls (SF, NF, GF, Paleo, Vegan)
Makes 15
Calories per ball: 57/ Protein: 7g/ Carbs: 2g/ Fat: 2g
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (128g)Vanilla Brown Rice Protein Powder
- 2 tbsp. coconut oil
- 3/4 cup pumpkin puree
- ½ tsp. cinnamon
- ½ tsp. nutmeg
- ½ tsp. ginger
- ¼ tsp. allspice
- 3/4 tsp of Organic stevia extract
Directions:
- Add all ingredients to a mixing bowl and combine well.
- Roll 15 balls from the mixture
- Refrigerate for 1/2 an hour before enjoying.
Quinoa Batter Protein Balls (Vegan, LS)
Makes 20
Calories per ball: 112/ Protein: 8g/ Carbs: 8g (2g sugar)/ Fat: 5g
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (128g) Vanilla Brown Rice Protein Powder
- 1/2 cup (125g) cashew butter
- 2 cup (370g) quinoa flakes (could use uncooked rolled oats instead as well)
- 1/2 cup (51g) almond meal
- 1/2 cup (45g) organic raw goji berries
- 3/4 tsp of Organic stevia extract
Directions:
- Add all ingredients to a mixing bowl (except for goji berries) and combine well
- Add goji berries and gently mix through
- Roll mixture into 20 balls
- Refrigerate for an hour before enjoying!
ABC Protein Balls (SF, GF, Paleo, Vegan)
Makes 12
Calories per ball: 120/ Protein: 7.5g/ Carbs: 2g/ Fat: 9.25g
Ingredients:
- ½ cup (64g) Vanilla Brown Rice Protein Powder
- ¼ cup (35g) almonds
- ¼ cup (33g) brazil nuts
- ¼ cup (37.5g) cashew nuts
- ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
- 3/4 tsp of Organic stevia extract
- Pinch of sea salt
Directions:
- Blend all ingredients in your food processor and process for at least 1 minute until everything is all smooth
- Roll your mixture into 12 balls
- Refrigerate for at an hour before enjoying!
Antioxidant Protein Balls (SF, NF, GF, Paleo, Vegan)
Makes 10
Calories per ball: 107.5/ Protein: 8.5g/ Carbs: 3.7g/ Fat: 6g
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (128g) vanilla brown rice protein powder
- ½ large Avocado (60g)
- 1 ounce. goji berries (28g)
- 1 tbsp. Maca Powder (15g)
- 1 tbsp. Wheatgrass juice powder (I used this one)
- 1 tbsp. chia seeds (13g)
- 3 tbsp. cacao powder (18g)
- 3/4 tsp. of Organic stevia extract
- ½ tsp. vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp. water
Directions:
- Combine protein powder, avocado, maca powder, cacao powder, stevia, and vanilla extract into your food processor and processor until smooth.
- Add water bit by bit to reach the right dough-like consistency
- Move mixture into a mixing bowl and gently stir through goji berries and chia seeds
- Roll the mixture into 10 balls
- Refrigerate for half an hour before enjoying!
Fudge Chocolate Protein Balls (SF, NF, Vegan, GF)
Makes 10
Calories per ball: 102/ Protein: 7g/ Carbs: 5g/ Fat: 6g
Ingredients:
- ½ cup (64g)Vanilla Brown Rice Protein Powder
- 1 cup butter beans, drained and rinsed (could use black beans or chickpeas)
- ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
- 3 tbsp. Cacao powder
- ½ tsp. vanilla extract
- 3/4 tsp. of Organic stevia extract
- 2 tbsps. water
Directions:
- Add all ingredients into your food processor and process until all combined and smooth
- Roll mixture into 10 balls and coat with extra cacao powder if desired
- Refrigerate for an hour before enjoying!
Omega 3 Protein Balls (SF, GF, Vegan, Paleo)
Makes 18
Calories per ball: 96/ Protein: 6g/ Carbs: 3g/ Fat: 7g
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup (96g) vanilla Brown Rice protein
- 2 tbsp. (26g) flaxseed
- 2 tbsp. (26g)Chia seeds
- 1 cup (125g) pecans
- 1/4 cup. (60g) Almond Butter
- 3/4 tsp. of Organic stevia extract
- 1/4 cup water
Directions:
- Grind flaxseeds, chia seeds, and pecans until roughly chopped
- Combine the flaxseed mixture with all remaining ingredients and process for at least a minute in your food processor until your get a dough like consistency
- Roll your mixture into 18 balls
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before enjoying!
Sleep Tight Protein Balls (Best Before Bed Snack)
(SF, GF, Vegan, Paleo)
Makes 20
Calories per ball: 81/ Protein: 4g/ Carbs: 5g/ Fat: 6g
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups of canned butter beans, drained and rinsed (can be subbed for sweet potato or pumpkin)
- ¼ cup (32.5g) pumpkin seeds
- ½ cup (120g) almond butter
- 1 ounce. (28g) sunflower seeds
- 2 tbsp. (26g) chia seeds
- 3 tbsp. (20g) cacao powder
- 3/4 tsp. of BetterStevia Organic stevia by Now Foods
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients into your food processor and process until you’ve reached a dough-like consistency
- Roll your mixture into 20 balls
- Refrigerate for an hour before enjoying.
Blueberry Muffin Protein Balls (GF, Vegan)
Makes 20
Calories per ball: 106/ Protein: 7g/ Carbs: 11g (5g sugar)/ Fat: 4g
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (128g) Vanilla brown rice protein powder
- 1/2 cup (130g) almonds
- 1/2 cup (128g) organic cashew butter
- 1 cup (160g) dried blueberries unsweetened (I used these ones here)
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
- pinch of sea salt
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients in your food processor and process until you’ve reached a dough-like consistency
- Roll your mixture into 20 balls
- Refrigerate for an hour before enjoying!
High Fiber Protein Balls (SF, GF, Vegan, Paleo)
Makes 10
Calories per ball: 112/ Protein: 9g/ Carbs: 2.3g/ Fat: 7.1g
Ingredients:
- ½ cup (64g) Vanilla brown rice protein powder
- ¼ cup (60g) almond butter
- 2 tbsp. (18g) Psyllium Husk
- 2 tbsp. coconut oil
- 3/4 tsp. of Organic stevia extract
- 1 tbsp. (13g) chia seeds
- 2 tbsp. (15g) cacao powder
- 2 tbsp. water
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl
- Add water until you get the right dough-like consistency
- Roll your mixture into 10 balls
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before enjoying.
Hormone-Balancing Protein Balls
(SF, GF, Vegan, Paleo)
Makes 12
Calories per ball: 103/ Protein: 6g/ Carbs: 4g/ Fat: 7g
Ingredients:
- ½ cup (64g) Vanilla brown rice protein powder
- ¼ cup (28g) pecans
- ¼ cup (42g) flax seeds
- ¼ cup (40g) hemp seeds
- 1 tbsp. wheatgrass juice powder
- ½ tsp. ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp. coconut oil
- 3 serves (15g) maca powder
- 3/4 tsp. of Organic stevia extract
- 2 tbsp. (15g) cacao powder
- 3 tbsp. water
Directions:
- Grind pecans, flax seeds, and hemp seeds until roughly chopped
- Combine all remaining in a mixing bowl and mix well. Add water bit by bit to get your dough-like consistency
- Make 12 balls with your mixture
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, before enjoying!
Healthy Peanut Butter Blondie Protein Balls
(SF, GF, Vegan)
Makes 24
Calories per ball: 119/ Protein: 6.3g/ Carbs: 7.3g (2.2g fiber)/ Fat: 7.7g
Ingredients:
- 1 (15 oz) can of organic chickpeas (garbanzo beans), rinsed and drained well
- 1 cup organic 100% peanut butter
- 1 cup rice protein powder
- 3/4 tsp. of Organic stevia extract
- 1 cup pure water
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp. sea salt
- 1/2 cup of chocolate chips (I used 90% chocolate and broke them into pieces)
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients in a food processor (except for chocolate chips) and process until smooth.
- Remove mixture from a mixing bowl and add chocolate chips to your mixture
- Gentle roll mixture into 24 balls
- Freeze balls until you’re ready to eat!
Recipe Substitute Ideas:
- The vanilla rice protein powder that I use can be swapped for rolled oats, LSA, ground almonds, whey protein powder, or any vegan protein powders you like
- If you’re not a fan of stevia you can use rice malt syrup, coconut nectar, or honey instead. I suggest using less than what I have used for stevia. My favorite and recommended organic stevia is Now Foods.
- Almond butter can be subbed for peanut butter or sun butter in any of the recipes
- Almond meal/flour can be replaced with sunflower or hazelnut meal. It can also be replaced with coconut flour, rolled oats, or even buckwheat flour.
- Cacao powder can be swapped for unsweetened cocoa powder. I recommend avoiding “dutch cocoa powder” because it has been stripped of all its antioxidant properties.
- Chia seeds can be swapped with Flaxseeds
- If ever you don’t like something I’ve used just skip it out entirely
P.S These protein ball recipes are a great snack for weight loss when you make them yourself at home, with healthy fats, lean vegan protein powders, and omit all sugars. I highly recommend any of the above recipes if you’re wanting to eat healthier.
To purchase all the ingredients you need for the protein balls, save yourself a trip to the healthy food store and avoid overpaying for things you can get on Iherb here.
What’s the best protein ball recipe you’ve made?