27 Protein Ball Recipes To Boost Your Energy!
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What on Earth are protein balls and what earthly use do we have for them?
Valid question, this, right? What are protein balls, really? Why do we need them?
Well, as vegetarians, the struggle to hit our daily protein targets is real. Let’s face it, we understand the rules of the game, accept that we need to hit decent protein targets to maintain peak fitness levels.
Bla, bla, bla,yadda, yadda, WE GET IT!
But! But…., it ain’t always easy, is it?
There are only so many tofu steaks this, and cottage cheese that and the other that you can eat before you get bored of the prep and the washing up. Plus, what about snack time?
What about a quick pick-me-up when your energy levels are flagging? You don’t want any complicated dishes then, you just need a quick mouthful to munch and carry on.
Why the need for a protein ball recipe?
Snack time is my personal Achilles heel. I can chug along perfectly through the day but the dreaded mid-afternoon slump causes me to go a bit naughty and reach for the old biscuit tin.
I am sure I am not alone in this. (Right? Where is my tribe?) We all have those odd moments during the day when we want a little pick-me-up.
This is where this collection of homemade protein balls recipes comes in.
What could be better than a list of energy bite recipes that can be whipped up without too much fuss? Just a handful of dry ingredients, a large bowl, your favorite protein powder, and your favorite flavors, and hey presto!
Power balls at the ready!
One morsel, one bite of yummy, protein-y goodness. Easy on-the-go nutrition. Readymade energy boost. Brilliant for snacking, great as appetizers, you know what I’m saying?
Nutrition criteria
So how do we go about choosing the right recipes for our collection?
All the recipes in this collection have been curated with their protein and fat content in mind. None have more than 20 grams of total fats per serving and they all come under the 250 kcal max to qualify as a ‘snack’.
Oh protein, my protein!
And they all contain some protein. Now, here is where you get to don your cheffy hats.
Even though these recipes contain protein, you can always up the numbers by adding a scoop or two of your favorite plant-based protein powder into the mix.
That’s the beauty of homemade protein balls!
Makes a bit of a change from glugging your post-workout smoothie, doesn’t it?
So there you have it, my fun (100%!) collection of protein ball recipes, guaranteed to add some zip to your snack time!
Let’s check out our protein ball collection, shall we?
I bet there are a few that would make you sit up and take notice!
No-bake balls
Protein: 14g
Calories: 205 kcals
Ready in: 20 minutes
Recipe by: TheHonourSystem
Bonus: a healthy snack that also doubles up as a tasty treat
Cookie Dough Protein Balls = perfection. These healthy no-bake cookie dough energy bites are ready in under 15 minutes and loaded with protein! My fave healthy protein ball recipe.
Protein: 3g
Calories: 98 kcals
Ready in: 2 hour 5 minutes
Recipe by: TheOregonDietitian
Bonus: healthy, gluten-free, and so incredibly easy to make
These matcha-flavored easy protein balls with coconut are no-bake and healthy too! They’re perfect for a quick energy boost to keep you going!
Ready in: 5 minutes
Recipe by: AvocadoSkillet
Bonus: easy vegan, gluten-free snack
Everyone has those days where you want something sweet but you do not want to bake. That is where edible cookie dough comes in hand.
These Vegan Chickpea Protein Cookie Dough Bliss Balls are perfect when you want cookie dough but don’t want to bake.
Protein: 3.1g
Calories: 113 kcals
Ready in: 40 minutes
Recipe by: aSimplePalate
Bonus: great for when the 3PM slump hits
Snack healthy with these grab-n-go oatmeal protein balls. They are a high-protein snack and consist of only 6 natural ingredients! No baking, so easy to make, and are gluten-free & vegan friendly.
Protein: 3g
Calories: 95 kcals
Ready in: 10 minutes
Recipe by: GatheringDreams
Bonus: perfect healthy snack to give you a kick of energy in the middle of the day
These soft, fudgy 5-ingredient no-bake peanut butter balls are ready in record time! And they only contain healthy, easy-to-find ingredients. Plus, they are gluten-free, vegan, and packed with plant-based protein.
Protein: 3g
Calories: 130 kcals
Ready in: 10 minutes
Recipe by: ProfusionCurry
Bonus: vegan, gluten-free, Paleo, and Whole-30 compliant
A quick and easy 10-minute recipe for homemade date nut balls made with just 4 ingredients! These no-bake energy balls are sweet, sticky, chewy, and superbly rich and satisfying.
Ready in: 10 minutes
Recipe by: TheHealthyMaven
Bonus: simple recipe, pantry ingredients
This simple and healthy no-bake oatmeal protein energy balls recipe is perfect for easy snacking on-the-go! With rolled oats, protein powder, peanut butter, and a touch of honey, these energy balls will keep you satisfied for hours!
Protein: 2g
Calories: 112 kcals
Ready in: 20 minutes
Recipe by: iFoodReal
Bonus: make these with just 6 all natural pantry ingredients!
No Bake Coconut Protein Balls contain just 6 ingredients with no added sugar and take just 20 minutes to make. Loaded with delicious flavors, this protein balls recipe is perfect for a healthy breakfast or snack!
Protein: 2g
Calories: 77.5 kcals
Ready in: 10 minutes
Recipe by: VeganHeaven
Bonus: healthy and delicious vegan treats
They’re vegan, super healthy, sweet, cinnamony, and packed with nutrients. And most of all they’re free of sugar and artificial sweeteners.
Protein: 3.5g
Calories: 139 kcals
Ready in: 40 minutes
Recipe by: JilliansHealthFulEats
Bonus: the perfect healthy snack to combat a mid-afternoon energy slump
Need an afternoon pick-me-up? Don’t reach for that coffee, roll with these No Bake Energy Balls instead 😉 Full of nutrients, high in protein, good carbs, healthy fats, and fiber.
Protein: 4g
Calories: 72 kcals
Ready in: 10 minutes
Recipe by: TheCleanEatingCouple
Bonus: super quick to make, have only 6 ingredients, and tastes like a peanut butter cup!
This No Bake Protein Balls Recipe is so easy to make! A healthy snack that is loaded with protein and tastes like cookie dough! If you love easy snacks – you’ll love these healthy no bake protein bites!
One bowl balls
Protein: 8.25g
Calories: 196 kcals
Ready in: 5 minutes
Recipe by: AvocadoSkillet
Bonus: easy, quick, delicious and tastes AMAZING!
Made in one bowl from simple ingredients, these protein bliss balls are easy stand-ins for breakfast. Instead of skipping breakfast next time you are in a hurry, or eating some processed tat, why not give these bad boys a go?
Protein: 10.8g
Calories: 443 kcals
Ready in: 15 minutes
Recipe by: SimplyScrumptiousEats
Bonus: dump in one bowl, mix together, and roll!
Peanut Butter Energy Balls are a no-bake treat that need just one large mixing bowl and a few minutes. A go-to quick breakfast or snack packed with good-for-you ingredients!
Vegan balls
Protein: 10g
Calories: 189 kcals
Ready in: 30 minutes
Recipe by: iFoodReal
Bonus: these kid-approved balls taste great, are packed with nutrition, and come in handy portion-controlled bites!
Enjoy these 6 ingredient Peanut Butter Protein Balls as part of your nutrient-dense, high-protein healthy snacks also perfect for breakfast, lunch boxes, or pre-or post-workout. Plus, enjoy a vegan or whey-based version inside!
Protein: 4g
Calories: 73 kcals
Ready in: 30 minutes
Recipe by: iFoodReal
Bonus: bite-size, energizing
Almond Joy Protein Balls are naturally sweetened and combine delicious flavors of coconut, almond, and chocolate in one bite-sized snack. Energy bites are perfect on the go or pop them in your mouth when the candy bar cravings hit!
Made with vegan protein powder, but could also be made with whey protein powder.
Protein: 5.4g
Calories: 82 kcals
Ready in: 15 minutes
Recipe by: GreenEvi
Bonus: did someone call out for savory protein balls?
These tiny and spicy bean balls are the perfect pick-me-up snack when you crave something simple, savory, but healthy. They are filling, cheesy, soft in texture, and very very very delicious!
Calories: 56 kcals
Ready in: 12 minutes
Recipe by: HealingTomato
Bonus: gives you an energy boost to get some work done!
Vegan No Bake Energy Bites Recipe with tahini, za’atar, and dates are easy to make. These protein energy balls with dates and nuts are healthy snacks that I can take anywhere!
Recipe by: FoodPleasureAndHealth
Bonus: vegan, gluten-free
3 Ingredient Protein Bites are simply made with almond meal/flour, protein powder, and peanut butter all of which are nutritious.
Make sure you use a good quality protein powder and the right type of peanut butter for max health benefits!
Protein: 2g
Calories: 61 kcals
Ready in: 1 hour 15 minutes
Recipe by: FlavoursTreat
Bonus: no-bake vegan protein balls
Protein-rich chocolate peanut butter energy balls are healthy, yet indulgent treats made with just 5 ingredients and are ready in 10 minutes. These chocolate oats peanut balls are quick and easy to make with kids.
Recipe by: StrengthAndSunshine
Bonus: gluten-free, nut-free, and vegan
The refreshing taste of mint paired with decadent chocolate is a match made in flavor heaven.
These Mint Chocolate Sunflower Bites provide a hefty dose of flavor along with whole-grain oats and sunflower seeds, making them the perfect energy snack!
Recipe by: TheBalancedBlonde
Bonus: these babies will last for a week and a bit in the fridge (if they haven’t ended in your tummy already!)
These dough balls are gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar-free, vegan, low glycemic, and chock full of nutrient-dense and protein-rich superfoods. These dough balls are great pre-workout and post-workout energy boosts.
Bite-sized desserts
Protein: 3.46g
Calories: 121.7 kcals
Ready in: 20 minutes
Recipe by: LivingSmartAndHealthy
Bonus: melt-in-mouth, delightful morsels of goodness
Til Ke laddu is a delicate and rich sweet made with mild, and nutty sesame seeds, and caramelized, sweet jaggery. Learn how to make delicious til laddu with this easy recipe.
Protein: 4g
Calories: 102 kcals
Ready in: 20 minutes
Recipe by: NourishEveryday
Bonus: gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan-friendly.
Simple and delicious Lemon, Cashew, and Coconut Energy Balls make the perfect healthy snack! A blend of medjool dates, cashews, chia seeds, and lemon zest for that beautiful aroma and flavor.
Protein: 1.7g
Calories: 97 kcals
Ready in: 15 minutes
Recipe by: GimmeSomeOven
Bonus: these healthy bites will provide some extra delicious energy to make it through the day
These quick and easy little balls are packed with great flavor and nutrition. Kick up your energy with these simple and healthy no-bake Cranberry Pistachio Energy Bites!
Protein: 4g
Calories: 176 kcals
Ready in: 10 minutes
Recipe by: TheSaltyMarshmallow
Bonus: all-natural ingredients, zero processed tat!
These snickerdoodle energy bites are full of flavor, and while they taste like a treat, they are made with real ingredients.
They are great to take with you on the go when you need a quick snack and they are also great to send to school as a snack or a lunchtime treat for your kids.
Protein: 2.73g
Calories: 93.45 kcals
Ready in: 15 minutes
Recipe by: AcedarSpoon
Bonus: gives you both protein and energy and will help you feel satisfied
Naturally sweetened, super easy to make, and freezer friendly, these Easy Date Protein Balls are the perfect snack. Packed with protein and energy, these keep your blood sugar level.
These are great for adults and kids, easy to make and you can also freeze them for later. Dates, almonds, and coconut are rolled together to the perfect bite-sized treat!
Protein: 3g
Calories: 113 kcals
Ready in: 15 minutes
Recipe by: HappyKitchen
Bonus: the king of treats that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth
Naturally sweet, and loaded with energy, these vegan chocolate peanut butter energy balls are delicious, healthy, and perfect for an after-school snack, or whenever you’re needing a bit of a “pick-me-up” to your day.
They are the perfect grab-and-go treat for any busy family.
Ask me anything
Are protein balls good for you?
Yes. As a part of a healthy diet, wherein you eat your veggies and are keeping an eye on your macros, definitely. And being mindful of the serving sizes, of course! These balls are insanely addictive, so be warned!
But healthy snacking or no, it is easy to overeat dry fruits and nuts so exercise caution and good judgment.
What does a protein ball do?
It provides a quick jolt of energy when you feel your energy levels flagging. It helps you get closer to your protein targets if you are tracking your macros carefully.
Protein balls make for delicious protein-packed snack options and are a great way to stop you from resorting to oily or processed foods that may wreck your nutrition goals.
And, as a recent cartoon in a newspaper said, they add some joy to your life!
When should you eat a protein ball?
Whenever you feel like it! Protein balls are an excellent post-workout snack and supply your body with much-needed protein after a sweaty sesh.
They can be packed and carried around easily and make a welcome difference to your regular post-workout drink.
Or when you feel that 3 PM slump coming up and you don’t want to hit the vending machine for a packet of crisps, you can go for a protein ball instead. They make excellent snacks!
Or when you get a sweet craving and do not want to dive face-first into a bowl of pudding.
How long can you store a protein ball?
This varies from recipe to recipe, but usually, depending on the season and the kind of ingredients, no more than 3 days.
They start losing their freshness after that so best not to make too big a batch and scarf one too many!
Don’t forget to store them in an airtight container!
And that’s it! A fun and frankly, effortless bunch of protein ball recipes.
Have them for dessert, as your tea-time snack, to keep you going when you have skipped a meal and you are in need of something to add some vim and vigor to your day…. These balls will do it all!
Give them a go and come back and tell me all about them!
