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Get your protein fix the delicious way in these instant protein balls! Easily customizable and with tons of flavor options, I love how they need just 4 base ingredients.
Keen for more high protein snacks? Check out homemade protein bars, cookie dough protein bars, and protein chips.
I’m the person who ALWAYS needs a snack between meals to keep hunger at bay. To ensure I remain satisfied and energized, I need some protein, and this is where protein balls come into play!
What are protein balls?
Protein balls are energy bites or bliss balls that have added protein in them, thanks to protein powder. They are typically made with peanut butter and oatmeal and can be flavored in a variety of ways.
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
- 4 Ingredients only. Unlike other energy ball recipes, this one only needs four ingredients. Bonus? No butter, no eggs, no oil!
- Ready in 5 minutes. From prep to plate, this entire recipe takes just five minutes.
- It’s easily customizable. Add mini chocolate chips and candy, dip them in chocolate, and fold in some nuts; the possibilities for adding to the mixture are endless.
- Vegan and gluten-free! Yep, these tick both these dietary boxes!
- Perfect texture. They are chewy yet doughy, similar to raw cookie dough. Taste-wise, they’re like unbaked oatmeal cookies with a protein twist!
★★★★★ REVIEW
“I made a big batch of these and brought them to work where I store them in a freezer and have one whenever I need a snack boost. So yummy!” – Linda
Ingredients needed
- Rolled oats. Gives the energy balls a chewy texture. This is a fabulous slow-releasing energy carb.
- Protein powder. The key ingredient giving this recipe the added boost! I prefer using casein or brown rice protein powder (or other plant-based protein powders), but some whey protein powder can work.
- Peanut butter. Hold the balls together and provide a rich flavor. See below for easy substitutions and nut-free options!
- Maple syrup. Adds sweetness and helps hold the balls together.
- Mix-ins. I’ve included tons below, but a few more: chia seeds, coconut, ground flax seed, and more.
How to make protein balls
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1- Combine ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, mix the dry ingredients together. Add the wet ingredients and stir until combined. Fold through your flavor mix-ins of choice.
Step 2- Roll them into balls. Next, using your hands (or a mini cookie scoop), roll out balls, place them on a parchment paper lined plate, and refrigerate them for five minutes, to firm up.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Swap out the peanut butter. Easily replace the peanut butter with either almond butter (or any nut butter), sunflower seed butter, or tahini.
- Lower the calories. Use low calorie peanut butter and swap out the maple syrup for sugar free maple syrup or sugar free honey.
- Ensure they are gluten-free. This is just a reminder to use certified gluten-free oats and/or quinoa flakes.
- Lower the carbs. Instead of switching around this recipe, try making keto energy balls instead.
- Protein balls without protein powder? Try making peanut butter oatmeal balls instead.
Flavor variations
For the flavor variations, make the basic base recipe first. Then, fold through the extra ingredients to change up the flavors.
Monster cookie protein balls
- Protein ball base
- 1/2 cup mini M&M’s or vegan candy buttons
White chocolate cranberry balls
- Protein ball base
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup unsweetened dried cranberries
Chocolate peanut butter balls
- Protein ball base
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
Oatmeal raisin balls
- Protein ball base
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup raisins
Chocolate chip balls
- Protein ball base
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Storage instructions
To store: Place no bake balls in an airtight container and keep them the fridge. They will keep fresh for up to 4 weeks.
To freeze: If you make a big batch of these balls, they can be placed in a ziplock bag and stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Protein or energy balls are a great snack to enjoy between meals, as they contain ample amounts of protein, healthy fats, and fiber. One or two balls will keep you satisfied and energised between your main meals.
These balls contain a good amount of protein and carbohydrates, making them a fantastic option after a workout. Studies show that eating something with a balance of carbs and protein 30 minutes after a workout improves recovery time and also aids muscle growth (source).
These protein energy balls have less than 100 calories each. Enjoy two or three for a well-balanced and satisfying snack.
More no bake high protein recipes to try
- Protein pudding
- Chocolate protein bars
- Keto protein bars
- Peanut butter protein balls
- Protein chia pudding
- Or any of these protein powder recipes
4-Ingredient Protein Balls
Video
Ingredients
- 3 cups rolled oats gluten free, if needed
- 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
- 1 cup peanut butter * See notes
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, mix your oats with protein powder until combined. Add your peanut butter and syrup and mix well. Fold through your mix ins of choice.
- Lightly wet your hands (or spray them with cooking spray). Form 20-24 small balls of dough. Place on a plate and refrigerate until firm.
Notes
Nutrition
Originally published July 2022, updated and republished May 2024
Fantastic. I make in bulk and freeze. I share and everyone loves them. Bravo
Thanks, J!
Wow, Arman!
I made these, put them in the fridge and forgot about them for a couple of days. Just tried them, and they are truly delicious. I’ve labeled them keeper, printed thee recipe out, and filed them in my family cookbook. Thank!!!
This has become my go to for
A quick lunch on the run!!! I don’t use the chocolate chips and it is still great
I used chocolate protein powder in protein balls (with no add ins). It reminds me of chocolate no bake refrigerator cookies!!! Yum!
Made these balls today and they filled me
So much. Amazing!
Bit dry but I added a bit of milk and they were lovely x
Very easy to make. What do you think, can I put them in freezer after I make many?
i made it but it looks a bit dry. what can i add?
Hi Gray! It sounds like it might be your protein powder. Add a little water or milk 🙂
About the oatmeal do you use quick oats or old fashion?
I prefer old fashioned but quick oats work!
We make these on a fortnightly basis for the kids to snack on and grab quickly between sports/school/work etc. They love them no matter what the combination!
Aw, thanks Meegan!
Making these tomorrow