Protein Balls
This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.
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.
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!
Keen for more high protein snacks? Check out homemade protein bars, cookie dough protein bars, and protein chips.
★★★★★ 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
I’m on KETO and quit using OATS due to the carb content and wheat ingredient. Is there a substitute for the oats?
Hi Lynne- you could try my keto energy balls recipe instead or replace the oats with almond flour.
A good base recipe. I usually have to add some water to help them come together. I typically add a pinch of salt and I like using Lily’s sugar free chocolate or chocolate salted caramel chips in them.
Awesome and yummy! 😀
These taste great and so easy to make!
Awesome!🙂
Nice and easy to make. I used half Maple and half Honey as I ran out of Maple Syrup. They keep well and taste good.
These were great. It would be helpful to note how many grams each ball is for the nutrition facts. I got 24 balls at 30grams.
Thanks.
Hi Ashley- I haven’t weighed them out in grams, but here are the metric measurements- oats 240 grams, protein 60 grams, peanut butter 250 grams and maple syrup 160 grams.
Mine were still very crumbly to try to roll into a ball. I added so much more syrup🤦🏻♀️ did I do something wrong? I used each ingredient & added mini m&Ms & used chocolate instead of vanilla protein powder. Still tasted amazing buuuuut I’m pretty sure I shouldn’t have that much maple syrup to keep them healthy lol.
Hi Heather- I’ve had a few readers telling me it is hard to roll into balls. It sounds like it could be the protein powder, so I’m adding some notes to the recipe card. You shouldn’t need to add excess maple syrup- water or almond milk should be fine.
It would be good to have a metric option please!
But thank you for the recipe
Hi Leo! Here you go- oats 240 grams, protein 60 grams, peanut butter 250 grams and maple syrup 160 grams.
Just made these and they are so delicious. I’ve needed to supplement extra protein in my diet however, now I might have a problem of eating too many at one time!! Thanks for the recipe!!
Arman, I make these almost every week (a triple batch) and my whole family have snacks for the week ahead). Thank you!
Hi Diana- what a lovely comment. I love that these are a weekly staple in your home- thanks for leaving a comment! 🙂
Do you have some more recipes like this?
Could pb fit (peanut butter powder) replace standard peanut butter?
Hi R.Patrick! I’ve had a handful of readers try it out so I tested it out too. It does work okay, but you will need to add significantly more liquid to the mixture (milk or water). They’ll also need to be stored in the fridge the whole time as they will be fragile 🙂
These are a firm favourite in our household, great recipe thank you
Love to hear that, Cat. Thanks for taking the time to leave a lovely review. I’m so glad everyone at home enjoys it 🙂
First time making these protein energy balls and may have to make them weekly. There are so many ways to be creative with the “extras”, so the flexibility of this recipe is as you desire. Very easy, very tasty, and great replacement for any packaged nonsense you can find on the shelves. Thank you!!
You are so welcome, Sherbear! Thanks for taking the time to leave a lovely review and rating. They really are a blank canvas for anything really- Check out some of the comments for this recipe, there’s been some very fun additions! 🙂
I will make this weekend. And use many different flavours of protein powders!
Can you use light or sugar free maple syrup?
Hi Cathy- you could! You’ll find rhat the mixture will be super crumbly, so either double the amount or have some water or milk on hand to add to it to thicken it up.
These look great! Haven’t made them yet as I’m wondering if I should use natural nut butters, or the kind of stuff you get at the grocery store like Jif or Skippy etc. Thanks!
Hi Diane- that is my preference (ingredients are just peanuts and salt), but jif etc work just as well too.
Fantastic. I make in bulk and freeze. I share and everyone loves them. Bravo
Thanks, J!
Love that’s good guys and I’ll let you know if you need help
Please do, Paul!