The classic and timeless combination of peanut butter and chocolate comes together in these healthy no-bake Protein Balls.
Protein balls have long been the snack of choice for people who work out or those who are simply leading busy, active lives. These chocolaty protein balls are easy and inexpensive to make, and because they’re homemade, you know exactly what’s in them. I love watching them come together from just oats, peanut butter, honey, protein powder, and dark chocolate chips.
Store-bought versions of protein balls can often hide extra sugar or artificial ingredients. Making them yourself means you control every component, and they taste fresher, too. These protein bites are chewy, chocolaty, slightly sweet, and salty in the best way. In fact, they even feel like a treat.
I grab one on my way out the door before morning workouts, toss them in my purse for midday energy, or share them with girlfriends who appreciate a good snack that stays put. They’re thoughtful, delicious bites you’ll actually reach for.
Customize to your liking
Peanut butter and chocolate is a classic combination, but the base of this recipe is also super adaptable. For example, you could swap peanut butter for almond butter or cashew butter. Or, you could use vanilla protein powder or add a teaspoon of cinnamon or matcha to change up the flavor. Need a nut-free option? Try sunflower seed butter and your favorite protein powder.
This recipe is a great foundation as is, but it’s also really a canvas for your tastes and needs. So feel free to customize as you like!
How do I store leftovers?
Once you roll the protein balls, pop them into an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll be good to go for up to 1 week. They also freeze well; just flash-freeze them on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer them into a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight, or grab one straight from the freezer for a chilled, protein-packed bite.
Serving suggestions
These protein balls are a great post-workout snack, but they’re not limited to athletes. Busy people often get hungry on the go between meals, and these protein balls are the perfect snack to tide you over and stave off the “hanger” between meals. I love to give them to the kids after a day at school. But this recipe isn’t the only one for you to choose! Here on FFF, I’ve got lots of varieties, like these Healthy Peanut Butter Balls, these Chai Energy Balls, or these Vegan No-Bake Energy Protein Balls With Matcha. Feel free to experiment!
Ingredients
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon chocolate protein powder
- 1 tablespoon dark chocolate chips
- pinch sea salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the oats, peanut butter, honey, protein powder, and chocolate chips. Season with a pinch of sea salt and stir to combine.
- Knead the mixture with your hands until it comes together and forms a dough. Use a small cookie scoop to form the dough into balls.
- Store the protein balls in a container in the fridge or serve immediately. Enjoy!
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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