The classic and timeless combination of peanut butter and chocolate comes together in these healthy and tasty No-Bake Protein Balls.
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Protein balls have long been the snack of choice for people who work out or those who are simply leading busy, active lives. These chocolatey protein balls are easy and inexpensive to make, and because they’re homemade, you know exactly what’s in them. Pre-made protein balls are available in stores and some coffee shops, but I’ve always preferred these simple, limited ingredient balls that allow you to know exactly what you’re putting into your body.
These protein balls are also delicious, using the classic combination of peanut butter and chocolate to make this healthy snack taste like a treat.
Are Protein Balls Healthy?
The healthiest snacks are invariably the ones we make ourselves. These protein balls have just a few ingredients but are loaded with protein, healthy fats, and fiber, and do a great job restoring your energy levels and giving your body the nutrients it needs between meals. The ingredients are simple, natural and easily available.
What is protein powder?
Protein powders typically use proteins that come from plants (soybeans, peas, rice, potatoes, or hemp), and sometimes eggs or milk, in the form of casein or whey protein. All protein powders are not created equal, and I encourage you to do your research or speak to a nutritionist about which one is best for you. Staff at stores that sell protein powders are often knowledgeable. The powders often contain vitamins and minerals, but may also include other ingredients such as added sugars, artificial flavoring, or emulsifiers. Picking the right protein powder for you is especially important if you have food sensitivities or pre-existing medical conditions.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp chocolate protein powder
- 1 tbsp dark chocolate chips
- Pinch of sea salt
INSTRUCTIONS
Combine
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.
Mix
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.
Cool
Store the protein balls in a container in the fridge or serve immediately.
DEVOUR!
Tips and Tricks to Make Perfect Protein Balls
- If you like a crunchy texture, use crunchy peanut butter. You can even roll the finished balls in crushed peanuts.
- Any nut butter will work if you have a peanut allergy or if you plan on eating these in places that are peanut-free, like most schools.
- Try to work quickly with cold ingredients to stop the oils from separating out in your protein balls.
- Oats are naturally gluten-free but some are processed in facilities that also process wheat. If you have a gluten sensitivity be sure to read the label carefully.
FAQs
As discussed above, the right protein powder varies from person to person. There are many kinds available, and it’s worth doing a little research to find the best one for you. In general terms, the more expensive powders use higher quality protein sources, but this isn’t always the case.
Most folks love chocolate, but if you’re not a fan, try replacing the chocolate with dried berries and use a vanilla flavored protein powder. Even if you love chocolate, it’s nice to have variety.
Natural peanut butter has just one ingredient: peanuts, and it’s generally considered the healthier choice. Regular varieties have sugar, salt and emulsifiers added, which will make forming the balls a little easier. If you prefer to use natural peanut butter, make sure to add a pinch of salt and mix it thoroughly to incorporate the oils before you start.
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 Matcha Bites. Feel free to experiment!
Make Ahead and Storage
These protein balls will keep well in the fridge for up to a week. Get in the habit of making them on a quiet Sunday afternoon and you’ll have them available all week. If you choose to freeze them, I recommend making them into “protein pucks” by pressing the mixture into the bottom of a muffin tin. It helps them stay together when you thaw them out.
Protein Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp chocolate protein powder
- 1 tbsp dark chocolate chips
- Pinch of 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
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