These chocolate protein balls are a quick and nutritious snack that satisfies your sweet tooth. A no-bake treat packed with the perfect combination of rich chocolate flavor and a protein punch.
Made with whole foods in mere minutes, these are the perfect after school snack! There is even a nut-free option making this the ultimate allergy friendly recipe.
This post was originally published on August 19, 2018.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of NOW Foods. The opinions and text are all mine.
Like my pumpkin pie protein balls, these chocolate protein balls will keep your kids full and satisfied. They boost 6 grams of protein in each small bite and are made with healthy whole foods. They take only minutes to put together, keeping them mom friendly, and taste like dessert, keeping them kid friendly!
Ingredients
This easy after school snack will be your next go to! You can even put the balls in their lunch to avoid the end of school day hanger that comes with our stubborn (errr, I mean behaviorally strong) little ones. The list of greatness these have is one to boast about for sure!
They're vegan, gluten free, grain free, raw, no bake, whole food based, protein packed, taste like dessert, and can be made without refined sugar or nuts!
In order to make this recipe for chocolate protein balls you need:
- Cocoa powder
- Maple syrup
- Almond butter - or use sunbutter for nut free
- Unflavored pea protein powder
- Vanilla extract
- Sea salt
- Dairy free chocolate chips - omit for even healthier option
I use my one of my favorite protein powders, NOW Sports Organic Pea Protein Powder, which is made of yellow peas.
It is not only low in fat, carbs, calories, etc, but it has over 2700 mg of branched-chain amino acids and over 1300 mg of arginine. And it mixes well in just about anything, so the prefect ingredient for this recipe.
I love that this powder has no added sweeteners (I am not a fan of stevia, which is in basically all of them), so I can add whatever sweetener I prefer. It is also really neutral so any and all flavors go great with it!
How to Make Chocolate Protein Bites
Much like my Grain Free Chocolate Chip Cookies, kids will love them and we are okay with a few extra since they are made with great ingredients.
Making this recipe for protein balls is really as simple as dump, stir, and roll. Or don't roll and just shove into mouth. Anything works! And if you're looking for more meals crazy easy recipes done in under 30 minutes, check out this list!
- Dump ingredients, except the chocolate chips, into a bowl.
- Stir.
- Add chocolate chips and stir.
- Then eat as is or roll into balls!
Preparation and Storage Tips
- This chocolate protein balls recipe makes 10 balls, if you roll them into 2 inch balls.
- To make this nut free use sunbutter, this will change the flavor slightly but will allow it to be completely allergy friendly.
- You can substitute another kind of protein powder, just make sure it is unsweetened and unflavored.
- You may or may not need water. Slowly add it in to get the consistency you prefer. You could also use milk if you want a little extra richness.
- If you do not have, or do not want to use, a protein powder you can sub oat flour. Use the same amount. My friend Brandi from The Vegan 8 tried this and said it worked perfectly and no water was needed.
- Once the balls are formed, keep the chocolate protein balls in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
More Vegan Protein Ball Recipes
If you liked these chocolate protein bites, check out my other flavors! Same easy process, but a twist on the taste:
Chocolate Protein Balls (No Bake)
Ingredients
- 10 tablespoons cocoa powder (I use NOW Foods brand)
- 6 tablespoons maple syrup (I use NOW Foods brand)
- ¼ cup almond butter , use sunbutter for nut free (see note)
- ¼ cup unflavored pea protein powder , see note (I use NOW Sports brand)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 2-4 tablespoons dairy free chocolate chips , omit for even healthier option
- 2-4 tablespoons water , optional (see note)
Instructions
- Put everything except the chocolate chips and water into a bowl and mix well.
- Slowly add water if needed. You may not need any water if your almond butter is runny. If you are rolling these into balls, only add water if you need help mixing the batter well. Start with a teaspoon and slowly add until you get a well mixed batter. If you add too much then the batter will be too soft to roll.
- Add chocolate chips and mix again.
- Eat right away if you are eating as batter.
- Allow to chill in the fridge while you clean up, then roll into balls if you prefer to eat it that way.
Notes
- These make 10 balls about 2 inches in size.
- To make this nut free use sunbutter, this will change the flavor slightly but will allow it to be completely allergy friendly.
- You can sub another kind of protein powder, just make sure it is unsweetened and unflavored.
- If you are making balls or your almond butter is runny you may not need any water, add slowly to get the consistency you prefer. You could also use milk if you want a little extra richness.
- Nutrition facts include 2 tablespoons of chocolate chips.
- If you do not have, or do not want to use, a protein powder you can sub oat flour. Use the same amount. My friend Brandi from The Vegan 8 tried this and said it worked perfectly and no water was needed.
Recipe by Veggies Don’t Bite, visit our site for more great plant-based recipes.
Nutrition
Nutrition and metric information should be considered an estimate.
Heather Anderson
Are these 110 calories per ball?
Sophia DeSantis
Yes, the nutrition facts are per serving and there are 10 balls, meaning 10 servings. However the nutrition facts may change depending on the exact brands of ingredients you use.
Sierra
How long are these good for once made?
Have you tried making them in large quantity and freezing them?
veggiesdontbite
Hi Sierra! I would definitely freeze them if you won't eat them within 3-5 days. The flavor and texture suffers after that. You can definitely freeze though!
Kim
Have you ever rolled these in coconut or chopped nuts?
Sophia DeSantis
I have not rolled these ones specifically but I do have another protein ball recipe that I do that with and it's great!
Karen Haworth
I just got the protein powder in the mail and decided to make these. I left out the chocolate chips. I love nuts in chocolate so I rolled half of them in chopped peanuts. They are really tasty with the nuts and without. I feel like you can't go wrong. I may mix the nuts in next time. Great recipe, so easy and delicious! BTW, I made 1/2 of the recipe and came out with 12 , one inch balls.