These are the easiest No Bake Protein Balls. These energy bites make great meal prep snacks and are freezer-friendly, too!
I love making a big batch of these protein balls to keep on hand as snacks for on-the-go or after workouts. They're made with whole food ingredients so I feel better eating these than store-bought protein bars.
Why you'll love these protein balls
- Healthy snack: They're a high-protein snack that will help curb any mid-day cravings.
- Easy to make: No baking required! You can even freeze them for later.
- Customizable: Use your favourite mix-ins like chocolate chips or raisins.
Ingredients and substitutions
- Rolled oats – quick oats or large flake oats would work too.
- Vanilla whey protein – unflavoured whey protein would also work.
- Honey – stevia, maple syrup or agave are all good sweeteners.
- Coconut oil – or another neutral cooking oil like avocado oil.
- Nut butter – try almond, cashew or peanut butter.
- Add-ins – like shredded coconut, mini chocolate chips or raisins.
How to make protein balls
Step 1: Combine the dry ingredients.
Mix the oats and protein powder together.
Step 2: Add the wet ingredients.
Microwave the honey, oil and nut butter, then fold into the dry mixture.
Step 3: Add any mix-ins.
Add your shredded coconut, raisins, chocolate chips, etc.
Step 4: Roll into balls.
Roll the mixture into balls, then chill in the fridge for at least 30 mins.
Recipe tips & tricks
Here are some of my top tips and tricks for making the best protein balls:
- Use a cookie scoop: It will help keep the size of the protein balls consistent.
- Dampen your hands: It'll prevent the dough from sticking to your hand.
- Add spices: Try adding pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon for a different flavour.
- Turn into bars: Flatten the mixture into a parchment-lined pan, chill, then slice into bars.
Frequently asked questions
How many protein balls can I eat in a day?
Just like everything, you should eat these protein balls in moderation. One or two a day is probably best!
Why are they falling apart?
If the protein balls are dry and crumbly, add more wet ingredients like honey or coconut oil.
What's the best protein powder to use?
I like using vanilla or unflavoured whey protein powder – this is the one I use if you're looking for a clean option. Please note, you do need to use whey protein. Plant-based protein doesn't work.
Storage tips
Storing: Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Eat them cold or bring them to room temperature on the counter.
Freezing: Freeze the balls for 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight, then enjoy. This is the best way to make them last the longest.
Meal prep tools
- Grab some glass meal prep bowls to store these protein balls.
- They can also be frozen in reusable freezer bags for up to 3 months.
- Here is the protein powder I use if you're looking for a clean one.
Easy No Bake Protein Balls {5 Flavors}
Ingredients
Macaroon protein balls
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 1/3 cup vanilla whey protein powder
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
Cookie dough protein balls
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 1/3 cup vanilla whey protein powder
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup cashew or almond butter (cashew gives a more neutral flavour)
- 1/3 cup chocolate chips
Peanut butter protein balls
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 1/3 cup vanilla whey protein powder
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
Brownie protein balls
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 1/3 cup vanilla whey protein powder
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
Oatmeal raisin protein balls
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 1/3 cup vanilla whey protein powder
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 1/2 cup raisins
Instructions
- Choose the protein balls you're going to make. Mix the oats and protein powder together in one large bowl, then mix together honey, coconut oil and nut butter of choice in another bowl. Microwave wet ingredients for 30-40 seconds, then fold into dry ingredients.
- Mix in your add-ins according to which protein ball recipe you choose to make. For instance, if you choose to make the macaroon recipe, stir in the shredded coconut.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then place on a baking tray or large baking dish and chill for 30 minutes to 1 hour in the fridge. Store in the fridge for up to 14 days, or freeze up to 3 months.
Video
Comments & Reviews
Nadine says
I am planning on making these, but my question is do you use 1 1-3 cup of protein powder or 1 1/3 scoop of protein powder?? A cup seems like a lot. Thanks!
Taylor Stinson says
It is 1 1/3 cup. It must be whey protein though, that’s the only type that will work.
Karin says
Hi,
These tasted great. But while I made them they were very dry and crumbly. I had to add 1/3 cup more coconut oil. Even then it was hard to get to form a ball. I thought that next I might add an egg and then bake it in a pan to make bars.
Taylor Stinson says
Hi Karin – sometimes this can vary depending on the type of protein powder used (all brands are different). Thanks for leaving your feedback/review.