By Marnie Kunz,
NASM-certified trainer, USATF- RRCA-certified run coach

Protein balls are an easy, no-bake treat that you can put together in just a few minutes. These tasty and healthy, high-protein snacks are great for when you’re on the go between workouts and meals. If you often find yourself hangry between meals or grabbing processed foods for convenience, these protein balls are the perfect solution - they’re easy to make, nutritious, and can be customized to your tastes. High-protein foods help you feel more full while also giving your body essential nutrients to recover from workouts and build lean muscle tissue. This article offers a quick and easy protein ball recipe with tips for customizing and storing them.

Benefits of Protein Balls

If you want to eat less processed foods, protein balls are a great option. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up some tasty high-protein snacks and personalize them to suit your tastes. Processed foods can cause so many health problems, from high blood pressure to obesity, and making your own snacks is much better for your health.

Here are some of the benefits from the ingredients in this protein ball recipe:

Nut butter gives you a protein boost and healthy fats. Protein is the building block of muscle tissue, helping to promote muscle recovery and building lean muscle mass.
Oats are considered a super food as they have so many nutrients. Oats are high in fiber, complex carbs, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and are an anti-inflammatory food. They’re a great source of lasting energy for running and other endurance workouts.
Honey is a natural sweetener that offers carbs for energy as well as an immune system boost.
Protein powder gives the protein balls even more protein, which helps you feel more satiated so you’ll be less likely to reach for processed snacks.

Quick and Easy Protein Balls Recipe

This no-bake protein balls recipe is easy to make, taking only about 5 minutes. You can customize the recipe to add or substitute your favorite ingredients to make delicious energy bites.

Ingredients

1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup nut butter of your choice (can be peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, etc).
¼ cup of honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup of protein powder
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Optional Add-Ons:

2 Tablespoons of chia seeds
2 Tablespoons of flax seeds
2 Tablespoons of chocolate chips
Coconut flakes
Cocoa powder
Chopped nuts
Dried fruit like cranberries or raisins
Figs

Instructions

Combine ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, stir all the ingredients: rolled oats, protein powder, nut butter, honey/maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Add any extras you want such as chia seeds or chocolate chips.
Mix well. Use a spoon or your hands to thoroughly mix the ingredients until well combined. The mixture should be slightly sticky and feel similar to cookie dough.
Form balls. Take about 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball between your palms. You can also use a cookie scoop.
Add toppings (optional). If desired, roll the protein balls in cocoa powder, shredded coconut, or chopped nuts for added taste and texture.
Chill. Place the finished protein balls in an airtight container and let them stand in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Tips for Customization

You can customize your protein energy balls to include your favorite ingredients. Whether you want to add more nutrients or substitute ingredients, the great thing about these protein balls is that you can make them however you want. Here are some options to choose from:

Flavor Variations - You can use vanilla protein powder or chocolate protein powder and your choice of protein powder formulas, such as whey protein powder or vegan protein powder. You can also choose your nut butter and use peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, or mixed nut butter.
Toppings - Add an extra zing to your protein balls with toppings like chopped walnuts, pecans, cinnamon, coconut flakes, or cocoa powder. Simply roll the energy bars in your toppings of choice for a delectable flavor bonus.
Ingredient Substitutions - You can make gluten-free or vegan protein balls with some simple swaps. Try vegan protein powder or gluten-free oats to meet your dietary requirements.
Superfoods - Add chia seeds, flax seeds, hemp seeds, or other superfoods for a big boost of nutrients.

Storage and Shelf Life

The best way to store your protein balls is in airtight containers in the fridge or freezer. They can last up to four weeks in the fridge and up to six months in the freezer.

The best way to freeze protein balls is to flash-freeze them first. This prevents them from sticking together and helps them maintain their shape. To flash freeze, arrange the protein balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place them in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or until they are solid. Once the protein balls are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. This will prevent freezer burn and keep them fresh for longer.

Health, High-Protein Snacks

I hope you enjoy these healthy, high-protein snacks. You can try different toppings and ingredient flavors until you find your favorite protein ball variation. High-protein snacks like these will help you stay energized and prevent between-meal hangry times. Making your own high-protein snacks will improve your workout recovery, lean muscle building, and reduce your chances of snacking on unhealthy, overly processed foods.

Follow and tag @RunstreetMedia on Pinterest and @Runstreet on Instagram to share your protein balls and fitness journey and get cheered on. If you need a training plan to help you slay your fitness goals, visit our Training Center.

Happy eating - and sweating - to you!

Marnie Kunz is a NASM-certified personal trainer and USATF- and RRCA-certified running coach based in Brooklyn, NY. Marnie likes helping people get and stay active to enjoy a better quality of life. When she’s not doing fitness things, Marnie enjoys exploring with her dog, a mischievous rescue Akita.

Easy, Healthy Protein Balls Recipe