Protein Balls With Chia Seeds

Rushing out the door while trying to hit your protein goals is real life over here, which is exactly why I always keep peanut butter protein balls stocked in my fridge (right alongside my 4-ingredient protein bars and high-protein pumpkin pudding for emergencies 😉).

These chia seed protein balls work as a grab-and-go snack or an easy post-workout bite when you need something filling fast. They hold together well, freeze beautifully, and make it way easier to stay consistent, especially if you’re learning about the benefits of a high protein diet and trying to sneak more protein into busy days (though my Protein Playbook can help there).

Ingredients and Substitutions

These high-protein balls are made with just seven ingredients. Most of which you probably already have! And if that's the case, make this funky monkey smoothie, too.

• A high-quality chocolate protein powder: Originally, these healthy protein balls with chia seeds used a vegan protein powder. However, I have now also made them with a beef protein powder. So, you have options here.
• Natural Peanut Butter: Flavored in a classic chocolate peanut butter, make sure to use natural peanut butter as it will blend better. We use no oil peanut butter the most, but an almond butter would work too.
• Chia seeds: Used to give a bit of crunch and an extra dose of healthy fats, these seeds are a nutrient powerhouse. Learn more about tasty ways to use chia seeds and whip up high protein banana chia pudding asap.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Flavor Variations & Add Ins

Nut-free: If you need to make the peanut butter protein balls with protein powder nut-free, replace the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.

More chocolate: Add some dairy-free, mini chocolate chips to the protein balls to give them a bit more of a chocolate flavor. You could also roll the balls in dark chocolate chips if that's your jam.

Vanilla almond: Use a vanilla protein powder and add ¼ teaspoon almond extract along with almond butter in place of peanut butter for a delicious twist. These taste delicious rolled in sprinkles FYI, kind of like birthday cake protein balls.

How To Make Chocolate Protein Balls With Chia Seeds

Step 1: Add all ingredients except chia seeds and coconut into a bowl and mix well.

Step 2: Grease your hands and roll the mixture into four balls.

Step 4: Press/roll the balls into the chia seed coconut combo. Place in the fridge to set and enjoy at room temperature.

Which Protein Powder Is Best?

The kind of protein you choose will make a difference to both the texture and the taste of the peanut butter protein balls. As written, the balls are made with a beef protein (learn what is beef protein isolate), which leaves them with a very sweet, fudgy taste and texture.

• If using a pea-based protein powder like Botania, know that you'll want to add 1 tablespoon of honey to the mixture.
• If you’re using a protein powder that is fermented (like Genuine Health powder), you’ll want to add an additional 2.5 tbs of hemp milk to the mixture, as fermented powders absorb liquid like crazy.
• If using a beef protein like Equip (my personal favorite), you don't need honey or as much milk, and the balls will have a fudgier texture.

How To Store Them

The chia protein balls can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for 5-7 days, but taste best eaten at room temperature (just like these low calorie protein balls)

If made with vegan protein powder, keeping them in the fridge causes the mixture to become denser and firmer.

You can store the balls in the freezer as well, in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Bring the balls back to room temperature before you enjoy them.

Protein Balls With Chia Seeds FAQs

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If you tried this Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls Recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes!