Light, energizing, and simple to make. These macadamia nut protein balls are naturally gluten-free and made without peanut butter! Made with vegan protein powder these no-bake protein balls are topped in crunchy almonds for maximum flavor.
These no-bake, vegan protein balls are beyond simple to whip up! Being free from rolled oats makes the balls flourless and super fluffy.
Originally made to resemble “coconut bounce protein balls”, they’re a vegan version of a tasty, store-bought, snack (just like these coconut almond bounce balls!).
Amp up your protein intake while still enjoying a bite-sized treat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
As a Certified Nutrition Coach. I love that these vegan protein balls use minimal ingredients to keep them easy to make. Though many protein balls are bound by peanut butter and sweetened with maple syrup, these ones drive away from that!
Protein Powder: you do need a vegan protein for this protein balls recipe and the one you choose will affect the flavor and texture of the balls (see lower in the blog post).
Macadamia Nuts: amping up the healthy fats (without peanut butter!). Macadamia nuts are ground in a food processor and used as the base for the balls.
Cacao Powder: though cocoa powder can be used instead, cacao powder offers a host of benefits making these protein balls much more nutrient-dense.
Brown Rice Syrup: in place of maple syrup or honey, brown rice syrup is used to help bind the balls without giving too much of a sugar hit.
How To Make The Macadamia Nut Protein Balls
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- In a small food processor, chop the macadamia nuts into small pieces
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- In a large bowl, combine the protein powder, cacao, arrowroot powder and sea salt.
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- Pour in the brown rice syrup and almond milk and mix until it’s a giant sticky ball.
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- Using your hands, portion the mixture into balls. Roll each ball in the almonds (or coconut flakes!) until coated and set on a piece of parchment paper when done.
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- Freeze to set.
Choosing A Protein Powder
These peanut butter-free protein balls use a vegan protein powder as their base. If you’re used to whey protein powder, there are a few differences when making the swap to vegan:
- you cannot interchange vegan and whey protein powder
- Whey protein powder is normally sweeter and it blends/breaks down better
- Vegan protein powder absorbs and some brands are “chalky”.
For this recipe, I used Genuine Health Vanilla Protein Powder.
It has 20grams of protein per serving, is organic and Non-Gmo, and best of all: fermented! This means that the risk of bloat is far less.
They have also been made with vega protein powder.
Know that the type of protein powder you choose will affect both the flavor and the texture of the balls.
Is Protein Powder Safe For Kids?
This is a personal preference. I personally believe that protein balls are a great snack for kids! However, it’s the parents’ call.
Specifically, some people don’t think kids should have protein powder. In contrast, I think that as long as you have a quality protein powder and trust it’s the source, it’s okay.
In fact, this website says it’ best when they mention “I hardly think that protein powder is the biggest threat to our kids”.
When checking out the new protein powder, especially if my kiddos are going to be using it, I like to look for a few of these points:
- no random flavored added
- low in sugar
- no carrageenan
- no processed oils
Substitutions
Macadamia nuts will give these gluten-free protein balls a more indulgent flavor. Regardless, there's not the only nut that can be used.
In particular, both almonds and cashews can be used in place of macadamia nuts though it will alter the flavor slightly.
Lastly, though the vegan protein balls are rolled in chopped almonds, anything crunchy works! A few of our favorites are:
- coconut flakes
- sunflower seeds
- crushed peanuts
Are They Sweet?
This depends greatly on the protein powder you use! Remember, the sweeter the protein powder, the sweeter the no-bake chocolate protein balls.
These no-bake balls are not overly sweet. They’re light and tasty but not dessert-like.
Keep in mind that cacao powder is naturally slightly bitter.
Thus, if you want sweeter balls I’d suggest using cocoa powder as it’s more processed but also sweeter (check out the mega benefits of cacao powder).
Furthermore, you can also add a few drops of stevia into the mixture before rolling the balls which would also add a bit of sweetness.
Freezing The Vegan Protein Balls?
The chocolate protein balls without peanut butter do freeze well but they require time to thaw before consuming them.
Store the balls in the fridge in an airtight container. They last 1-2 weeks.
The balls taste best when they are at room temperature. Straight from the fridge, they will “harden”.
Furthermore, if using them for school lunches, store them in the freezer! Then, place them in the lunchpail frozen and they’ll be thawed and perfect by the time your kiddo eats them for first or even last snack.
Important Teaching Tips
The protein powder you choose will affect the texture and flavor of the balls.
You cannot substitute whey protein though as the balls will not hold together
If you want the balls to be sweeter, add a few drops of stevia to the mixture or roll them in coconut or paleo mini chocolate chips
Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Protein Balls
The short version is yes! Getting more protein into your diet helps keep you full and snack less. Plus, protein helps boost our immune system and replenish muscle mass. And protein balls are an easy way to boost your intake.
Like anything else, you can eat too many protein balls. Most protein balls are lower in calories and high in protein. However, you still want to make sure that the balls fit within your macronutrients for your personal goals.
Protein balls need to be chilled in order for them to firm up and retain their texture. Most protein balls can be stored in the fridge or the freezer and are best eaten slightly chilled. Keeping them in the fridge helps them from becoming too soft.
More Tasty Protein Powder Snacks
Need some more fuel? Similarly, need healthy snacks on hand you'll actually love? Whip up the protein powder-based snacks below!
- No-bake vegan vanilla protein bars
- Chocolate peanut butter chia seed balls
- Peanut butter and jam protein balls
- Coconut protein balls
- Dairy-free carrot cake balls
- No-bake cookie dough bites
- Double chocolate protein fluff
- Crispy protein cookies
- Homemade coconut almond bounce balls
Keep in mind that all of the protein recipes above can be made and frozen. Moreover, they're great staples for busy moms.
Gluten-Free Macadamia Protein Balls (Vegan)
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¾ cup macadamia nuts
- 2 protein powder vegan (roughly ½ cup)
- ⅛ cup cacao powder
- 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 3 tablespoons brown rice syrup
- ⅓ cup almond milk
- ½ almonds
Instructions
- In a small food processor, chop the macadamia nuts into small pieces- make sure not to grind them all into a flour, you want some texture left.
- In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients.
- Pour in the brown rice syrup and begin to mix.
- Slowly add the almond milk and continue to mix until everything looks like one sticky ball.
- Grind the almonds into small pieces and place them in a shallow bowl.
- Using your hands, portion the mixture into balls. Roll each ball in the almonds until coated and set on a piece of parchment paper when done. You'll need to press the almonds into the balls firmly so it sticks.
- Note: to prevent the mixture sticking to your hands too much, rub some coconut oil on them as needed.
- Place the balls in the freezer for thirty minutes to set.
Notes
- The protein powder you choose will affect the texture and flavor of the balls.
- You cannot substitute whey protein though as the balls will not hold together
- If you want the balls to be sweeter, add a few drops of stevia to the mixture or roll them in paleo chocolate chips
- Grab the ingredients you need from my Pantry Staples
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Nutrition
Likewise, these no-bake chocolate protein balls make the perfect no-bake snack option.
They taste decadent, are full of healthy fats and the protein will keep you full. Thus, they're perfect for on-the-go situations when you need something to munch on!
Shelby S says
Macadamia nuts make everything feel so much more indulgent!