Fit as a Mama Bear

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Index
  • 4 Day Protein Challenge
  • Fitness
  • Shop
  • About Me
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipe Index
    • 4 Day Protein Challenge
    • Fitness
    • Shop
    • About Me
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Healthy Snack Recipes

    Chocolate Macadamia Nut Protein Balls (No Peanut Butter)

    Modified: Jun 3, 2025 · Published: Oct 19, 2017 by Shelby Stover · This post may contain affiliate links · 1 Comment

    Jump to Recipe
    Pinterest Image with text: a macadamia nut protein ball up close
    Pinterest image with text: a bowl of nuts with a ball in the middle
    Chocolate Protein Balls: macadamia nut, paleo, vegan, gluten-free, no bake,

    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.

    A chocolate vegan protein ball up close

    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    Originally made to resemble “coconut bounce protein balls”, they’re a vegan version of a tasty, store-bought, snack (just like these coconut almond bounce balls!).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.

    Blue bowl with measuring cups of ingredients labeled beside it

     

    How To Make The Macadamia Nut Protein Balls


      1. In a small food processor, chop the macadamia nuts into small pieces

      1. In a large bowl, combine the protein powder, cacao, arrowroot powder and sea salt.

      1. Pour in the brown rice syrup and almond milk and mix until it’s a giant sticky ball.

      1. 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.

      1. Freeze to set.


    Chocolate protein balls rolled and on parchment paper with a blue bowl beside it

    No bake chocolate balls being rolled in almonds on a plate

    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. 

    Pinterest image with text: a bowl of nuts with a ball in the middle

     

    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


    Are protein balls healthy?

    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.

    Can you eat too many protein balls?

    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.

    Do you have to refrigerate protein balls?

    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.


    Three chocolate protein balls with macadamia nuts around them and more in a blue dish.

     

    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.

    Featured image: a macadamia protein ball up close

    Gluten-Free Macadamia Protein Balls (Vegan)

    Shelby Stover
    Light, energizing, and simple to make. These chocolate macadamia protein balls are made with vegan protein powder and without peanut butter
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 0 minutes mins
    30 minutes mins
    Total Time 40 minutes mins
    Course Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 9 balls
    Calories 130 kcal

    Video

    Equipment

    • Mixing bowl

    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

    Calories: 130kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 6gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 91mgPotassium: 78mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 16IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 47mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword no bake, no bake balls, protein powder
    Have You Tried This Recipe?Please leave a star rating and comment below. Mention @fitasamamabear or tag #fitasamamabear!

     

    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!


     

    More Healthy Snack Recipes

    • A stack of frozen yogurt bars.
      Frozen Yogurt Protein Bars [5 ingredients]
    • A bowl of baked banana bread with chocolate chips and sliced bananas on top.
      Single Serve Banana Bread (High Protein)
    • Sliced protein bars beside a bowl of peanut butter with chocolate chips scattered around.
      4 Ingredient Protein Bars [Dairy-Free]
    • Yogurt protein pudding in a bowl with chocolate chips and peanut butter toppings.
      Greek Yogurt Protein Pudding [3 Ingredients]

    Comments

    1. Shelby S says

      July 04, 2025 at 6:18 pm

      5 stars
      Macadamia nuts make everything feel so much more indulgent!

      Reply
    5 from 1 vote

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Blond haired woman in a black sweater outside smiling at the camera

    Welcome!

    I'm Shelby, a Certified Strength & Nutrition Coach who has spent the last 10 years helping women feel more comfortable in their skin though home strength training and healthy food- no diets, no shortcuts

    More about me
    • Amazon
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Mastodon
    • Pinterest
    • X
    • YouTube

    Popular

    • Woman in the gym laying on a bench with a mini band around her knees.
      The Best 9 Lower Glute Exercises + Underbutt Workout
    • Pin image with text: close up shot of a woman in purple sports bra and black pants lifting her shirt to show a flat tummy
      How To Fix Diastasis Recti Years Later
    • Mason jar with caramel protein shake topped with coconut whipped cream, caramel sauce and chocolate chips two red straws in the smoothie and chocolate chips on a cutting board behind it
      Salted Caramel Protein Shake (Dairy-Free)
    • Pin image with text: multiple images of high protein snacks like protein smoothies, donuts, protein fluff and ice cream
      48 High Protein Snack Recipes [Sweet Snacks]

    Seasonal

    • White bowl with a dragon fruit smoothie bowl in it topped with bananas, strawberries, and coconut on a yellow linen with berries, dragon fruit, and spoons around it.
      Dragon Fruit Protein Smoothie Bowl
    • Papaya smoothie bowl topped with berries, banana and coconut in a blue bowl with a spoon and fresh fruit behind it.
      Papaya Smoothie Bowl (High Protein)
    • Ginger beer mocktail in a mason jar with fresh mint and lime on the jar and ingredients and another jar around it.
      Refreshing Ginger Beer Mocktail
    • Mini food processor with homemade pesto sauce in it.
      Pesto Recipe Without Pine Nuts [Dairy-Free]

    Fitness Tips

    • Woman laying on floor with one knee bent and other in a hamstring stretch.
      5 Best Hamstring Exercises for Runners
    • Woman in blue shorts and tank top running outside.
      Want to Run Better? These 11 Tips Change Everything
    • Woman performing a squat with a pink mini band around her legs.
      36 Mini Band Exercises + A Full Body Workout
    • Woman in piegon pose on a bench for a glute stretch.
      9 Best Glute Stretches

    Follow Me On Social:

    • Amazon
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Mastodon
    • Pinterest
    • X
    • YouTube

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    DISCLAIMERS As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.The content on Fit as a Mama Bear is provided for educational and informational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified health care professional before acting on any information presented here. Statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. No products mentioned are intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.










    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    Let us know what you thought of this recipe:

    This worked exactly as written, thanks!
    My family loved this!
    Thank you for sharing this recipe

    Or write in your own words:

    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.