No-Bake Chocolate Protein Balls (no peanut butter, paleo, vegan)
These vegan no-bake chocolate protein balls are an easy recipe that’s easy to whip up and even easier to eat! They’re the perfect size to pop in your mouth and always remind me of little brownie bites. Plus, with only eight ingredients these chocolate protein balls are peanut butter-free, naturally allergy-friendly, and a tasty snack!
The perfect snack or simple dessert. While I’ve made no-bake protein balls before (like these sticky macadamia protein balls), these ones taste much more like fluffy fudge than the others!
Made with vegan protein powder, these chocolate protein balls are like little two-bite brownies only a hell of a lot healthier! My girls actually call them brownie bites and I'm not correcting them.
They're light, simple to whip up, and absolutely delicious. Plus, the kiddos can get in the kitchen and easily help make them!
Don't want to read? JUMP to the recipe!
Does The Protein Powder Have To Be Vegan?
Actually yes.
Though eliminating whey powders and dairy, in general, can be beneficial (here’s how to eliminate dairy and not hate life), these protein balls need a vegan protein powder for another reason.
Plant-based protein powder tends to “fluff up” and bind better as it absorbs liquid. this gives the coconut protein balls a bit of a light feeling to them… which makes them alarmingly easy to eat 😉 Learn more about the differences between whey and pea protein.
Conversely, while I think whey protein would blend into the balls well, I’m not sure they would hold together. Also, whey tends to be sweeter than vegan protein powder so truthfully I think they’d end up “sickly” sweet.
Choosing A Vegan Protein Powder
These vegan protein balls have been made with a few vegan protein powders. Specifically, Botanica Protein Powder as well as Progressives Fermented Protein Powder.
Progressive's Harmonized Fermented Vegan Protein Powder is a blend of five non-GMO legumes, grains, and seeds.
It’s allergy-friendly (no dairy, gluten, nuts, or soy) and is sweetened with only stevia and monk fruit.
But best of all is that this protein is fermented. This helps break down the “anti-nutrient” in grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes that often cause bloating.
So this protein powder not only contains 23g of protein per serving but also aids digestion and helps keep you bloat-free! Grab the protein powder and give it a try.
A Few Notes On Texture Regarding Protein Powder
The protein powder you choose will make a difference to both the texture and the flavor of the balls.
Since the Progressive protein powder contains pea protein, it will absorb more liquid. The Botanica protein doesn't contain this and thus it absorbs less.
What does this mean for you? If making this with a protein powder that contains pea protein, follow the recipe exactly and know that your balls will be a bit more "dense".
If using one that does not contain pea protein, you can probably scale back the milk by one tablespoon.
Protein Powder And Kids
While some people don’t think kids should have protein powder, 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”.
By all means, I don’t think we need to go out of our way to boost protein intake with kiddos (mine are meat and egg eaters so I’m never concerned especially since Chana Davis dispelled some protein myths).
But since I personally use protein powder because it’s quick and easy, I don’t see any qualms with the girls having some too. Again, so long as you use quality protein powder.
I have quite a few I love and trust, including Iron Vegan, Botanica, and Genuine Health Fermented Protein Powder. All of which you can buy off my favorite website.
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
Do They Store Well?
I’m a mom and having healthy snacks on hand is kind of crucial (here are my kiddo's favorite snacks!). And these paleo chocolate protein balls have been a great one to have on hand!
Moreover, I've been making double batches simply because with three of us grabbing the balls they seem to disappear quickly! These chocolate protein balls store best in the fridge (they taste the best) but they store well in the freezer too.
However, coming out of the freezer, you need to thaw them first. Personally, I'd grab 5-8 at a time and move them to the fridge. They're a no-bake snack so once they're in the fridge they're good to go!
Ingredients
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.
Because vegan protein powder absorbs liquid, you tend to need quite a bit. If your protein balls are not sticking together, try adding a bit of water or plant-based milk. Add only a little at a time until the mixture becomes a bit more "tacky". Then really press the mixture together to get them to hold.
Yes! Energy balls are an easy, fueling snack. When made correctly with a balance of healthy fats, proteins and some carbohydrates, energy balls are an easy way to slowly release energy and give you fuel while preventing a sugar crash.
Yes! Protein balls should be stored in the fridge freezer to prevent them from spoiling. If stored in the freezer, make sure to thaw briefly in the fridge or at room temperature before eating. If the balls are in the fridge, they should last roughly fourteen days.
- Vegan Vanilla Protein Powder
- Flaxseed
- Cacao powder
- Almond Butter
- Maple Syrup
- Almond Milk
- Mini Chocolate Chips
Don’t forget to pin these chocolate balls with protein powder!
Grab Your Printable
No-Bake Chocolate Protein Balls (Paleo, Vegan)
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
When you portion, squeeze the balls together and then roll so that they hold together. Place them on the paper.
Notes
Nutrition
These vegan, healthy, paleo protein balls are like mini pop-in-your-mouth brownie bites! They're a simple, protein-packed indulgence (like this double chocolate protein fluff!). They’re simple to make, allergy-friendly (no peanut butter!!), and they’re a perfect way to curb chocolate cravings?
nancy
yes to no bake protein balls! I love simple easy post workout / breakfast /snacks!
fitasamamabear
Right?! I could LIVE off no bake recipes haha
Terri
You had me at healthy little bite brownies! 🙂 These are perfect for the lunch bag (mine and the kids'!)
fitasamamabear
Haha, well really you can't go wrong with any kind of brownie flavor!!