A tasty and convenient way to increase your protein intake! These low calorie protein balls are a bite-sized treat perfect for snacking on the go. Made with only four ingredients these snack balls are rich, whipped up in minutes, and make a healthy treat to satisfy your craving.
Trying to sneak a bit more protein into you or your kid's diets? These low calorie protein balls make protein… enjoyable!
Made with just four ingredients thesethe balls are perfect for busy moms on the go.
They’re a bite-sized snack that helps keep your energy high throughout the day.
As a Certified Nutrition Coach, bite-sized balls are a tasty treat I can pop in my mouth out the door. Though the protein hit isn't super high, they're a great way to curb a snack craving!
Why You'll Love These Protein Balls
The protein balls are dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, and have a paleo and nut-free option!
With zero sugar added they're sweetened naturally.
Minimal prep time these no-bake balls are made in just 5 minutes
All you need is 4 ingredients to whip these up which means the protein balls are a super easy snack when you're in a pinch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Protein balls, energy balls, it doesn't matter what you call them... you get both of those things with this recipe!
Literally, the best thing about these low calorie protein balls is that they have only four ingredients. And if you have a well-stocked gluten-free pantry, you probably already have them on hand!
Though peanut butter protein balls are the most common flavor, I know you'll love the mousse-like swap of these blueberry ones.
Vegan protein powder: you need to use vegan protein as that is what thickens the energy balls and holds them together. Vanilla or chocolate flavors work but vanilla protein powder pairs best with the blueberry flavor.
Dried fruit: a fun flavor twist as most no-bake protein balls are chocolate or peanut butter (or peanut butter and jam like these protein balls!). You can use any dried fruit here but I alternate between blueberries, cranberries, and cherries the most.
Coconut milk: you want full-fat coconut milk and only the thick white cream from the can. This makes the blueberry protein balls not only hold together better but taste extra rich.
Nut-butter: almond butter works best for these protein balls but if you need to make them nut-free, sun butter works well!
How To Make Them
- In a food processor, combine the coconut milk, nut-butter, and dried blueberries.
- Process for 1-2 minutes (the blueberries will still be chunky).
- Scrape the mixture into a bowl with the protein powder.
- Mix until thick-looking.
- Use a trigger ice cream scoop to portion the balls onto a cutting board.
- Pop them in the fridge for an hour to firm up.
Teaching Tips & Substitutions
The protein you choose will affect the taste and texture of the low calorie protein balls. The sweeter the protein the sweeter the balls.
You must use a vegan protein for this recipe as vegan protein absorbs liquid which is what holds the balls together.
Brown rice protein works well but will have a “chalkier” flavor. Pea protein works the best.
Make sure to use full-fat coconut milk and only the thick white cream. Otherwise, the protein balls won’t hold together.
To make the protein energy balls paleo: make sure to use pea protein powder and not brown rice protein powder.
To make them nut-free: use sun butter in place of the almond butter.
Remember that if you choose a sweetened nut butter your no-bake protein balls will be sweeter.
Storage Tips
Store the low-calorie protein balls in an airtight container in the fridge and eat them chilled. Like this, they'll last about two weeks.
They get too soft at room temperature so keep them chilled as long as possible.
Freeze the protein balls between layers of parchment paper for up to 3 months. To enjoy them, let them thaw in the fridge overnight until you're ready to snack.
Choosing A Protein Powder
These low calorie protein powder balls have been made with both Genuine Health’s Protein powder as well as Botanica protein powder.
You do need pea protein powder to make this recipe work.
This is because pea protein is what absorbs liquid in recipes (learn more about choosing protein powder for your goals).
So, unfortunately, you cannot sub in whey protein as otherwise there is no “binder”.
Genuine Health’s Fermented Vegan Protein Powder is one of my favorites because it helps you truly fuel.
Made with 20 grams of plant-based protein, this vegan powder is dairy-free, gluten-free, non-GMO, and certified organic.
Frequently Asked Questions About Protein Balls
Protein balls can be part of a healthy weight loss program. Because you want to consume a high protein diet to initiate weight loss, protein balls are a good way to bump up your intake without adding on too many calories.
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 before eating. If the balls are in the fridge, they should last roughly seven to ten days.
Other Protein Balls You’ll Enjoy
- Peanut butter protein balls
- Chocolate bliss balls
- Chocolate coconut energy balls
- Cookie dough protein balls
If you're looking for more low calorie options, try these protein baked oats. Only 179kcals per serving and great for busy mornings.
Low Calorie Protein Balls
Video
Ingredients
- ½ cup Dried Blueberries or any dried fruit
- ⅓ cup Full fat coconut milk
- 2 tbs Almond butter or peanut butter
- ¼ cup Vegan vanilla protein powder
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine the coconut milk, nut-butter, and dried blueberries.
- Process for 1-2 minutes (the blueberries will still be chunky).
- Scrape the mixture into a bowl with the protein powder.
- Mix until thick looking.
- Use a trigger ice cream scoop to portion the balls onto a cutting board.
- Pop them in the fridge for an hour to firm up.
Notes
- The protein you choose will affect the taste and texture of the low calorie protein balls. The sweeter the protein the sweeter the balls.
- Know that the balls are not overly sweet, you must enjoy the flavor of your protein powder.
- You must use a vegan protein for this recipe as vegan protein absorbs liquid which is what holds the balls together.
- Brown rice protein works well but will have a “chalkier” flavor. Pea protein works the best.
- Make sure to use full fat coconut milk and only the thick white cream. Otherwise the protein balls won’t hold together.
- Store the blueberry protein balls in the fridge and eat them chilled. They get too soft at room temperature.
- To make them paleo: make sure to use pea protein powder and not brown rice protein powder.
- To make them nut-free: use sunflower seed butter in place of the almond or peanut butter.
- Remember that if you choose a sweetened nut butter your low calorie energy balls will be sweeter.
- If using a FERMENTED protein powder, leave the recipe as is. If using a non-fermented protein powder, add in 1 tbs more protein.
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Thalia says
I love having healthy little snacks like this on hand but I've been a little burned out on my go-to chocolatey protein ball recipe. The combo of blueberry, vanilla and coconut milk is just what I was craving!
fitasamamabear says
I'm a snacker so I totally feel yah!
Mary says
I've been looking for new snacks since I'm back on my diet. These are really good and easy to make. I like the combination of flavors.
fitasamamabear says
Glad you enjoyed them!
Jerry says
My kids couldn't get enough of these blueberry protein balls. What I love is the texture, not too soft but not too firm. Just perfect! I just added some shredded coconut into the mix for extra flavor. Delicious recipe!
fitasamamabear says
It's a win when kids approve!
Frida says
I hate how high-calorie most protein snacks are so I tried these. They were great! I love how easy they were, too. And so full of blueberry flavor. 😋 Thanks so much!
fitasamamabear says
Glad you enjoyed them!
Farrah says
I've been trying to cut back on sugary snacks, and these are the perfect alternative. They're so easy to make and the blueberry flavor is so delicious. These blueberry protein balls are my new favorite snack!
fitasamamabear says
They definitely give a nice balance to cravings!
Melanie says
This recipe rocks because of its simplicity. I opted for almond butter this time around and my family devoured them just as fast as it took to make them!
fitasamamabear says
aha simple is key in my house!