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"
Blake says
My boyfriend always requests protein balls to have on hand. I tried this blueberry recipe and we both LOVED! Super delicious and great to keep in the fridge throughout the week.
fitasamamabear says
Happy everyone liked them!
Reese says
I love that you added blueberry to this recipe. I added it to my weekly snack prep and It actually turned out really delicious. The combination of the ingredients are perfect! Adding this to my low-carb high protein recipe list. Thank you!
fitasamamabear says
Blueberries even dried are just super refreshing!
Rachel says
The hubby and I loved these little energy bites! We're so used to chocolate chips and peanut butter and the blueberries were such a welcome change. I have a nut allergy so used sun butter instead and they turned out great!
fitasamamabear says
I do love a good chocolate chip too lol but nice to switch it up sometimes.
Carrie says
I made a batch of these this week to try to curb my afternoon cravings, and this totally was what I needed. They really kept me satisfied, and I loved the sweetness from the blueberries.
fitasamamabear says
That's what I use them for too!
Shar says
I appreciate the nut-free option of these low calorie protein balls! A guilt-free snack that so addicting. Must-try!
fitasamamabear says
Enjoy!
Addison says
I love keeping these on hand for a healthy snack. They are so tasty and healthy too!
fitasamamabear says
And bite-sized!
Jane says
I love these! I love that they are low calorie, but also super tasty.
fitasamamabear says
It's a good blend!
Jessica says
These are such a life saver when I have to run around town doing errands with the kids. It keeps them from getting hangry (ok, me too) or asking for all the junk next to the check out.
fitasamamabear says
Haha the hanger is real, glad I could help!
Jenn says
These protien balls are so good! The blueberry flavor is powerful, so I cant taste the protein powder like I can in store-bought ones. Im going to keep making these so I can have them as a snack at work!
fitasamamabear says
They're definitely nice to snack on!
Jane says
These protein balls are the best! They're so tasty and rich, but they're also healthy.
fitasamamabear says
It's definitely a double win!
Erin says
These were so easy to make, and I love that they're not calorie bombs! So good, thanks!
fitasamamabear says
Right? So many mini protein balls are, these are so simple.
Katrin says
I used sunflower seed butter and they came out really nice. Thank you for the tip!
fitasamamabear says
Ahh awesome you made them nut free!
Liz says
I'm always looking for ways to make my snacks higher in protein so these protein balls were perfect for me!
fitasamamabear says
They're just so easy to eat!
Lisa says
These are so easy to make and they taste great. I've been watching calories and increasing protein so they are a perfect snack for me.
fitasamamabear says
Happy to hear you love them!
Sharina says
My brother is addicted to these low calorie protein balls! These protein balls are incredibly delicious, easy and sooo decadent. A delightful treat especially after gym!
fitasamamabear says
Haha they're definitely a great one to munch on!