These Low Calorie Protein Balls prove you don’t need a heavy, calorie-loaded snack to satisfy a craving. They’re sweet, rich, and totally bite-sized. Made with just 4 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep, they have a whipped, truffle-like texture you'll absolutely love.
"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!" -Thalia
A Quick Look At The Recipe
- ⏲️Ready In: 5 Minutes
- 👪Serves: 7
- 🍽 Calories and Protein: 104 kcals and 4 grams of protein
- 📋 Main Ingredients: Dried Blueberries. full-fat coconut milk, almond butter or and vegan vanilla protein powder
- 📖 Dietary Notes: Dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan.
- ⭐ Why You'll Love It: These lightly sweet, creamy protein balls come together in minutes and make the perfect low-calorie, grab-and-go snack.
SUMMARIZE & SAVE THIS CONTENT ON
Trying to sneak more protein into your day (or your kids’)? These protein balls with protein powder make it easy and actually enjoyable. With only four ingredients, they’re ideal for busy moms on the go, just like low calorie baked oats and protein buckeyes.
This low-calorie protein balls recipe delivers just enough sweetness to curb a craving while giving you steady energy through the day. I pop one of these (or these coffee protein balls) on my way out the door or between tasks, and it keeps me from raiding the snack cupboard. Pairing them with a protein latte turns it into the ultimate afternoon treat.
💭Why You'll Love The Recipe
Allergy-friendly: The protein balls are dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, and have a nut-free option!
Naturally sweetened: No big sugar swings with this recipe; these protein balls are sweetened only with dried blueberries.
Minimal prep time: These no-bake balls are made in just 5 minutes and with only 4 ingredients.
Ingredients and Substitutions
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!
- 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 gluten-free peanut butter 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.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Flavor Variations
Nut-free: If you need these low-calorie energy balls to be nut-free, replace the almond butter with sunflower seed butter.
Double chocolate: To make the balls chocolate-based, use a chocolate protein powder and add mini chocolate chips to the balls as you mix them.
How To Make Low Calorie Protein Balls
Step 1: In a food processor, combine the coconut milk, nut-butter, and dried blueberries. Process for 1-2 minutes (the blueberries will still be chunky).
Step 2: Scrape the mixture into a bowl with the protein powder. Mix until thick-looking
Step 3: 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.
Expert Tips To Make It
The protein you choose will affect the taste and texture of the low-calorie protein balls. The sweeter the protein, the sweeter the balls. These low-calorie protein powder balls have been made with both Genuine Health’s Protein powder as well as Botanica 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.
Since each vegan protein powder absorbs liquid differently, you may need to tweak the amount of powder to coconut milk ratios. Add more protein if the mixture is TOO runny, and add more coconut milk (or water to save calories) if it seems too thick.
Remember that if you choose a sweetened nut butter, your no-bake protein balls will be sweeter.
How To Store Them
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.
Low Calorie Protein Balls FAQs
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 or 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.
More High-Protein Snack Recipes
If you tried this Low Calorie Protein Balls Recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes!
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 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.
- Since each vegan protein powder absorbs liquid differently, you may need to tweak the amount of powder to coconut milk ratios. Add more protein if the mixture is TOO runny, and add more coconut milk (or water to save calories) if it seems too thick.
- If using a FERMENTED protein powder, leave the recipe as is. If using a non-fermented protein powder, add in 1 tbs more protein. Update: I recently made these balls with beef-based protein powder. I use Equip Protein as the flavors ROCK. You need to add 1 tablespoon of extra protein and though they don't hold their ball form (they flatten out almost like a cookie shape), they're still pretty delicious, not like mousse that you get from the vegan powder but chewy and sweet. It also bumps it up to 6-7 grams of protein per ball.
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Nutrition
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!