No-Bake Peanut Butter And Jam Protein Balls (Healthy, Gluten-Free & Vegan)
A classic flavor combination with a fueling twist. These no-bake peanut butter and jam protein balls are a healthy, on-the-go snack. These vegan protein balls are made with a base of oats and protein powder with just a hint of jam and maple syrup to keep them sweet. With 11 grams of protein per serving these balls are an easy, no-bake snack perfect for on the go.
Is there a more classic combination than peanut butter and jam? Seriously, it’s easily one of my favorites (right up there with peanut butter and chocolate... like in these crunch bars!).
So, by default, these peanut butter protein balls of goodness already rock.
Don't want to read? JUMP to the recipe!
When To Use This Recipe
These protein balls with oats work as both a healthy snack as well as a small post-workout fuel hit. Pair it with a piece of fruit and you'll be loaded with energy (or you can use these chocolate-covered protein balls like dessert!).
Personally, I am all about double-batching snacks and keeping some in my freezer. My girls are snack fiends so this is just easier. I use these snacks:
- when I need a boost of energy and am hitting that "midday reach for sugar" time
- as a quick post-workout snack especially after running (learn more about running nutrition)
- grab-and-go snacks for the girls
Having healthy snacks on hand is crucial for kids- especially toddlers. While my two-year-old eats a great breakfast and dinner, the rest of the day is pretty much snack time- probably because she hates to sit still for too long!
Thus, anything she can consume in one bite is a win. Here are some of our favorite toddler snacks.
Protein Powder & Kids
And 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 its source, it’s okay..
I have quite a few I love and trust including Iron Vegan and Genuine Health Fermented Protein Powder. Both of which you can buy off my favorite website.
When checking out a 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 carageen
- no processed oils
But here’s a tip: if you’re not into protein powder- that’s ok! Instead of the powder, swap in collagen powder instead! Collagen is not only full of awesome protein but it’s also awesome to help boost your immune system- double win.
You can grab collagen powder packs (I take these with us on long road trips!) from Perfect Suppplements and use code mamabear10 to save some money.
Keep in mind that if you need these peanut butter protein balls to be vegan, collagen is not an option.
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, Genuine Health Fermented Powder as well as Progressives Fermented Protein Powder.
Progessive’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 causes 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.
Why Do Snacks Need Protein?
This recipe is simple (seven ingredients!), easy to make (thank god for no-bake snacks) and has the best flavor combination ever.
One of the reasons I love little protein balls with peanut butter for snacks is that they actually help give you some long-lasting fuel instead of just spiking your blood sugar.
Thanks to the protein powder the release of the carbohydrates is a bit slower which helps prevent a sugar crash (which makes them a great pregnancy snack). Plus, paired with a piece of fruit, these little peanut butter protein balls make a tasty post-workout snack! Win.
Personally, though, mine didn’t last that long. They’re quite addictive and I pretty much ate three when I made them, then ate a few more the next day and the following. I think my toddler got one as a taste test haha
So, I guess my advice when making peanut butter and jam no-bake protein balls is to double up on the batch!
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.
You can eat raw oats. However, some people will experience trouble with bloating or gas. If this is the case, you'll want to soak your oats before using them.
Yes! Protein balls should be stored in the fridge freezer to prevent them 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Old Fashioned Oats
- 1 scoop Vegan Vanilla Protein Powder (gluten-free and vegan as needed)
- ¼ cup Peanut Butter
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon almond milk*
- ¼cup + 1 tablespoon raspberry jam (divided into ⅛ cup and ⅛ cup + 1 tablespoon)
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
Note: all of these health-boosting ingredients can be purchased through my favorite retailer Well.ca- and the best part is that they offer free shipping!
Tip: if you have specific dietary restrictions (gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan) – double-check all your ingredients for appropriate brands!
Kitchen Tools You May Find Helpful
How To Make The Recipe
In a large bowl, combine the oats and protein powder.
In a small dish, heat the coconut oil and peanut butter until oil is just melted (heat on low so peanut butter doesn’t burn).
Whisk in the peanut butter/oil to the oat mixture until mostly combined. Add in ⅛ cup + 1 tablespoon of jam and mix again.
Finally, add in the almond milk.
Let sit for one minute so the protein powder absorbs.
Then, using your hands roll the mixture into balls (makes ten). Place the balls on a piece of parchment paper.
In a small dish, whisk the syrup and remaining jam. Spoon into a piping bag (or ziplock with a hole) and drizzle jam on top of the balls.
Place in the freezer for thirty minutes to set.
When you’re ready to eat. Grab a ball and let sit for 5-10 minutes before popping it into your mouth!
Makes 10 balls.
Note: depending on your protein powder you may need 1-2 extra tablespoons of almond milk to make the mixture stick as some powders are more absorbent than others.
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Healthy Peanut Butter Protein Balls (Gluten-Free & Vegan)
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Nutrition
Other Protein Balls You'll Fall In Love With
With a classic flavor combination, you can’t go wrong making this peanut butter and jam protein balls recipe. Not only do they make a healthy and fueling snack but they’re also quick to whip up and easy to store. Healthy snacks are a must for a busy mom (and a fit mom!) and these PB&J balls work as both an on-the-go snack or as a post-workout bit!
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