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    Home » Healthy Recipes » Healthy Snack Recipes

    Easy Coconut Protein Balls (Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free)

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    Pinterest image with text: easy no bake balls one on a muffin cup and the rest behind with protein powder

    A delicious blend of coconut and vegan protein powder-coated in healthy chocolate. These coconut protein balls are the perfect blend of indulgence and fuel.

    I have an advertisement relationship with the ads in this post. Check out my disclaimer here

    Made without oats, these no-bake protein balls are the ideal way to stay full and curb a chocolate craving. They make an easy no-bake snack or mini pick-me-up mid-day!

    Multiple chocolate protein coconut balls lined up and one with a bite out of it, with protein powder off to the side.

    When it comes to healthy snacks I am a huge fan of anything "bite-sized" that I can pop into my mouth and devour in under thirty seconds.

    While this may not be the healthiest of habits (and not something I fully coach as a Certified Nutrition Coach), it is an effective one to stay full as a mom!

    These coconut protein balls are not only easy to make but they’re even easier to eat!

    Ingredients You’ll Need

    These gluten-free protein balls are made with simplicity in mind. So, ingredients are minimal!

    Though most protein balls use peanut butter (or almond butter) to bind them, these gluten-free protein balls use neither.

    Vanilla Protein Powder: this recipe uses a vegan blend (learn more below) because it absorbs liquid the best which helps hold the protein balls together.

    Shredded coconut: opt for unsweetened shredded coconut or the protein balls will be just a little TOO sweet.

    Honey: used to bind the balls together and give them a sinfully indulgent flavor.

    Hemp Milk: I use homemade hemp milk but any store-bought, plant-based milk will do!

    Chocolate chips: make sure to use dairy-free chocolate chips to keep these balls allergy-friendly!

    Coconut oil: used to melt down the chocolate so that you can coat the balls.

    Cacao butter: this helps make it so that the chocolate coating isn't too runny.

    Multiple ingredients to make chocolate coconut protein balls in measuring cups with text labels over top.

    Step By Step Photos

    Yellow bowl with vegan protein powder and shredded coconut
    Honey being poured into a yellow mixing bowl with protein powder and coconut flakes
    Coconut protein balls on a cutting board
    No-bake chocolate covered protein ball on a yellow cupcake cup with more balls in a bowl behind and protein powder

    How To Make Chocolate Coconut Protein Balls

    1.      Combine the coconut and vegan protein powder in a bowl.

    2.      Add in the wet ingredients and mix (it will seem dry!).

    3.     Use your hands to portion them into balls and place in the freezer.

    4.      Melt together the chocolate coating over low heat.

    5.     Toss the balls and place them back in the freezer to set.

    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 😉

    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 For The
    Coconut Protein Balls

    These no-bake protein balls have been made with a few vegan protein powders (learn How To Choose A Vegan Protein Powder for your goals). 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 it also aids digestion and helps keep you bloat-free!

    TIP: Make sure to use a vanilla protein powder. Because of the honey, coconut, and chocolate chips in this recipe, using a flavored (sweetened) protein powder makes them a bit too sweet.

    Coating The Energy Balls In Chocolate

    When making the chocolate coating for these protein energy balls, you'll want to make sure to heat the ingredients over low heat.

    The chocolate uses dairy-free chocolate chips as its base and heating them over high heat will cause the chocolate chips to burn.

    Likewise, make sure you move fast when coating them! Because the energy bites are coming out of the freezer, the chocolate chips will harden quickly once you start dipping them!

    Two chocolate coconut protein balls stacked with a bite out of the top one and more balls behind them.

    Important Teaching Tips

    Make sure to use vanilla protein powder. Because of the honey, coconut, and chocolate chips in this recipe, using a flavored (sweetened) protein powder makes them a bit too sweet.

    Every protein powder absorbs liquid differently. Using a different protein powder will affect the texture of the gluten-free protein balls and you may need to add more liquid.

    This recipe does use both honey and chocolate chips (in addition to shredded coconut) for sweetness. So for some, they can definitely be too sweet and much more like dessert.

    The cacao butter helps the chocolate thicken up so it's not too runny. If you don't have any, you can try adding an extra tablespoon of chocolate chips.

    Don't skip double-coating the coconut protein balls. Otherwise, the outer chocolate layer is much too thin.

    Fast, crave-worthy snacks that hit your protein goals (without tracking or extra cooking time).

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    Frequently Asked Questions About Coconut Protein Balls

    Are coconut protein balls good for you?

    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.

    Why are my protein balls not sticking together?

    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.

    Are coconut protein balls good for losing weight?

    Most people respond well to a higher-protein diet. And given that protein helps keep you full longer, people tend to snack less when consuming protein. Thus, protein balls can be part of a healthy weight loss plan.

    Are chocolate coconut protein balls a dessert or snack?

    Whether you use no-bake protein balls as a healthy snack or dessert depends on your own health goals! You'll want to check out the amount of sugar versus protein in the balls and base it around that. If the sugar is low (under five grams) and the protein is higher (over 10 grams) per serving, they serve as a healthy, protein snack.

    Other Protein Balls You'll Fall In Love With

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    • High protein snack recipes

    Multiple chocolate protein coconut balls lined up and one with a bite out of it, with protein powder off to the side.

    Chocolate Coconut Protein Balls (No-Bake, Gluten-Free, No Peanut Butter)

    Fit as a Mama Bear
    Easy, no-bake, coconut protein balls to keep you full! A sweet, chocolate coconut protein ball that uses plant-based protein powder as its base.
    No ratings yet
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 0 minutes mins
    Chilling Time 25 minutes mins
    Total Time 30 minutes mins
    Course Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 279 kcal

    Video

    Equipment

    • Mixing bowl

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup Unsweetened Shredded Coconut
    • ⅓ cup vegan protein powder About 1 Scoop
    • ⅛ cup raw honey
    • ¼ teaspoon almond extract
    • 3 tablespoon almond milk or any plant-based milk
    • 1 tbs water
    • Chocolate Topping
    • 1 tbs coconut oil
    • ⅛ cup 2 tbs enjoy life chocolate chips
    • 1 teaspoon cacao butter

    Instructions
     

    • In a large bowl combine the shredded coconut and vanilla protein powder.
      Yellow bowl with vegan protein powder and shredded coconut
    • Measure out the honey and pour it and the almond extract into the powder
      Honey being poured into a yellow mixing bowl with protein powder and coconut flakes
    • Mix and mix well- it will seem dry. Add in the almond milk, water and mix again until everything is at least combined.
    • Line a tray with parchment paper and rub some coconut oil onto your hands (to help prevent sticking).
    • Using your hands (grease them with coconut oil first!), portion and roll the mixture into little balls (8 them). Place them on the tray
      Coconut protein balls on a cutting board
    • Place the tray into the freezer to set.
    • In a small pot, melt the coconut oil, chocolate chips and cacao butter over medium to low. Whisk until smooth.
    • Place the frozen balls into the pot and toss until coated. Place them back on the parchment paper and into the freezer for 5-10 minutes.
    • Repeat the process and coat the balls one more time, placing them back into the freezer.
    • When ready to eat, let the protein balls thaw for five minutes before popping them into your mouth.

    Notes

    • The brand of protein powder you use will affect the flavor and consistency of the balls.
    • The recipe makes 8 balls. Two balls is one serving
    • Let the balls thaw at room temperature for fifteen minutes (or in the fridge for longer) before enjoying
    • You will have a bit of chocolate sauce leftover, dunk some almonds in it and let harden in the fridge for a treat.
    • If left outside, the chocolate coating will begin to melt. These balls are best kept slightly cool
    • Keep in mind the protein values may be off by 1-2 grams as it depends on which protein powder you're using. Each vegan protein powder has a different markup of ingredients which can alter the intake slightly.
    • You can chop up squares of dark chocolate if you don't have chocolate chips on hand.
    Disclaimer:

    Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"

    Nutrition

    Calories: 279kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 9gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 17gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 114mgPotassium: 136mgFiber: 4gSugar: 13gVitamin C: 0.4mgCalcium: 33mgIron: 3mg
    Keyword no bake balls, protein powder, vegan protein powder recipe
    Have You Tried This Recipe?Please leave a star rating and comment below. Mention @fitasamamabear or tag #fitasamamabear!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Raia

      July 26, 2018 at 1:53 pm

      I love easy snacks like this! Plus chocolate... definitely a winner!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        July 26, 2018 at 5:30 pm

        Right?! Anything simple and no bake is a win lol

        Reply
    2. Megan Stevens

      July 26, 2018 at 2:54 pm

      I love egg-free treats! How nice to have that added dose of protein! Thanks for these!

      Reply
    3. Daniela

      July 26, 2018 at 3:05 pm

      Coconut and chocolate! Two of my favorite things in the world! Yum!

      Reply

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