Low-Calorie High-Protein Energy Balls

Low-Calorie High-Protein Energy Balls are your secret weapon for sustained energy and guilt-free snacking. This simple recipe delivers a delicious and nutrient-packed treat perfect for busy lifestyles, offering a healthy alternative to processed snacks.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 0

Chill Time 30

Total Time 15

Course: Dessert, Snack

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

1/2 cup rolled oats gluten-free if needed
1/4 cup unsweetened almond butter or any nut/seed butter of choice
2 tablespoons chia seeds
2 tablespoons hemp seeds
2 tablespoons protein powder vanilla or unflavored whey, pea, or plant-based
2 tablespoons natural sweetener honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 pinch salt
2-3 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut or finely chopped nuts for rolling (optional)

Equipment

Mixing bowl
Spoon or spatula
Plastic wrap
Small, shallow dish

Method

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the rolled oats, chia seeds, hemp seeds, protein powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir these dry ingredients together until they are well combined. This ensures that all the nutritional powerhouses are evenly distributed throughout the energy balls.
1/2 cup rolled oats, 2 tablespoons chia seeds, 2 tablespoons hemp seeds, 2 tablespoons protein powder, 1 pinch salt
To the bowl with the dry ingredients, add the unsweetened almond butter, natural sweetener (honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar), and pure vanilla extract.
1/4 cup unsweetened almond butter, 2 tablespoons natural sweetener, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Using a sturdy spoon or a spatula, begin to mix all the ingredients together. It may seem a bit dry at first, but keep mixing and mashing until everything starts to come together into a cohesive, sticky dough. If the mixture seems too dry and crumbly, you can add a small amount of additional nut butter (about 1 teaspoon at a time) or a splash of plant-based milk (like almond milk) until it reaches the desired consistency for rolling. Conversely, if it's too wet, add a touch more oats or protein powder.
For easier handling, you can cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for about 15-30 minutes. This will firm up the mixture, making it less sticky and easier to shape into balls.
Once the dough is firm enough to handle, scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture at a time. Roll the mixture between your palms to form small, compact balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter.
If desired, place the optional coating ingredients (unsweetened shredded coconut or finely chopped nuts) in a small shallow dish. Roll each energy ball in the coating until it's evenly covered.
2-3 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut or finely chopped nuts
Your Low-Calorie High-Protein Energy Balls are now ready to be enjoyed! You can eat them immediately or store them for later.

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2-3 months.