5-Ingredient Protein Balls (Low Sugar, Grain-Free)
User Reviews
4.5
5-Ingredient Protein Balls (Low Sugar, Grain-Free)
Description
The recipe mixes nut butter, pitted dates, hemp seeds, chia seeds, and flavored or unflavored protein powder in a food processor until the mixture resembles cookie dough. Adjustments in moisture or dryness are made by adding more dry ingredients or nut butter. The mixture is then formed into tablespoon-sized balls and optionally rolled in hemp seeds, coconut, or melted dark chocolate.
The protein balls have a tender texture that firms up when chilled, combining natural sweetness from dates with creamy nut butter and the texture of seeds. They are grain-free and low in sugar depending on ingredient choices, making them suitable as a protein-rich snack or quick bite.
These bite-sized snacks hold well in the refrigerator or freezer and can be customized by varying the nut butter or protein powder flavors.
Maple syrup can substitute for dates to adjust sweetness and moisture but requires balancing with additional dry ingredients. The recipe recommends grain-free protein powders for those avoiding grains. Nutrition info is approximate and excludes optional toppings.
Ingredients
PROTEIN BALLS
- 1 cup nut butter (we like almond, peanut, cashew, or sunflower)
- 3-5 pitted date add more for sweeter bites, medjool
- 2/3 cup hemp seed
- 1/4 cup chia seeds (or sub other seeds, such as sesame or flax)
- 3-4 Tbsp protein powder vanilla, flavored, or chocolate - or other flavor of choice
FOR TOPPING optional
- dark chocolate dairy-free as needed - we like Enjoy Life, melted
- hemp seed
- desiccated coconut
- salt sea salt
Instructions
- Add nut butter, pitted dates, hemp seeds, chia seeds, and protein powder to a food processor and blend until all ingredients are well combined and a cookie dough-like texture forms (see photo).
- If too wet, add more dry ingredients of choice, such as protein powder or hemp seeds. If too crumbly or dry, add a little more nut butter. NOTE: These are meant to be on the tender side, so don't be concerned if they're a little soft (they'll firm up in the refrigerator or freezer).
- Taste and adjust flavor as needed, adding more protein powder of choice for flavor or more dates for sweetness (if adding more dates, chop first to encourage even blending). Mix again until well combined.
- Scoop out rounded 1 Tbsp amounts and roll into balls (as recipe is written, ~20 // we love this scoop). Place on a parchment-lined plate or platter.
- Roll the balls in hemp seeds or desiccated coconut, or melt some dark chocolate in a double boiler on the stovetop, or in 20-second increments in the microwave, then spoon a small amount over the bites (all optional). Top with coconut or sea salt for added flavor (also optional).
- Transfer balls to the freezer or refrigerator to chill for 15 minutes to firm up. We recommend storing these in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer up to 1 month for best texture. They are delicious straight out of the refrigerator or freezer and tend to soften at room temperature.
Notes
- Maple syrup can replace dates for sweetness; adjust dry ingredients accordingly.
- Choose grain-free protein powder if avoiding grains to keep recipe grain-free.
- Protein powder used was Tropeaka Lean Vanilla, which contains brown rice protein.
- Nutrition information is a rough estimate and excludes optional toppings.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 20(Balls)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 133 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1balls | |
| Calories | 133 | 7% |
| Carbohydrates | 6.6g | 2% |
| Protein | 6g | 12% |
| Fat | 10.3g | 16% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.9g | 5% |
| Sodium | 11mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 191mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 2.6g | 10% |
| Sugar | 3.1g | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.5
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