These Vegan Protein Balls are a delicious and easy low-carb snack. Made with almond butter, almond flour, and a touch of maple syrup, they can be made in just 10 minutes! Gluten-free.
Healthy snacking doesn't have to be hard. If you are gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, or all of the above, these low-carb protein balls are a perfect fit.
Protein balls, sometimes known as energy balls, require few ingredients and little prep time with a delicious, crowd-pleasing taste. (Similarly, these little honey bites and no bake brownie balls can be whipped up easily for snack time!)
Why you'll love this recipe
- Easy healthy snacks
- Simple recipe with nutritious ingredients
- Wholesome ingredients and no refined sugar
- Each of these power balls has 6 grams of protein
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Ingredients and substitutions
Here are a few quick notes about the ingredients in this recipe. You can see a complete list of ingredients and instructions in the recipe card below.
Almond butter - High protein content, vitamins, minerals, and heart-healthy fats, almond butter is used as a binding agent. It also gives these protein balls a nice, smooth texture. Use all-natural almond butter to avoid added sugar or added oils. Peanut butter, cashew butter, or sun butter make great substitutes.
Almond flour - Rich in vitamin E, magnesium, and another source of protein.
Maple syrup - An unrefined natural sweetener. A little bit is all you need. Substitute your favorite liquid sweetener if needed.
Vanilla extract - A high-quality gluten-free vanilla extract adds flavor that compliments the almond.
Dairy-free chocolate chips - Mini chips work best but regular work well too. Swap in your favorite seeds instead! Sunflower seeds, chia, hemp, and flax seeds are all great options.
Variations
Mix up your vegan energy balls by using different seeds or one of these almond butter substitutes like tahini or cashew butter.
Hemp seeds, sesame seeds, chia seeds, flax seeds, raisins, dried cranberries or cherries, all add their own delicious flavors and crunch to these energy bites.
How to make vegan protein balls
Step 1: Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl except chocolate chips in a mixing bowl. Fold in chocolate chips.
Step 2: Scoop dough with a tablespoon or #40 cookie scoop and roll into balls.
Recipe tips
- Store these no-bake protein balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Nut butter oil content can vary. Make sure to stir your all-natural almond butter well before use.
- An easy thing to meal prep for the week.
Serving suggestions
Like no bake energy balls with Medjool dates, these protein bites are the perfect size for a quick snack or energy boost.
Have them as a pre or post-workout snack, a cure for the afternoon sweet tooth, or after school homemade snack.
FAQs
Absolutely! As written, they are vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free. To make this nut-free, sub in oat flour and sun butter for the almond flour and almond butter.
The short answer is yes! Protein powder can absorb moisture, so it may be necessary to add additional liquid ingredients, like a little water or additional maple syrup to prevent the protein balls from becoming too dry.
These snack balls should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Keep them in a freezer-safe container in the freezer for up to three months. Transfer balls to refrigerator to thaw.
More low-carb snacks
Love this recipe? Please consider leaving a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟rating in the recipe card below and let me know what you think in the comments!
📖 Recipe
Vegan Protein Balls
Ingredients
- ½ cup (135g) almond butter well stirred
- ½ cup + 3 tablespoons (124g) almond flour
- 4 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons dairy-free mini chocolate chips (or regular)
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except chocolate chips in a mixing bowl. Stir until mixture is smooth. (Oil content of almond butter can vary. Make sure it is well stirred. Add a little extra almond flour if necessary to achieve desired consistency.)
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Scoop dough with a tablespoon and roll into balls.
- Store protein balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
randy
It's been a while since I made bliss balls, so this got my attention. I love the almond mix...These will be perfect all summer long when we need extra energy for all that extra work and play there is to do.
Tessa
Thanks, Randy!!
Sarah
I love to make a batch ahead of time to keep in my fridge. Then they are ready to go if I am craving a snack or quick protein. So much better than the processed stuff you get in the stores!
Tessa
Grab and go is the best!
Brynne
These are such a treat post-workout...and really anytime.
Tessa
Would be perfect for that!