Chocolate Protein Balls - Healthy, Paleo, Gluten Free (2024)

These Chocolate Protein Balls are super delicious and so easy to make. Made with unsweetened cocoa powder, shredded coconut, and dates, you will love this recipe that is perfect as breakfast or an after workout snack. Best of all, they’re no bake, paleo friendly, gluten-free, raw, vegan and refined sugar free.

Updated August 2020

Chocolate Protein Bite Recipe

Healthy, sweet, and super easy to prepare with some basic pantry ingredients, these Chocolate Protein Ballsare going to be right up your ally. When we say they are some of our favorite things, we are telling you the truth about how much we love this gluten free recipe.

These energy bites are perfect for kids, snacking on at home, or out on the trails. Even my husband says this is one of his favorite healthy snacks!

Why You Should Make This Recipe

We love this recipe so much because it is loaded with healthy and whole ingredients that are full of nutrients. It’s gluten-free, grain-free,vegan, paleo-friendly, plus it freezes well.

You can make a big batch ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer for when you’re craving something sweet so it works perfectly for meal prep!

We do not know about you, but we are looking for easy solutions with food these days! All you need for this protein ball recipe is about 10 minutes of your time, a few ingredients, mixing utensils, and a food processor.

Looking to switch things up? Be sure to check out this Protein Balls post that includes more healthy protein ball recipes.

Ingredients For Chocolate Coconut Protein Balls

Many protein ball recipes use a combination of old-fashioned rolled oats, natural peanut butter, honey and maple syrup Since we are trying to keep these protein balls vegan and grain-free, we are going to be using:

• Unsweetened shredded coconut– for that nutty flavor and additional subtle sweetness
• Cocoa powder– unsweetened or can substitute with your favorite cacao powder
• Dates– pitted; for that healthy sweetness – to make these protein balls keto, simply omit the dates and swap with a liquid sweetener such as Lakanto Sugar-Free Maple Syrup
• Almonds– blended in a food processor for that nutty texture and boost of plant protein
• Vanilla extract –for additional flavor and well rounded sweetness

OPTIONAL:

• Protein Powder:we likeNuZest Just CleanorSprout Living Pea Proteinbut you can use your favorite. We have not tested this with a Whey protein powder since we wanted to keep this recipe vegan but feel free to do so if it fits with your dietary preference.

How to Make Chocolate Protein Balls

1. FOOD PROCESSOR: In the bowl of a food processor, add almonds and pulse until they are finely chopped (be careful not to pulse too long or they will start to turn into a paste).
2. MIX INGREDIENTS: Add dates, coconut, cocoa powder and vanilla extract. Continue to pulse the mixture for about 2-3 minutes (scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed) or until the mixture easily holds together and sticks to the bowl.
3. SCOOP MIXTURE: Using a measuring spoon or a small cookie scoop, measure out 1/2 tablespoon of the mixture. Roll into a ball and flatten.
   Place an almond in the middle.
4. ROLL INTO BALLS: Scoop another 1/2 tablespoon of the date mixture on top and roll into balls.
5. COAT WITH COCONUT: Roll the ball into the bowl of shredded coconut topping. Repeat with rest of mixture.
6. STORE & SERVE: Store the energy bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Variations and tips for making the best healthy protein balls

• Wet hands slightly before rolling into balls to avoid sticking
• Add a touch of liquid sweetener such as honey or maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter treat
• Add cinnamon, pistachios, dried fruit, hemp or chia seeds, or flax meal for additional benefits
• Feel free to add a spoonful of natural peanut butter, nut butter or seed butter of your choice to bump up the protein and healthy fats if not paleo
• Toss in a handful of dairy-free chocolate chips

Storage and Freezing

The great thing about making your own homemade protein snacks is that you can make a batch ahead of time and store them for later. To store these healthy protein bites, simply transfer these chocolate protein bites into an airtight storage container and place in the refrigerator. These healthy protein bites will last in the fridge for up to two weeks!

Did you know this recipe is also incredibly easy to freeze? Make a double batch and place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and place them in the freezer for about 30 minutes to set. After the energy bites set, we like to store them in freezer-friendly storage bags or containers.

Are protein balls healthy?

These energy bites are filled with wholesome ingredients that are full of protein, fiber, and other nutrients. We recommend these for a nice well-rounded snack!

More Healthy Snack Recipes You May Enjoy

Almond Joy Overnight Oats

Chocolate Fat Bombs

Homemade Granola Bars

No Bake Protein Bars

No Bake Energy Bites