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Low Calorie Protein Balls Recipe

This low calorie protein balls recipe is a great way to satisfy a sweet tooth while following a lower calorie diet. They are made with simple ingredients and healthy fats that won’t spike your blood sugar.

peanut butter energy balls on a white plate with a glass of milk in the background

LOW CALORIE PROTEIN BALLS RECIPE

If you’ve ever found yourself craving a snack that’s delicious and won’t throw your whole healthy-eating vibe off course, then say hello to this Low Calorie Protein Balls Recipe—your new bestie. 

These little bites of heaven are packed with healthy ingredients to fuel your day and low in calories so you can snack guilt-free. They’re so easy to make that you’ll wonder why you haven’t been rolling these up your whole life. 

Perfect for post-gym fuel, mid-afternoon pick-me-ups, or whenever your sweet tooth demands attention. These protein-packed bites will have you saying “Goodbye, boring snacks” and “Hello, tasty treats!” 

Plus, you get to feel like a meal-prepping pro while barely lifting a finger. Not to mention two peanut butter energy bites contain 12 grams of protein. 

​Let’s roll, snack stars!

If you liked this protein energy balls recipe you may also want to try my Healthy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Proteins Cookies or my Edible Protein Birthday Cake Cookie Dough.

BENEFITS OF THESE LOW CALORIE PROTEIN BALLS

  • Quick & Easy: No need to turn on the oven! 
  • Protein-Packed Goodness: Loaded with protein from ingredients like protein powder, nut butter, and oats.
  • Low-Calorie Option: Satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt. 
  • Customizable AF: Whether you love chocolate, coconut, or dried fruit, you can easily mix in your favorite ingredients to make them your own. 
  • Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch at the start of the week, and you’ll have a great snack ready whenever hunger strikes.
  • Boost of Energy: With natural sugars and healthy fats, these protein balls provide a quick energy boost.
  • No Added Junk: You control the ingredients, so you know exactly what’s going into your snack.

close up shot of a low calorie protein ball recipe with mini chocolate chips and old fashioned oats

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS FOR THE LOW CALORIE PROTEIN BALL RECIPE

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make these easy protein balls (the exact measurements, nutrition information and full recipe are in the printable recipe card below):

  • Old fashioned oats – can also use quick oats if desired.
  • Natural peanut butter – alternatively can use cashew butter, almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or even peanut butter powder with added liquid. (1/2 cup pb fit and 6 tbsp water)
  • Honey or pure maple syrup
  • Vanilla protein powder – can also use plant-based protein powders, whey protein powder, your favorite chocolate protein powder, etc. 
  • Chia seeds
  • Flax seed meal
  • Unsweetened shredded coconut (optional, for coating)
  • Mini chocolate chips (optional)
  • Optional add-ins: vanilla extract, medjool dates, cocoa powder, dried fruits, hemp seeds, nuts, or seeds for added texture and flavor.

HOW TO MAKE THE LOW CALORIE PROTEIN BALLS RECIPE

  1. In a large bowl or food processor, combine rolled oats, protein powder, chia seeds, and flaxseed meal. Stir until well combined.
  2. Add the nut butter and honey (or maple syrup) to the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until all the wet ingredients ingredients are evenly distributed. The mixture should be sticky and moldable.
  3. If desired, incorporate any optional add-ins at this stage. Whether you prefer the crunch of nuts or the sweetness of dried fruits, feel free to experiment with different combinations to suit your taste.
  4. Once the mixture is well combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Chilling the mixture will make it easier to handle and shape into balls.
  5. After the chilling period, remove the mixture from the refrigerator. Take a tablespoon-sized portion and roll it between your palms to form a ball. Repeat this process until you’ve used all the mixture.
  6. If desired, roll the protein balls in unsweetened shredded coconut, gently pressing to adhere the coconut to the surface. This step adds a delightful texture and enhances the overall taste.
  7. Place the protein balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Allow them to set in the refrigerator for at least an hour or until firm.
  8. Once the protein balls have hardened, transfer them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, providing you with a convenient and healthy snack whenever you need an energy boost.

top down view of 13 low calorie protein ball recipe on top of each other with a glass of milk

STORING THE ENERGY BITE RECIPE

To store: Place no bake balls in an airtight container and keep them the fridge. They will keep fresh for up to 2 weeks.

To freeze: If you make a big batch of these balls, they can be placed in a ziplock bag and stored in the freezer for up to 6 months. 

DIFFERENT VARIATIONS FOR THE LOW CALORIE PROTEIN BALLS

For the flavor variations, make the basic base recipe first. Then, add in the extra ingredients to switch up the flavors.

Chocolate peanut butter balls

  • Protein ball base
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup chocolate chips

Monster cookie protein balls

  • Protein ball base
  • 1/2 cup mini M&M’s or vegan candy buttons

Oatmeal raisin balls

  • Protein ball base
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup raisins

White chocolate cranberry balls

  • Protein ball base
  • 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened dried cranberries

close up shot of low calorie protein ball recipe with mini chocolate chips

FAQS

CAN I MAKE THE LOW CALORIE PROTEIN BALLS VEGAN?

Absolutely! You can easily modify the low-calorie protein ball recipe to make it vegan-friendly by using vegan protein powder and dairy free chocolate chips.

CAN I MAKE THESE PROTEIN BALLS NUT FREE?

Yes! If you’re avoiding nuts, swap out nut butter with sunflower seed butter and add sunflower seeds for a nutty flavor without the nuts.

DO I NEED ANY SPECIAL EQUIPMENT TO MAKE THIS EASY SNACK?

Nope! All you need is a wooden spoon to mix the ingredients, and your hands to roll the mixture into small balls—no special equipment required.

Other High Protein Treats You May Like To Try!

Yield: 13 balls

Low Calorie Protein Balls Recipe

close up shot of natural peanut butter protein balls with mini chocolate chips

This low calorie protein ball recipe is a great way to satisfy a sweet tooth while following a lower calorie diet. They are made with simple ingredients and healthy fats that won't spike your blood sugar.

Prep Time 30 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup old fashioned quick oats
  • 1/2 cup pb fit mixed with 6 tbsp water
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1/2 cup Vanilla protein powder
  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds
  • 2 tablespoons flax seed meal
  • 2 tbsp mini dark chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl or food processor, combine rolled oats, protein powder, chia seeds, and flaxseed meal. Stir until well combined.
  2. Add the nut butter mixture and honey (or maple syrup) to the dry mixture. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly distributed. The mixture should be sticky and moldable.
  3. If desired, incorporate any optional add-ins at this stage. Whether you prefer the added sweetness of chocolate chips or dried fruits or the crunch of nuts, feel free to experiment with different combinations to suit your taste.
  4. Once the mixture is well combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Chilling the mixture will make it easier to handle and shape into balls.
  5. After the chilling period, remove the mixture from the refrigerator. Take a tablespoon-sized portion and roll it between your palms to form a ball. Repeat this process until you've used all the mixture.
  6. If desired, roll the protein balls in unsweetened shredded coconut, gently pressing to adhere the coconut to the surface. This step adds a delightful texture and enhances the overall taste.
  7. Place the protein balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Allow them to set in the refrigerator for at least an hour or until firm.
  8. Once the protein balls have hardened, transfer them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, providing you with a convenient and healthy snack whenever you need an energy boost.

Notes

Can use 1/2 cup peanut butter instead of the pb fit mixture.

Used PEScience Gourmet Vanila protein powder - use code BAILEY at checkout to save $$ on all products.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

13

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 155Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 61mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 2gSugar: 6gProtein: 6g

The nutrition information provided is calculated based on industry-standard software and should be used as a general guide only. The information may vary depending on ingredient substitutions, cooking techniques, and individual serving sizes. It is the responsibility of the reader to ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of the nutritional information provided. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical or nutritional advice.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

IF YOU TRIED THESE PEANUT BUTTER ENERGY BALLS PLEASE LEAVE THEM A COMMENT AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS GREAT RECIPE ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails

bailey

About Bailey

I love to bake, cook, exercise, and document all of the above. Nutrition is not low fat. It is not low calorie. It’s not feeling deprived or being hungry all the time. It’s nourishing your body with real, whole foods so that you are consistently satisfied and energized to live your life to the fullest! Read more…

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