These Protein Ball Are Better Than Cookie Dough
These Protein Ball Are Better Than Cookie Dough
Protein balls had a major moment a few years ago—and keto has totally brought 'em back.
“Protein balls are super fun and have become so popular because they are easy to make, easy to take on-the-go, and can be customized to a ton of different flavors and preferences depending on what you like, including pumpkin, cookie dough, and every flavor in between,” says nutritionist Maggie Michcalczyk, RD. (Helpful tip: Most recipes require just a food processor, if any kitchen gadgets at all.)
Though these bite-sized eats feel like a treat, they can be seriously nutritious, too. Pop one for something sweet after dinner or grab two or three before a workout, she suggests.
Your goal: Stick to recipes that provide some protein and fiber. “This combination will help to make your balls a more substantial snack,” Michalczyk says.
Many recipes get their protein from protein powder or collagen powder, or plant-based sources like nuts, seeds, chia, or hemp seeds. In addition to adding nutrition, the plant-based add-ins also give protein balls a really nice texture, says Michalczyk.
“In terms of sweeteners, stick to natural sweeteners like honey or dates," she says. "These definitely help to give protein balls a touch of natural sweetness without going overboard,” she says.
Since many packaged varieties are loaded with added sweeteners, you're best off whipping up your own—and with these 40 protein ball recipes, you'll literally never get bored of DIYing.
Pumpkin Superfood Energy Bites
These gluten- and dairy-free bites pack protein from nuts and seeds, and are low in sugar (unlike that PSL...).
Per serving (2 balls): 204 calories, 12 g fat, 12 g carbs, 6 g fiber, 6 g sugar, 100 mg sodium, 5g protein
Keto Cream Cheese Peanut Butter Balls
These protein balls are about as rich as it gets (and won't screw with your blood sugar).
Per serving: 124 calories, 11 g fat (5g sat), 3 g carbs, 1 g fiber, 2 g sugar, 106 mg sodium, 4 g protein
Pineapple Energy Bites
Vegan, paleo, and gluten-free, these bites are a trip to a tropical island.
Per serving: 60 calories, 4 g fat (1 g sat), 4 g carbs, 6 mg sodium, 2 g sugar, 1 g fiber, 4 g protein
Lemon Bliss Balls
These are basically your favorite Larabar in ball form.
Per serving: 88 calories, 3 g fat (1 g sat), 12 g carbs, 2 g fiber, 11 g sugar, 1 mg sodium, 2 g protein
Bone Broth Almond Cacao Energy Balls
Don't let the bone broth protein in these freak you out; they're freakin' delicious.
Per serving: 338 calories, 24 g fat (6 g sat), 29 g carbs, 4 g fiber, 43 mg sodium, 17 g sugar, 9 g protein
No-Bake Cashew Protein Balls
Made with cashews, honey, and dates, these balls are chewy, sweet, and done in 15 minutes.
Per serving: 250 calories, 16 g fat (5 g sat), 22 g carbs, 156 mg sodium, 2 g fiber, 15 g sugar, 7 g protein
Healthy Peanut Butter Oat Protein Balls
This basic recipe is the perfect platform for add-ins like nuts, shredded coconut, and cacao nibs.
Per serving: 134 calories, 7.7 g fat (2.3 g sat), 13.1 g carbs, 2 g fiber, 2.9 g sugar, 117mg sodium, 4.3 g protein
6-Ingredient Cookie Dough Protein Bites
Made with coconut flour, these balls taste like raw cookie dough, but are way better for you.
Per serving: 115 calories, 7.2 g fat (2.7 g sat), 10.1 g carbs, 3.2 g fiber, 4.8 g sugar, 49.4 mg sodium, 3.4 g protein
Blueberry Paleo Energy Balls
These balls pack protein from almond butter and fruitiness from blueberries to keep things balanced.
Per serving: 140 calories, 1 g sat fat, 55 mg sodium, 11 g carbs, 2 g fiber, 6 g sugar, 4 g protein
Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Truffles
If you're craving dessert, that chocolate drizzle won't disappoint.
GET THE RECIPE
Per serving: 168 calories, 4 g sat fat, 16 g carbs, 130 mg sodium, 10 g sugar, 3 g fiber, 4 g protein
Chocolate Orange Bites
Chocolate and orange are a match made in heaven in this out-of-the-box protein ball recipe.
Per serving: 158 calories, 1 g sat fat, 23 mg carbs, 3 mg sodium, 14 g sugar, 2 g fiber, 3 g protein
5-Minute Peanut Butter Protein Bites
These seedy, coconut-y bites pack plenty of texture (and are almost too simple to throw together).
Per serving: 150 calories, 8.8 g fat (1.2 g sat), 14 g carbs, 3.2 g fiber, 7.7 g sugar, 7.5 g protein
Healthy Peanut Butter Cookie Protein Balls
These balls are low-carb, low-sugar, and grain-free, making them an easy option for pretty much anyone, no matter their eating style.
Per serving: 135 calories, 9.2 g fat, 5.9 g carbs, 1.7 g fiber, 2.3 g sugar, 5.5 g protein
Oatmeal, Chia, Cacao Cookie Energy Bite
These contain basically every protein ball add-in, if you're in an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink kinda mood.
Per serving: 149 calories, 7.7 g fat, 17.6 g carbs, 8.6 g sugar, 3.9 g fiber, 4.6 g protein
Nut-Free Chocolate Cherry Bites
These nut-free balls taste like the cherry chocolate truffles in fancy boxes of Valentine's Day chocolates.
Per serving: 96 calories, 3 g fat, (1 g sat), 16 g carbs, 2 g fiber, 2 g protein
Basic Vegan Protein Balls
When you just need simple, make these. (Add protein powder for extra oomph.)
Per serving: 86 calories, 5.1 g fat, 7.9 g carbs, 47.6 mg sodium, 3.6 g sugar, 1.4 g fiber, 2.6 g protein
Whole30 Protein Balls
Whole30 may not officially approve of these treats, but they're technically compliant and I won't tell.
Per serving: 49 calories, 2.5 g fat, 6 g carbs, 2.5 g fiber, 2 g protein
Keto Almond Butter Protein Balls
These keto treats take just three ingredients to make (and they're vegan).
Per serving: 55 calories, 4 g fat, 3 g carbs, 2 g fiber, 2 g protein
Paleo Salted Almond Protein Balls
Grab some dates, salted almonds, almond butter, and chocolate chips, and voila, you've got a paleo snack everyone will love.
Per serving: 75 calories, 5 g fat, 8 g carbs, 3 g fiber, 4 g protein
Meal-Replacement Protein Balls
These energy- and nutrient-dense bites come in clutch before or after a workout.
Per serving: 441 calories, 29 g fat (7 g sat), 36 g carbs, 205 mg sodium, 20 g sugar, 7 g fiber, 14 g protein
Vegan Chocolate Protein Balls
These low-calorie vegan protein balls promise to tide you over when you're peckish right before dinner.
Per serving: 56 calories, 3g fat (1g sat), 7g carbs, 10mg sodium, 4g sugar, 1g fiber, 2g protein
Peanut Butter Truffle Bites
Your go-to PB protein ball, but chocolate-covered. Need I say more?
Per serving: 128 calories, 9 g fat (3 g sat), 11 g carbs, 40 mg sodium, 6 g sugar, 1 g fiber, 3 g protein
Nut Butter Oat Protein Balls
With plenty of chew and nutty flavor, these take just four ingredients to make.
Per serving: 68 calories, 3 g fat (1 g sat), 10 g carbs, 27 mg sodium, 4 g sugar, 1 g fiber, 2 g protein
Raw Mint Chip Hemp Balls
These mint chip-flavored protein balls ride the hemp wave and provide plenty of healthy fats and protein as a result.
Per serving: 103.9 calories, 7.4 g fat, 8.1 g carb, 1.7 g fiber, 3.1 g protein
Cinnamon Roll Bliss Balls
Craving a Cinnabon? These collagen-packed protein balls satisfy without the sugar crash.
Per serving: 159 calories, 11.7 g fat (2.1 g sat), 11.2 g carbs, 90 mg sodium, 1.7 g fiber, 3.7 g protein
Carrot Cake Protein Balls
These balls taste like the real deal (minus the cream cheese frosting, of course).
Per serving: 191 calories, 16.8 g fat (2 g sat), 8.2 g carbs, 5 mg sodium, 2.9 g fiber, 4.6 g sugar, 4.6 g protein
Paleo, Gluten-Free Brownie Bites
These pack a serious punch of protein and have gooey brownie batter-like texture.
Per serving: 245 calories, 20 g fat (1.9 g sat), 9.8 g carbs, 25 mg sodium, 5.1 g fiber, 10 g protein
Keto Peanut Butter Protein Balls
These PB-collagen bites are virtually sugar-free, so there's that.
Per serving: 92 calories, 7.5 g fat, 3 g carbs, 1 g fiber, 0.2 g sugar, 4 g protein
Keto Cookie Dough Protein Bites
Even if you're not keto, you can appreciate these super-low-carb cookie dough bites.
Per serving: 169 calories, 14 g fat, 4 g carbs, 1 g fiber, 1 g sugar, 9 g protein
Chocolate Coconut Protein Balls
Almond Joy in healthy ball form? Don't mind if I do.
Per serving: 58 calories, 4.7 g fat (2.4 g sat), 2 g carbs, 0.8 g fiber, 36 mg sodium, 0.7 g sugar, 3.1 g protein
Chocolate Pistachio Protein Balls
Pistachios bring unique flavor (and fun color) to these chocolatey bites.
Per serving: 85 calories, 6.5 g fat (1 g sat), 5.1 g carbs, 2.1 g fiber, 12 mg sodium, 1.4 g sugar, 3.4 g protein
Dark Chocolate Chunk Protein Balls
I see you, dark chocolate fans! These protein bites are antioxidant central.
Per serving: 85 calories, 3 g fat (1 g sat), 11 g carbs, 2 g fiber, 7 g sugar, 4 g protein
Low-Carb Peanut Butter Balls
Add your favorite protein powder to this simple recipe for major PB cookie vibes
Per serving: 104 calories, 6 g fat, 2 g carbs, 1 g fiber, 8 g protein
Vegan Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Balls
These are vegan, keto, and filled with chocolate and peanut butter, so really, what more could you want?
Per serving: 74 calories, 4 g fat, 4 g carbs, 54 mg sodium, 2 g fiber, 6 g protein
Healthy Keto Almond Protein Balls
Made with coconut, almonds, almond butter, and cinnamon, these high-protein bites pack just enough spice.
Per serving: 87 calories, 6.3 g fat (0.6 g sat), 3 g carbs, 19 mg sodium, 1.9 g fiber, 6.3 g protein
Keto Matcha Protein Balls
These are packed with antioxidants and collagen, and they're also just super pretty.
Per serving: 116 calories, 9 g fat (4 g sat), 3 g carbs, 1 g sugar, 31 mg sodium, 1 g fiber, 5 g protein
Almond Butter, Coconut, Chocolate Chip Protein Balls
Stick with unsweetened coconut and these are a crazy-low-sugar treat.
Per serving: 87 calories, 7 g fat (3 g sat), 4 g carbs, 1 g sugar, 6 mg sodium, 2 g fiber, 3 g protein
Peanut Butter Granola Energy Balls
Sweetened with monk fruit, these paleo and vegan bites are just chocolatey enough.
Per serving: 145 calories, 7.5 g fat, 7.5 g carbs, 1.5 g sugar, 3.3 g fiber, 5.3 g protein
Buckeye-Style Peanut Butter Balls
Loaded with healthy fats and low in sugar, these Buckeye-like protein balls are total cravings-crushers.
Per serving: 130 calories, 10.3 g fat, 7.3 g carbs, 2.4 g sugar, 3.6 g fiber, 4.4 g protein
Brownie Protein Balls
These are thick and fudgy thanks to ghee and nut butter. (Better than licking the spoon back in the day, really.)
Per serving: 174 calories, 16.7 g fat, 4.3 g carbs, 2.6 g fiber, 0 g sugar, 3 g protein
Pinky promise.