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No-Bake Protein Balls: the Perfect Snack

By Holly Darnell, RD

July 25, 2024

Whether you’re getting ready for a workout or a road trip, no-bake protein balls are the real deal. They can deliver that perfect blend of healthy carbohydrates, fat and protein and help you recover from a workout or get you ready for one.

They can also hit that snack spot in your tummy, when munchies come calling, instead of indulging in an ultra-processed treat.

Also called energy balls or bits, no-bake protein balls are true to their name, especially if they include complex carbohydrates and performance fats that provide instant energy for you along with protein to aid recovery.

What makes for a delicious, healthy protein ball:

• Relies on binding ingredients like almond butter, cashew butter and coconut oil

• Adds healthy carbohydrates like oats

• Uses natural sweeteners like maple syrup, honey and dates

• Adds fun texture with ingredients like chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, slivered almonds, shredded coconut, dried cranberries and cacao nibs

• Uses a protein powder for extra protein

They also are easy to make, and no need to heat up your kitchen with the oven. These just require the refrigerator and are ready an hour or less later. Add them to your list of travel snacks.

Here are six of the best energy bites or protein balls that you can find, each featuring an Ancient Nutrition supplement that adds protein and certain benefits.

1. Cranberry almond energy bites

Feeling peckish and don't want to give in to eating cookies for your snack? These cranberry almond energy bites will do the trick. A perfect blend of sweet and salty, with a pleasant crunchy texture alongside balanced macronutrients to give you steady energy.

Multi Collagen Protein Vanilla offers a lightly sweet vanilla flavor is made from pasture-raised and grass-fed sources. Featuring 10 types of collagen, it supports healthy hair, skin, nails, joints and gut.

• Calories per ball: 165

• Macros: 16 grams of carbs; 11 grams of fat; 6 grams of protein

• Supplement used: Multi Collagen Protein Vanilla

2. Chocolate chip protein balls

These chocolate chip energy bites are a cinch to make. In a big mixing bowl, stir together almond butter, honey, vanilla and sea salt with a wooden spoon. Stir well before adding the Bone Broth Protein powder and combine thoroughly.

Bone Broth Protein is a nourishing, concentrated bone broth that contains three times more protein than homemade broth and makes it easy to get healthy gut, joint and inflammation support.

• Calories per ball: 131

• Macros: 7 grams of carbs; 10 grams of fat; 5 grams of protein

• Supplement used: Bone Broth Protein Chocolate (or Multi Collagen Protein Chocolate)

3. Strawberry coconut energy balls

One of the most balanced protein balls, these strawberry coconut energy balls contain almost equal amounts of carbs, protein and fat. They also feature a magical combination of flavors and textures, with strawberries, oats, almond butter and coconut chips.

• Calories per ball: 127

• Macros: 9 grams of carbs; 8 grams of fat; 6 grams of protein

• Supplement used: Bone Broth Protein Vanilla (or Multi Collagen Protein Vanilla)

4. Almond butter protein balls

The almond butter protein balls have a little more protein than average, as well as an extra superfood in the form of cacao nibs, which are loaded with antioxidants.

• Calories per ball: 191

• Macros: 15 grams of carbs; 11 grams of fat; 10 grams of protein

• Supplement used: Bone Broth Protein Vanilla (or Multi Collagen Protein Vanilla)

5. Chocolate protein balls

You've had a busy day, perhaps with a workout behind you … or you're about to head out for one. These are a great small snack to tide you over or help your muscles to recover, as they’re lower in calories than the average snack yet still contain healthy carbs, fat and protein.

• Calories per ball: 117

• Macros: 9 grams of carbs; 8 grams of fat; 4 grams of protein

• Supplement used: Plant Protein+ Chocolate (or Multi Collagen Protein Chocolate)

6. Brownie protein bites

These raw brownie bites are the epitome of the perfect grab-and-go snack, and they can even be vegan. To prep, these healthy bites only require five minutes (or less). Toss everything in a food processor, roll up your balls, put them in the freezer and call it a day.

• Calories per ball: 123

• Macros: 16 grams of carbs; 6 grams of fat; 4 grams of protein

• Supplement used: Bone Broth Protein Chocolate (or Plant Protein+ Chocolate)

Recipe developed by Holly Darnell, RD. Holly is a registered dietitian nutritionist who unlocked self-love at the intersection of exceptional food and practical solutions for healthy living. She’s passionate about helping others make simple, positive lifestyle changes on their individual path to healing.