You finished making your batch of homemade nut milk, and you are left with all that pulp! No what? Or maybe you simply want to make some healthy low-calorie protein balls to have them ready as a pre or post-workout snack. These no-bake protein balls are the answer. You will love these no-fuss vegan, low-calorie protein balls! Made with just three simple ingredients, they're a perfect on-the-go snack when you need something to tide you over until your next meal.
This was inspired by my vegan truffles recipe on this site and is perfect for a pre-workout snack. We alternate between these: our beetroot juice before working out and our post-workout smoothie, the perfect workout triage!
We love these chocolate beauties; it is like the solid version of our vegan almond milk.
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🧾 Ingredients
We use simple ingredients.
This recipe works perfectly with store-bought almond meal.
- Almond pulp - since we usually make our homemade almond milk, we are left with almond pulp which we use for many recipes calling for almond pulp; that way, we make the best out of our leftovers.
- Flax meal (ground flax seeds) - if you have whole flax seeds, you can simply grind them using a nutribullet (affiliate link) or a small food processor.
- Protein powder - we can't recommend you more complement's chocolate vegan protein powder. It has simple ingredients like almonds, yellow peas, chia, sunflower, and pumpkin seeds. We use the same protein to make our vegan protein cookies.
- Optional Medjool date - recommended if you like very sweet snacks, add one pitted Medjool date. Also, they are fantastic if you plan to have this snack around your workout hours because they help prevent muscle cramps and help you recover faster.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Substitutions
These energy balls (AKA energy bites) are super versatile here; we provide son substitutions.
- Almond pulp - instead, you can use choose walnut or hazelnut pulp after making nut milk. Also, you can absolutely use ground almonds or almond meal as a substitute for almond pulp. They'll give you that nutty flavor and texture we all love. But hey, if you're looking to mix things up a bit, you could also try using oat flour. It's another awesome, gluten-free option that works well in recipes like this. Just blend some rolled oats until you get a coarse powder, and you're good to go!
- Vegan Protein powder - use your favorite flavored protein powder to vary the flavor. i.e., banana, strawberry, or vanilla protein powder.
- Medjool date - you can substitute it with a tablespoon of your favorite seed butter or nut butter, such as almond butter. Or, if you simply want more sweetness, add ½ tablespoon maple syrup, agave nectar, molasses, homemade date paste, or brown rice syrup.
Another variation we love is this no-bake coffee energy bites recipe because they are super easy to make and give you that morning coffee flavor that we crave during busy mornings.
🍽 Equipment
Nothing! just your hands, a small mixing bowl, and a measuring spoon! You can also use an ice cream scoop to facilitate the ball-making process.
🔪 Instructions
Only if using Meedjol date:
Step 1: Pitt the date.
Step 2: Leave it soaking in water for 5 minutes.
Start here if you are not using Medjool dates.
Step 3: Add flax meal into a small bowl with 2 parts of water. 1 tablespoon flax meal + 2 tablespoons water. Let it jellify for 5 minutes.
Step 4: Stir the chocolate protein powder in.
Step 5: Add the almond pulp.
Step 6: Include the optional pitted date.
Step 7: Mash everything with a fork.
Step 8: Make a ball, separate it into 3 small balls, and shape it with your hands or a small ice cream scoop.
Hint: each ball corresponds to about one tablespoon of mixed ingredients. Make bite-sized balls and optionally coat them with powdered coconut or additional almond pulp.
💡 Top tip
These keto protein balls have a better texture when refrigerated for more than an hour, but they can be consumed directly after making them.
📖 Variations
Peanut butter protein balls - simply add one tablespoon of chunky peanut butter. Keep in mind that it will raise the calorie count of these low-calorie chocolate truffles.
More carbs and kid-friendly - add one tablespoon of vegan mini chocolate chips.
Rich in fiber - soak a tablespoon of rolled oats with the flax meal, adding one tablespoon of water. Remember that it will be less sweet, so if you add oatmeal, we recommend adding Medjool date or your favorite natural sweetener.
Chunkier - add a tablespoon of your choice of dried fruit.
🥢 How to serve
I like having these protein balls with a glass of homemade oat milk, or vegan chocolate almond milk.
🥡 Storage
Store these protein bites in the refrigerator using a BPA-free airtight container. They will keep for 2-3 days.
Alternatively, you can freeze them. Frozen protein balls with keep for up to 3 months.
❓FAQ
Yes, protein balls can be healthy. They are a good source of protein and can also provide other essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals. However, it's important to watch the protein ball's calories and sugar content as they can add up quickly. Try making your protein balls at home with wholesome ingredients to ensure that you're getting the most benefit from them.
Protein balls are a convenient way to get a quick dose of protein, especially if you're on the go. They also satisfy your sweet tooth without going overboard on unhealthy sugars.
Most protein balls recipes include some combination of raw almonds, peanut butter, sweetener, and chocolate. This provides a good balance of macronutrients and flavors, as well as plenty of antioxidants and healthy fats. Protein balls make an excellent pre-or post-workout snack or just a quick snack when you need something sweet but don't want to ruin your diet.
📚 More healthy snack recipes
Try out our candied walnuts, heathy vegan truffles, vegan granola bars made with peanut butter, and the ones we make with hazelnut butter; you will absolutely love them!
Munch on a 69-cal delicious blueberry muffin in less than 25 minutes!
If you love figs as we do, don't skip these no-bake 5-ingredient fig bars and pumpkin protein balls.
⭐ If you try this chocolate gluten-free protein balls recipe, let us know! 💬 Leave a comment, rate it, and don't forget to tag us @ourplantbasedworld on Instagram. Cheers!
For more protein snacks but for your children, check the Serenity Kids recipes!
📋 Recipe
3-ingredient Low Calorie Vegan Protein Balls (Gluten-Free, No bake)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chocolate protein powder
- 1 tablespoon almond pulp
- 1 tablespoon flax meal mixed with 2 tablespoons of water
Optional
Directions
Only if using Meedjol date:
- Pitt the date and leave it soaking in water for 5 minutes. If the Date is soft you can skip this step.
Start here if not using Meedjol dates:
- Add flax meal into a small bowl with 2 parts of water. 1 tablespoon flax meal + 2 tablespoons water. Let it jellify for 5 minutes.
- Stir the chocolate protein powder in, with the almond pulp- and optional date.
- Mash everything with a fork.
- Make a ball and then separate it into 3 small balls and shape it with your hands or a small ice cream scoop.
- Let rest in the fridge for at least 1 hour. (optional)
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Nutritional Disclaimer
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice. See our full Nutritional Disclosure here.
Affiliate Disclaimer
Please note that some of the links here are affiliate links, and I will earn a commission if you purchase through those links. I recommend all of the products listed because they are companies I have found helpful and trustworthy.
As the lead content writer and recipe developer at Our Plant-Based World, he combines his passion for health and sustainability with a Plant-Based Nutrition Certification to create accessible, delicious vegan recipes. His expertise in plant-based cooking supports the blog's mission of fostering a healthier, environmentally conscious lifestyle through simple and seasonal dishes. His commitment to making vegan cooking enjoyable and inclusive for everyone shines in each recipe and article.
Katie
These protein balls are amazing! They're the perfect quick and easy gluten-free snack.
Jacqui
These protein balls turned out so fabulous! This recipe is really easy to follow. Definitely recommend.