No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls

A protein snack is something that I eat at some point almost every day to give me a little pick-me-up or to fill the gaps between meals in a nourishing way. So having protein snacks on hand is a pretty essential component of my food planning. But ready made versions are rarely on my grocery shopping list. No matter how much chocolate or peanut butter with which the store-bought protein bars surround their protein, it never seems to disguise the "Play-Doh" taste of protein powders themselves … maybe if they used better quality chocolate and peanut butter?

So, I prefer to make my own bars and nibbles, not only because I can control the quality of the other ingredients that accompany the protein powder, but also because they are so much tastier. They're almost always so easy to make at home too, and a good protein powered snack need not include protein powder anyway to provide a healthy and heavy dose of protein goodness.

Unlike so many snacks with protein powder, these chocolate peanut butter protein balls actually gain from the addition of protein powder — not just in terms of the protein benefits, but because the chocolate protein powder I used adds an almost truffle-like consistency to these portable little bites. It really does make a difference what sort of protein powder you use. Do look for a protein powder that is not only high in quality and protein, but one that is also virtually free of its own "Play-Doh" rather chalky taste. I find that brown rice protein powders are a great option as they have almost no taste themselves. For this recipe, you want a chocolate flavored protein powder, but look for one with minimal ingredients, no hydrogenated oils, only cocoa or cacao for the chocolate flavoring, and only small additions of natural sweeteners like stevia.

Chocolate and peanut butter is a classic combination for delicious snacks when using quality ingredients, and these ones are as good as the combination advertises even with protein powder added. A nibble or two of these little easy-to-make protein balls adds a little sweetness to your breakfast along with some energy and additional protein throughout the day. They are also a fine portable option to take along with you so that you have nibbles on hand when you feel that need for a little protein boost. And they keep well in the refrigerator for a up to a week in a well sealed container.

No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls

Recipe by Lisa Turner Published on February 22, 2019 Easy no-bake cocoa and peanut butter balls are a protein boost for any time of day Preparation: 15 minutes Print this recipe Ingredients: 1/3 cup natural peanut butter, crunchy or smooth 2 1/2 tablespoons raw honey or other liquid sweetener 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract pinch or two of sea salt 1/2 cup chocolate protein powder 2 tablespoons cacao or cocoa powder Instructions: In a medium bowl, mix together the peanut butter, honey, vanilla and salt until well blended. Sift in the protein powder and cacao or cocoa. Using your hands, work the dough until it holds together and can be shaped. If it seems too dry, add a little more peanut butter, and if it seems too moist, sprinkle in more cacao or cocoa. Shape into 1-inch balls and place in a covered container to set in the refrigerator. Keep refrigerated for a week or longer. Makes 13 to 15 1-inch balls

Other protein and energy treats to enjoy from Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen:
Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars
Quinoa Nut and Fruit Protein Bars
Raw Nut and Seed Chocolate Chunk Mint Energy Balls
Oat and Peanut Butter Energy Nibbles
Cocoa Fruit Energy Bites

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