Hi👋 I’m MARILYN, a 34-year-old from the United Kingdom. Cooking is my passion, and I love sharing delicious, easy-to-follow recipes. Join me on marilynrecipes.com to explore a world of culinary delights, from comforting classics to innovative creations. Let’s make cooking fun and enjoyable for everyone! Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories.
Today, I want to share one of my absolute favorite treats: protein balls for clean eating snacks. I discovered these little bites of goodness a few years ago when I was trying to find a way to fuel my afternoons without grabbing sugary snacks. I needed something wholesome, portable, and satisfying, and these protein balls became my go-to solution. Over time, I’ve perfected this recipe, and I now make them weekly. They are packed with nutrients, naturally sweetened, and they taste like a treat rather than a health snack.
If you’re looking for a clean eating snack that’s quick, simple, and energizing, these protein balls are perfect. I’ll show you exactly how I make them, step by step, with a few little kitchen secrets that take them from good to absolutely irresistible.
Why I Love Making This Recipe
I love making these protein balls because they bring together simplicity and nutrition in the coziest way. Each ball is a little bite of energy that you can take anywhere school, work, or on a hike. They’re made with natural ingredients like oats, nut butter, and a touch of honey or maple syrup, so I always feel good sharing them with my family.
Honestly, the best part is how flexible the recipe is. You can add your favorite mix-ins: dark chocolate chips, dried fruit, or even a sprinkle of seeds for crunch. Every batch feels slightly different, which keeps snack time exciting! Plus, they’re ready in under 20 minutes no baking required, which is perfect for busy days.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Here’s what I always keep in my pantry for my protein balls for clean eating snacks:
- 1 cup rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter or almond butter
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup protein powder (vanilla or chocolate works)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp chia seeds or flaxseeds
- 1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs
- Pinch of sea salt
Kitchen secrets:
- Toasting the oats lightly in a dry pan for 2–3 minutes adds a subtle nutty flavor.
- Let the nut butter come to room temperature so it mixes smoothly.
- If your mixture feels too dry, add a little more honey; if too sticky, add a few extra oats.
How I Make It, Step by Step
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, protein powder, chia seeds, and a pinch of sea salt.
- Add the nut butter, honey, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
- Mix everything together with a spatula until fully combined. The mixture should hold together when pressed.
- Fold in chocolate chips or cacao nibs.
- Using your hands, roll the mixture into small 1-inch balls. I usually make 12–15 balls depending on size.
- Place them on a tray lined with parchment paper.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to firm up before serving.
How I Serve It at Home
I love serving these protein balls in a little glass jar on the kitchen counter. My kids grab them as after-school snacks, and I often pack a few in my handbag for an energy boost mid-morning. Sometimes I sprinkle extra chia seeds on top for a little decoration. They’re perfect alongside a cup of tea or coffee, or just as a wholesome treat between meals.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
- Storage: Keep the protein balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezing: You can freeze them for up to 2 months just thaw for 10 minutes before eating.
- Make-Ahead: I often make a double batch on Sunday and portion them out for the week. It saves so much time and ensures healthy snacks are always on hand.
100-Word Short Version
These protein balls for clean eating snacks are a quick, easy, and nutritious treat. Made with oats, nut butter, protein powder, and a touch of honey, they’re naturally sweet, satisfying, and perfect for busy days. Simply mix the ingredients, roll into balls, and chill no baking required. They’re packed with energy, fiber, and protein, making them a guilt-free snack for kids and adults alike. Customize with chocolate chips, seeds, or dried fruit to suit your taste. Make a batch ahead, store in the fridge or freezer, and enjoy a healthy, grab-and-go snack anytime!
Recipe Card Section
⏱️ Time
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Chill Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
🛒 Ingredients <ul> <li>1 cup rolled oats</li> <li>1/2 cup natural peanut butter or almond butter</li> <li>1/3 cup honey or maple syrup</li> <li>1/2 cup protein powder (vanilla or chocolate)</li> <li>1 tsp vanilla extract</li> <li>2 tbsp chia seeds or flaxseeds</li> <li>1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs</li> <li>Pinch of sea salt</li> </ul>
👩🍳 Instructions <ol> <li>Mix oats, protein powder, chia seeds, and sea salt in a large bowl.</li> <li>Add nut butter, honey, and vanilla extract; stir until fully combined.</li> <li>Fold in chocolate chips.</li> <li>Roll mixture into 1-inch balls and place on parchment paper.</li> <li>Chill for 30 minutes before serving.</li> </ol>
📝 Notes
- Toast oats for extra flavor.
- Adjust honey or oats for consistency.
- Store in fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
🍽️ Nutrition
Serving size: 1 ball
Calories: 120 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 40 mg
Fat: 6 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 5 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Protein Balls for Clean Eating Snacks
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 12–15 balls 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: Clean Eating
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These protein balls for clean eating snacks are a quick, easy, and nutritious treat. Made with oats, nut butter, protein powder, and a touch of honey, they’re naturally sweet, satisfying, and perfect for busy days. Simply mix the ingredients, roll into balls, and chill — no baking required. Customize with chocolate chips, seeds, or dried fruit to suit your taste. Make a batch ahead, store in the fridge or freezer, and enjoy a healthy, grab-and-go snack anytime!
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter or almond butter
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup protein powder (vanilla or chocolate)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp chia seeds or flaxseeds
- 1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Mix oats, protein powder, chia seeds, and sea salt in a large bowl.
- Add nut butter, honey, and vanilla extract; stir until fully combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Roll mixture into 1-inch balls and place on parchment paper.
- Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Toast oats for extra flavor. Adjust honey or oats for consistency. Store in fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 40
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 0
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy making these protein balls for clean eating snacks as much as I do. They’re simple, wholesome, and full of love the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen feel cozy and your heart happy. Cooking and sharing snacks like this is about more than just food; it’s about creating memories, enjoying little moments, and giving your family a tasty, healthy treat they’ll love. Give this recipe a try and see how easy it is to keep your snack game clean, fun, and delicious!