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.
I still remember the first time I made protein balls. It was a chilly Sunday morning, and my kids were bouncing around, asking for snacks. I wanted something quick, healthy, and low in sugar but still tasty enough that they’d love it. That’s when I experimented with nuts, oats, and a little natural sweetener. The result? A batch of chewy, flavorful protein balls that disappeared almost immediately. Ever since, they’ve been a staple in our pantry for school lunches, post-workout energy, and those “I need something sweet but healthy” moments.
Protein balls for low sugar snacking are perfect for anyone who wants a treat that’s both satisfying and guilt-free. In this recipe, I’ll share all my little secrets for making these bites flavorful, chewy, and full of love. Whether you’re a busy mom, a student, or just someone who wants to snack smart, these protein balls will become your go-to snack.
Why I Love Making This Recipe
I love making these protein balls because they’re versatile and forgiving. You can customize them with your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruits, and you can adjust the sweetness naturally. I also love how fast they come together no baking required, just mixing and rolling. Every time I make them, my kitchen fills with the warm scent of roasted nuts and cocoa, and it always brings a sense of comfort.
These protein balls aren’t just about convenience; they’re about creating something wholesome and nourishing that my family actually enjoys. Seeing my kids reach for them with excitement and knowing they’re getting protein and fiber without added sugar makes every minute in the kitchen worthwhile.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Here’s my favorite low sugar protein ball recipe:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup natural peanut butter (or almond butter)
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup vanilla protein powder (low sugar)
- 3 tbsp chia seeds
- 3 tbsp flaxseeds
- 2–3 tbsp maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional, for rolling)
- 2–3 tbsp almond milk (optional, if mixture is too dry)
Little kitchen secrets:
- Toast the oats lightly in a dry pan to bring out a nutty flavor.
- Chill the nut butter slightly if it’s too runny for easier rolling.
- If the mixture feels too sticky, adding a little almond milk helps without adding sugar.
- Rolling in shredded coconut gives them a fun texture and keeps them from sticking together.
How I Make It, Step by Step
- In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, cocoa powder, protein powder, chia seeds, and flaxseeds. Mix thoroughly.
- Add peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until fully combined. The mixture will be thick and slightly sticky.
- If the mixture feels dry, add almond milk one tablespoon at a time until it reaches a pliable consistency.
- Using your hands, roll the mixture into small bite-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Optional: Roll each ball in shredded coconut or finely chopped nuts for a decorative and tasty coating.
- Place the protein balls on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
How I Serve It at Home
I usually keep a batch in an airtight container in the fridge. They make a perfect breakfast-on-the-go, afternoon snack, or even a post-workout boost. Sometimes I pair them with a cup of green tea or a cold glass of milk for my kids. They’re great for lunchboxes or even as a small treat after dinner.
I love setting out a little plate of protein balls during weekend family gatherings. They’re fun to grab, mess-free, and a great conversation starter about healthy snacking habits.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigeration: Store protein balls in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Freezing: They freeze beautifully just place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the fridge before eating.
- Make-ahead: These can be made in large batches for weekly snack prep. They actually taste even better after a day or two as the flavors meld together.
100-Word Short Version
Protein balls for low sugar snacking are my go-to treat for busy mornings, lunchboxes, or post-workout fuel. Made with oats, nut butter, protein powder, chia seeds, and just a touch of maple syrup, they’re chewy, flavorful, and naturally sweetened. No baking is required just mix, roll, and chill! I love making them because they’re customizable, quick, and loved by my whole family. Roll them in shredded coconut for extra texture. Keep a batch in the fridge or freezer for healthy, guilt-free snacking anytime. Perfect for anyone wanting a simple, nourishing treat.
Recipe Card Section
⏱️ Time
- Prep: 15 min
- Chill: 30 min
- Total: 45 min
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup natural peanut butter
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup vanilla protein powder (low sugar)
- 3 tbsp chia seeds
- 3 tbsp flaxseeds
- 2–3 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
- 2–3 tbsp almond milk (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Combine oats, cocoa powder, protein powder, chia seeds, and flaxseeds in a large bowl.
- Add peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
- Add almond milk if mixture is too dry.
- Roll mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Optional: Roll in shredded coconut or chopped nuts.
- Chill in fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
📝 Notes
- Toast oats for extra flavor.
- Adjust sweetness with natural sweeteners.
- Can freeze for up to 3 months.
🍽️ Nutrition
- Serving size: 2 balls
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Protein Balls for Low Sugar Snacking
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 12 balls 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: British
Description
These low sugar protein balls are a perfect snack for busy mornings, lunchboxes, or post-workout fuel. Made with oats, nut butter, protein powder, and a touch of natural sweetener, they’re chewy, flavorful, and naturally sweetened. Quick, easy, and loved by the whole family!
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup natural peanut butter
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup vanilla protein powder (low sugar)
- 3 tbsp chia seeds
- 3 tbsp flaxseeds
- 2–3 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
- 2–3 tbsp almond milk (optional)
Instructions
- Combine oats, cocoa powder, protein powder, chia seeds, and flaxseeds in a large bowl.
- Add peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
- Add almond milk if mixture is too dry.
- Roll mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Optional: Roll in shredded coconut or chopped nuts.
- Chill in fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Toast oats for extra flavor.
- Adjust sweetness with natural sweeteners.
- Can freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 balls
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 16
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 0
Conclusion
Making protein balls for low sugar snacking is one of my favorite little kitchen rituals. They’re simple, comforting, and a delicious way to keep my family nourished. I love how versatile they are each batch feels like a small gift of love. Cooking isn’t just about feeding the body; it’s about sharing warmth, creating memories, and turning everyday moments into cozy experiences. Every time I bite into a protein ball, I remember that first chilly Sunday morning when I discovered this recipe. Now it’s a staple in our home, and I hope it becomes one in yours too.