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Paleo Chocolate Protein Balls (no dates)

Aug 19, 2022 · 16 Comments

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Paleo Chocolate Protein Balls piled into a small bowl on a white wooden table
Paleo Chocolate Protein Balls piled into a small bowl on a white wooden table

These healthy Paleo Chocolate Protein Balls are the perfect bite-sized snack!

You just need 10 minutes, 5 ingredients and one bowl for chewy, chocolate-y balls packed with protein and healthy fats.

Plus they’re gluten-free, dairy-free and refined sugar-free, with no dates and no oats. And  you can make them vegan and nut-free!

no bake protein balls in a small white bowl on a white wooden table

(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link, I’ll automatically receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.)

Why this recipe works

Sometimes we need a healthy, filling snack.

And sometimes we just want chocolate.

Luckily these Paleo Chocolate Protein Balls combine both in one easy snack!

You just combine 5 ingredients (plus water) in a bowl, stir them together, roll into balls and you’re done! No food processor needed.

And they’re no-bake protein balls so there’s no need to turn on your oven, either.

Kids and adults alike love them!

What you need for Paleo Chocolate Protein Balls

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 1/4 cup protein powder, chocolate or plain* (for a Paleo option, I like Left Coast plain protein powder or chocolate protein powder)
    • For vegan protein balls – use vegan protein powder
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 2 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder or cacao powder
  • 1/2 cup nut butter of your choice:
    • For Paleo chocolate protein balls – use almond butter, cashew butter, sunbutter or thick tahini
    • For chocolate peanut butter protein balls – use creamy peanut butter (but they won’t be Paleo)
    • For protein balls with no nuts – use sunbutter or thick tahini
  • 4 teaspoons cacao nibs or chopped Paleo chocolate (optional, gives the balls a bit of crunch and texture)

*It obviously makes the most sense to use chocolate protein powder here but I’ve found most chocolate powders either are high in sugar or have ingredients that I don’t tolerate well (monk fruit) or don’t like the taste of (stevia).

So I’ve used plain protein powder but I swear the cocoa powder is more than enough chocolate flavor.

But you could of course use chocolate protein powder if you have one you like – they’ll be extra chocolate-y and delicious.

Equipment:

  • a large mixing bowl
  • measuring spoons
  • measuring cups
  • a wooden spoon or spatula (the kind for stirring, not flipping)
  • a small cookie scoop with lever (optional), measuring spoon or regular spoon
  • an airtight container
healthy protein balls stacked in a small green bowl next to a blue napkin with one more protein ball on it

How to make Paleo Chocolate Protein Balls

Step 1: Add all of the ingredients to a large mixing bowl and stir until combined.

Step 2: Using a small ice cream/cookie scoop, a measuring spoon or a regular spoon, scoop up 1 tablespoon/1″-sized clumps and roll them between your palms to smooth out into balls.

You can eat them immediately but they’re also great straight from the fridge after they’ve had time to set (which takes about an hour).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make substitutions?

As I said in the Ingredients section above, you can use any nut butter. Just make sure it’s on the thicker side (not too runny) as this helps bind the balls together.

You can use honey or date syrup instead of maple syrup.

You can add a drop or two of flavored extracts – choose any flavor you like with chocolate, such as vanilla, mint, almond or orange.

Can I make these Paleo Chocolate Protein Balls ahead of time?

These can be kept in the fridge for up to a week.

Can I freeze these Paleo Chocolate Protein Balls?

Yep! Place the balls on a parchment-lined plate or baking sheet and place in the freezer. Once frozen through (about 2-3 hours), transfer to a freezer-safe container or baggie.

The balls can be frozen for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Other recipes you might like:

  1. Chocolate Protein Chia Pudding (Paleo, vegan, gluten-free)
  2. PB&J No-Bake Energy Bites (Paleo, vegan, nut-free)
  3. Crunchy, Chewy No-Bake Breakfast Bars (Paleo, vegan, nut-free)
  4. Spiced Candied Pecans (Paleo, gluten-free)
  5. Chocolate Tahini Smoothie (Paleo, vegan, nut-free)
no bake protein balls in a small white bowl on a white wooden table

Paleo Chocolate Protein Balls (no dates)

Don Baiocchi
These no-bake Paleo Chocolate Protein Balls are an easy, healthy snack! You just need 10 minutes, 5 ingredients and one bowl to make these bite-sized balls packed with protein. No dates, no oats and no need for a food processor or oven.
5 from 10 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 0 minutes mins
Total Time 10 minutes mins
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 16 balls
Calories 109 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • ½ cup nut butter (see notes)
  • ¼ cup chocolate or plain protein powder (see notes)
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 2 tablespoons cacao powder
  • 4 teaspoons cacao nibs or chopped Paleo/dairy-free chocolate (optional, adds texture)

Instructions
 

  • Add all of the ingredients to a large mixing bowl and stir until combined.
  • Then using a small ice cream/cookie scoop, a measuring spoon or a regular spoon, scoop up 1 tablespoon/1"-sized clumps and roll them between your palms to smooth out into balls.
    You can eat them immediately but they're also great straight from the fridge after they've had time to set (takes about an hour).

Notes

Note: It obviously makes the most sense to use chocolate protein powder here but I’ve found most chocolate powders either are high in sugar or have ingredients that I don’t tolerate well (monk fruit) or don’t like the taste of (stevia).
So I’ve used plain protein powder but I swear the cocoa powder is more than enough chocolate flavor.
But you could of course use chocolate protein powder – they’ll be extra chocolate-y and delicious.
Note:
For Paleo chocolate protein balls – use almond butter, cashew butter, sunbutter or thick tahini
For chocolate peanut butter protein balls – use creamy peanut butter (but they won’t be Paleo)
For protein balls with no nuts – use sunbutter or thick tahini
For vegan protein balls – use vegan protein powder
Substitutions and variations
You can use any nut butter. Just make sure it’s on the thicker side (not too runny) as this helps bind the balls together.
You can use honey or date syrup instead of maple syrup.
You can add a drop or two of flavored extracts – choose any flavor you like with chocolate, such as vanilla, mint, almond or orange.
Make ahead/storage
These can be kept in the fridge for up to a week.
They can also be frozen: place the balls on a parchment-lined plate or baking sheet and place in the freezer. Once frozen through (about 2-3 hours), transfer to a freezer-safe container or baggie.
The balls can be frozen for up to one month.
Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ballCalories: 109kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 4gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 6mgPotassium: 113mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 39mgIron: 1mg
Keyword energy balls, healthy snack, no bake snacks, nut free recipes, paleo protein balls, protein balls, vegan
Tried this recipe?Mention @paleoglutenfreeguy or tag #paleoglutenfreeguy!

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Comments

  1. Sarah Edwards says

    June 30, 2025 at 11:27 pm

    5 stars
    Great recipe! I used hazelnut butter, which I love with cocoa, used 1tbsp Manuka honey instead of 3 maple syrup (honey is the only sweetener I can use at the mo), skipped the water and doubled the protein powder (unflavoured isolate). To replace the moisture I used coconut oil, so they should last longer in the fridge. Soooo good and perfect for after my workouts – thank you!!

    Reply
    • Paleo Gluten Free Guy says

      July 1, 2025 at 3:58 pm

      Hi Sarah,

      So glad you liked them! Using hazelnut butter is a brilliant idea – I’ll have to try that!

      Reply
  2. Lily says

    September 3, 2024 at 3:01 am

    5 stars
    So delicious and easy to make! I was worried they would taste too much like peanut butter but they are simply perfect. Thank you for the gluten free recipe 🥰 I put in less cocoa powder cause I don’t like too much

    Reply
    • Paleo Gluten Free Guy says

      September 3, 2024 at 8:18 pm

      Hi Lily,

      So glad you liked it! Thanks for letting me know.

      Reply
  3. nancy says

    August 30, 2022 at 12:09 pm

    5 stars
    Is it wrong that i keep a box of these beside my desk to much on thru the day? These Paleo Chocolate Protein Balls are awesome!

    Reply
    • Paleo Gluten Free Guy says

      September 3, 2022 at 6:57 am

      Doesn’t sound wrong at all!

      Reply
  4. Megan says

    August 29, 2022 at 8:59 am

    5 stars
    I’m happy to have a new protein powder recommended, so thanks for that. Nice that they have the unsweetened, plain one, too. These balls are so good with the tahini variation. Thanks, super yummy!

    Reply
    • Paleo Gluten Free Guy says

      August 29, 2022 at 9:09 am

      Glad you found this helpful!

      Reply
  5. Stacey says

    August 25, 2022 at 12:00 pm

    5 stars
    These are yummy & not too sweet. I love that I had all the ingredients on hand. I like dates but never have them in my kitchen for some reason.

    Reply
    • Paleo Gluten Free Guy says

      August 29, 2022 at 9:09 am

      So glad you like them! I like dates too but wanted to create a recipe where you didn’t need them.

      Reply
  6. Janessa says

    August 25, 2022 at 10:04 am

    5 stars
    Wow, I think I’ve found my new way to get my chocolate fix! These protein balls are delicious and I love the touch of coconut!

    Reply
    • Paleo Gluten Free Guy says

      August 25, 2022 at 10:56 am

      Thanks, Janessa! Yeah, such a good way to get a daily dose of chocolate 😉

      Reply
  7. ChihYu says

    August 24, 2022 at 12:14 pm

    5 stars
    Goodness, these protein balls are perfect! Quick and fun to make and so full of chocolatey goodness!

    Reply
    • Paleo Gluten Free Guy says

      August 25, 2022 at 10:56 am

      Thanks, ChihYu!

      Reply
  8. Shelby says

    August 22, 2022 at 11:38 am

    5 stars
    I love that these aren’t date-based but they’re still deliciously sweet!

    Reply
    • Paleo Gluten Free Guy says

      August 25, 2022 at 11:04 am

      Thanks, Shelby!

      Reply
5 from 10 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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Well hello there! I’m Don, the creator behind Paleo Gluten Free Guy. I share fun, vibrant recipes for good health and pure enjoyment. All of my recipes are gluten-free and the majority of them are also Paleo, meaning they’re free of grains, dairy, refined sugar and legumes.

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