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no bake protein balls in a small white bowl on a white wooden table
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5 from 8 votes

Paleo Chocolate Protein Balls (no dates)

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.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time0 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Servings: 16 balls
Calories: 109kcal
Author: Don Baiocchi

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
Y 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: 1ball | Calories: 109kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 6mg | Potassium: 113mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 5IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 1mg