Easy Protein Energy Balls (Gluten Free Oats & Almond Butter)

This sweet and salty, no bake energy bites recipe is delicious and loaded with protein & healthy fats!

sweet and salty protein bites with a coffee mug

These delicious and easy protein energy balls are on current rotation in my kitchen.

Long-term rotation, actually. Why? Super healthy, delicious, and crave control! Need I say more?

Protein Snack Idea

Each protein ball is loaded with ALL the good stuff but is quick and easy to make because no baking is required.

You will enjoy (almost) a complete meal in every bite, with whey protein, healthy fats (grass-fed butter and coconut oil), flaxseed, and almonds, just for starters.

I love the sweet-salty flavor and texture, plus the dark chocolate gives you a boost of antioxidants. They’re very satisfying and filling, too.

You may also like  No-Bake Brownie Protein Bites

sweet and salty protein bites

Here’s what you will need:

Good For You Ingredients – Shopping List

Grass-fed butter such as Kerrygold
Coconut oil
Vanilla protein powder
Ground flaxseed
Vanilla extract
Almond butter
Toasted coconut flakes
Roasted, salted almonds
Gluten-free, old-fashioned oatmeal
Dark chocolate Chips, chunks, or shavings from a bar, such as Lily’s, Trader Joe’s or Choc Zero. optional
Natural granular sweetener optional

Note I’ve been leaving out the natural sweetener lately because, for me, there’s enough sweetness in the dark chocolate. You can certainly add it in if you have a sweeter tooth!

(affiliate links)

sweet and salty protein bites

Make-Ahead Treats

I actually made a double batch the last two times I prepared this recipe to be more efficient, as I was going through them at such a rapid pace!

These pseudo-cookies really help me to stay on track with my healthy eating yet still enjoy a nutritious, dessert-like snack.

Store as Healthy Freezer Snacks

Remember that last time you were reaching for cookies (or sugar of any kind) in your kitchen? You were about to cave, and then … you did?

Next time, prepare yourself by making a stockpile of these to store in your freezer.

Bonus: you can probably enjoy up to 3 or 4 and still respect yourself in the morning.

How to Freeze and Store Protein Balls

Here are a few freezing ideas. Firstly, put the energy bites in the freezer on a flat surface, for example, a baking sheet or multiple plates.

Keep them separated until they freeze solid so they do not stick together. 

When frozen, put them in an airtight container or ziplock freezer bag with parchment or wax paper between the layers, if desired.

My favorite storage solution, though, are these reusable freezer containers. I absolutely love them and have been using them for years.

I usually keep 2 varieties of healthy snacks in them at all times. If I have an overflow, I use Ziploc bags, but these are faster for grab-and-go.

The containers are easy to open and close, grab a snack, and put back in the freezer.

Plus, they are bright and pretty. 😁 Here’s a link to check them out. StarPack Home Freezer Storage Container Setaffiliate link

Freezer Containers - Perfect for Protein Balls

The colorful freezer containers below appear to be the same as mine, highly rated, and available in more colors! Tovolo Freezer Containers, affiliate link

Colorful Freezer Containers

Most energy bites should remain fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To thaw, take them out individually as craved, 😉 then place them on the counter at room temperature or in the refrigerator until soft enough to eat.

Below is the Sweet and Salty Protein Bites recipe, Enjoy!

Print
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sweet and salty protein bites with a coffee mug

Sweet and Salty Protein Bites


  • Author: Cindy Munson
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 40 servings 1x

Description

These No Bake, Sweet, and Salty Protein Bites are loaded with protein, healthy fats and antioxidants! They are such a terrific and yummy way to start the day. Enjoy a couple with your coffee in the morning or any time of the day that you crave a treat, but want clean eating.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 tbsp grass fed butter, melted
  • 3 tbsp coconut oil, melted
  • 2 scoops protein powder (I use vanilla flavor)
  • 1/2 cup ground flax seed
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2/3 cup almond butter
  • 1/3 cup toasted coconut flakes, chopped
  • 2/3 cup roasted, salted almonds, chopped
  • 1 cup gluten-free, old-fashioned oatmeal
  • dark chocolate chips, chunks or shavings (optional)
  • 3 tsp natural granular sweetener (optional)

Instructions

  1. Melt butter and coconut oil in a glass bowl, in the microwave. Add all remaining ingredients. Mix well by hand.
  2. Form each ball with a 1-inch diameter cookie scoop. Place on a small plate or pan that you can fit in the freezer to set up. Use waxed or parchment between layers.
  3. Freeze for an hour and when firm, move to a Ziploc freezer bag or a freezer-safe container to store. Enjoy!
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Wellness
  • Method: No Bake
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Protein Bites, Keto, Paleo, Healthy, Snack, Healthy Fat

Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes

Nutrition Label. The nutritional values listed are an approximation based on the ingredients in the recipe card. Actual amounts may vary.

I hope you make and enjoy them! Please tag me on Instagram if you do, I love hearing what you make. 

Thanks for visiting!

xo,
Cindy

Nutrition References

Any statements regarding dietary information are to be used at your discretion and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Nutritional Weight and Wellness
Why Protein is Important
weightandwellness.com

Be sure to consult a registered and licensed dietitian, licensed nutritionist, or certified nutrition specialist if you have questions about ingredients and how they fit into your personal nutrition plan.

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9 comments on “Easy Protein Energy Balls (Gluten Free Oats & Almond Butter)

  1. This is my very favorite recipe for a personal healthy treat! It keeps me on track with my nutrition & clean eating.

  2. These were quick and easy and that’s what I like in a recipe. I didn’t have coconut flakes, but they still turned out great. Thanx for the healthy snack idea 🙂

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