4-Ingredient Protein Balls - The Big Man's World ® (2024)

Get your protein fix the delicious way in these instant protein balls! Easily customizable and with tons of flavor options, I love how they need just 4 base ingredients.

Keen for more high protein snacks? Check out homemade protein bars, cookie dough protein bars, and protein chips.

I’m the person who ALWAYS needs a snack between meals to keep hunger at bay. To ensure I remain satisfied and energized, I need some protein, and this is where protein balls come into play!

Why I love this recipe

• 4 Ingredients only. Unlike other energy ball recipes, this one only needs four ingredients. Bonus? No butter, no eggs, no oil!
• Ready in 5 minutes.From prep to plate, this entire recipe takes just five minutes.
• It’s easily customizable. Add mini chocolate chips and candy, dip them in chocolate, and fold in some nuts; the possibilities for adding to the mixture are endless.
• Vegan and gluten-free! Yep, these tick both these dietary boxes!
• Perfect texture. They are chewy yet doughy, similar to raw cookie dough. Taste-wise, they’re like unbaked oatmeal cookies with a protein twist!

Ingredients needed

• Rolled oats. Gives the energy balls a chewy texture. This is a fabulous slow-releasing energy carb.
• Protein powder. The key ingredient giving this recipe the added boost! I prefer using casein or brown rice protein powder (or other plant-based protein powders), but some whey protein powder can work.
• Peanut butter. Hold the balls together and provide a rich flavor. See below for easy substitutions and nut-free options!
• Maple syrup. Adds sweetness and helps hold the balls together.
• Mix-ins. I’ve included tons below, but a few more: chia seeds, coconut, ground flax seed, and more.

How to make protein balls

I’ve includedstep-by-step photosbelow to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to therecipe cardat the bottom of this post.

Step 1- Combine ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, mix the dry ingredients together. Add the wet ingredients and stir until combined. Fold through your flavor mix-ins of choice.

Step 2- Roll them into balls. Next, using your hands (or a mini cookie scoop), roll out balls, place them on a parchment paper lined plate, and refrigerate them for five minutes, to firm up.

Arman’s recipe tips

• Swap out the peanut butter. Easily replace the peanut butter with either almond butter (or any nut butter), sunflower seed butter, or tahini.
• Lower the calories. Use low calorie peanut butter and swap out the maple syrup for sugar free maple syrup or sugar free honey.
• Ensure they are gluten-free. This is just a reminder to use certified gluten-free oats and/or quinoa flakes.
• Lower the carbs. Instead of switching around this recipe, try making keto energy balls instead.
• Protein balls without protein powder? Try making peanut butter oatmeal balls instead.

Storage instructions

To store: Place no bake balls in an airtight container and keep them the fridge. They will keep fresh for up to 4 weeks.

To freeze: If you make a big batch of these balls, they can be placed in a ziplock bag and stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

More no bake high protein recipes to try

• Protein pudding
• Chocolate protein bars
• Keto protein bars
• Peanut butter protein balls
• Protein chia pudding
• Or any of these protein powder recipes

Originally published July 2022, updated and republished May 2024