Freshly made protein balls arranged on a white ceramic plate

Easy and Nutritious: Three-Ingredient Protein Balls

/ Protein Balls, Recipes / By

Easy and Nutritious: Three-Ingredient Protein Balls

Need a snack that keeps you energized, curbs hunger, and helps maintain muscle? These energy bites do all that with just three simple ingredients! They’re quick to make and packed with nutrition. Let’s jump into how you can whip up this healthy snack in no time.

Servings and Time

  • Servings: This recipe makes approximately 12 protein balls, depending on the size you choose to roll them.
  • Preparation Time: About 10 minutes.
  • Chilling Time: At least 30 minutes

Why Protein Balls?

Protein balls are a great snack option for several reasons:

  • Convenience: They are easy to make and can be stored for several days.
  • Portability: Perfect for on-the-go snacking.
  • Nutrition: Packed with protein, healthy fats, and other essential nutrients.
  • Customization: You can tailor the recipe to fit your dietary preferences and restrictions.

The Core Ingredients

To keep things simple, we will focus on three essential ingredients that are not only nutritious but also versatile:

  1. Nut Butter: Almond, peanut, or cashew butter work well. Nut butters provide a creamy texture, healthy fats, and protein.
  2. Protein Powder: Choose your favorite protein powder – whey, casein, pea, or hemp. This adds a protein boost to the snack.
  3. Oats: Rolled oats or quick oats add texture and provide complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.

Flat lay image of the three main ingredients for protein balls: a bowl of nut butter, a scoop of protein powder, and a heap of rolled oats, placed side by side on a white surface.

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Basic Three-Ingredient Protein Balls Recipe

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. Mix: In a large bowl, combine the nut butter, protein powder, and oats. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated. The mixture should be thick and sticky.
  2. Shape: Use your hands to roll the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. If the mixture is too dry, add a bit more nut butter or a splash of water. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more oats or protein powder.
  3. Store: Place the protein balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Once set, transfer the protein balls to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to a week.

 

 

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

The nutritional content can vary based on the specific brands and types of ingredients used, but here’s an approximate breakdown per protein ball:

  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Protein: 8 grams
  • Fat: 9 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 10 grams
  • Fiber: 2 grams
  • Sugar: 2 grams

Variations and Add-Ins

While the basic three-ingredient recipe is delicious on its own, you can experiment with additional ingredients to suit your taste:

  • Sweeteners: Add a tablespoon of honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar for extra sweetness.
  • Flavorings: Mix in a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon.
  • Texture: Incorporate chia seeds, flaxseeds, or shredded coconut for added texture and nutrition.
  • Chocolate: Add a handful of mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top.

An assortment of protein balls with different add-ins, including chia seeds, mini chocolate chips, shredded coconut, dried cranberries, and chopped nuts, arranged on a rustic wooden platter.

Benefits of Each Ingredient

  • Nut Butter: Provides healthy fats, protein, and a creamy texture. It also contains essential vitamins and minerals.
  • Protein Powder: Boosts the protein content, aiding in muscle repair and growth. It can also help keep you feeling full longer.
  • Oats: A good source of fiber and complex carbohydrates, oats help provide sustained energy and keep you full.

Three-ingredient protein balls are a simple, quick, and nutritious snack that can fit into any busy lifestyle. With endless possibilities for customization, they can be tailored to your specific taste and nutritional needs. Whether you’re looking for a post-workout snack or a healthy treat to keep you going throughout the day, these protein balls are a perfect choice.

Give this easy recipe a try and enjoy the benefits of a homemade, healthy snack! Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later and share it with your friends who might be looking for a tasty, nutritious treat!