5 Ingredient Protein Balls

Learn Finding a balance between healthy and something the kids actually want to eat is tricky. Mix that in with chaotic after school schedules, eating on the run, and inconsistent meal times, and the need for substantial snacks is obvious! Our family go-to has been protein balls. These eat-on-the-run, protein filled treats have just the right amount of chocolate to keep the kids asking for more. 

What is a Protein Ball?

In this example, a protein ball is a all-in-one snack that contains a decent amount (5g per ball) of protein. It is not the highest protein content out there, but this recipe has a nice mix of whole grains, healthy fats, sugar, and protein. They are the perfect before or after practice snack when a full meal isn't possible. 

Ingredients for Protein Balls:

• 2 1/2 c. rolled oats
• 1 c. peanut butter
• 1/2 c. honey
• 2 scoops of vanilla protein powder
• 1/3 c. miniature M&Ms

Directions for Making Protein Balls:

I have found it easiest to make protein balls in my stand mixer. I can easily double the recipe in hopes of it lasting the entire school week. 

• Place rolled oats and protein powder in mixer. Stir with paddle attachment to combine. 
• Add in peanut butter and honey. Continue to stir and gradually increase speed to combine well. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure all ingredients are incorporated. 
• Pour 1/2 the M&Ms into the mixer and stir briefly. Many of the M&Ms will fall to the bottom. 
• Remove bowl from stand. Pour remaining M&Ms on top and gently mix by hand. 
• Form oats mixture into 1-inch balls. Place in refrigerator to set. 

Nutrition for Protein Balls

Based on the recipe above, if you make 24 protein balls in a batch, they have approximately 6g of fat, 16g of carbohydrates, 8g of sugar, and 5g of protein - totaling 140 calories per ball.

My kids love to have 2 (or sometimes 3 depending on how far away dinner is) after school. They even love them for dessert! Finding balance in your family's diet can be tricky! Hopefully you will find a recipe or two that is a crowd pleaser and meets your standards for "healthy". 

What Makes These Protein Balls Great:

• Good Source of Protein: With 5g of protein per ball, they offer a good, accessible protein boost for growing kids.
• Balanced Ingredients: The combination of rolled oats, peanut butter, honey, protein powder, and M&Ms creates a snack with healthy fats, whole grains, and a touch of sweetness that kids will love.
• Customizable: You can tweak the recipe to meet your family's tastes, like swapping peanut butter for almond butter, or adjusting the sweetness with more or less honey.
• Quick and Easy: Mixing the ingredients in a stand mixer is a smart shortcut. Plus, forming them into balls and letting them chill in the fridge is a simple and mess-free process.
• Portable: These protein balls are perfect for eating on the go, whether your kids are heading off to sports practice or need a quick snack after school.

Tips for Making Protein Balls Even Better:

• Add-ins: You can mix in other fun or nutritious additions like chia seeds, flaxseed, dried fruit (like cranberries or raisins), or even mini chocolate chips for an extra indulgent treat.
• Make Ahead: Doubling the recipe is a great idea if you want them to last through the week. Store them in the fridge for easy access whenever hunger strikes!
• Adapt the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet version, you could reduce the amount of honey or try a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.

These protein balls are a fantastic solution for busy families looking to balance nutrition with convenience and taste. With a blend of wholesome ingredients like oats, peanut butter, and protein powder, they offer a quick and easy way to fuel kids before or after sports, during study sessions, or as a simple snack on the go. Plus, the touch of chocolate keeps them from feeling like a "health food" and ensures that kids will enjoy them. Whether you're making a batch to last the week or simply need a reliable snack for the day, these protein balls are sure to be a hit with both parents and kids alike. Finding a snack that meets both your health goals and your family's taste buds doesn't have to be a challenge—this recipe proves that balance is possible!