Coconut Protein Balls
This chocolate coconut protein balls recipe delivers delicious protein-infused treats you can make in minutes. Made with only 6 ingredients, these protein bites are healthy, easy, and addictively tasty!
I love a good, healthy treat and these protein balls are no exception! Any treat that’s so tasty and made with only six ingredients is a winner in my book. They’re made with coconut oil, oats, and protein powder, making them vegan and low carb.
What Makes This Recipe Shine?
- Using a vegan protein powder with sweeteners infuses these treats with minimal added sugars
- Using extra virgin coconut oil infuses these treats with coconut flavor
- Coconut and chocolate go hand-in-hand, so adding some dairy-free mini chocolate chips is a no-brainer!
Key Ingredients
You can find the full printable recipe, including ingredient quantities, below. But first, here are some explanations of ingredients and steps to help you make this recipe perfect every time.
Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe, including substitution ideas:
- Coconut flakes — Unsweetened coconut flakes work best.
- Oats — I prefer rolled oats for this recipe, but you can substitute instant oats.
- Vanilla protein powder — I used Orgain Vanilla Protein Powder, but I’ve had great luck with Vega Vanilla Protein powder as well. If your protein powder doesn’t have any added sweeteners, you’ll want to add some sweetener, whether in the form of zero-calorie sweeteners or maple syrup.
- Coconut oil — I prefer using extra virgin coconut oil, but if you use refined coconut oil, be sure to add a bit more coconut extract.
- Coconut extract — You can buy coconut extract in the spices section of most grocery stores.
- Mini Chocolate Chips — For more on how to find vegan mini chocolate chips, check out my guide on Dairy-free Chocolate Chips
What is Plant-Based Protein Powder?
Plant-based protein powder can be made from various plants, including soy, nuts, seeds, beans, grains, and even peas. The advantage of plant-based protein powders is that they’re free of cholesterol but also contain beneficial fibers and even probiotics. You can find plant-based protein powders at health food stores, many grocery stores, and places like Costco or Target. Look for “plant-based” or “vegan” in the title. You can use these powders to make Green Smoothies, Berry Smoothies, Energy Balls, and more.
How to Make Coconut Protein Balls
- Reserve 2 tablespoons of coconut flakes for rolling.
- Pulse the remaining ingredients (except for chocolate chips) in a food processor in short bursts.
- Scrape down the bowl and pulse again until mostly smooth.
- Add chocolate chips and pulse a couple of times to combine.
- Use a cookie scoop to portion out the batter and roll it into balls.
- Roll each ball in reserved shredded coconut flakes.
Here are more detailed instructions with step-by-step photos:
Step One: Make Protein Balls Batter
- Reserve 2 tablespoons of coconut flakes for rolling.
- Combine the remaining coconut flakes, flax, nut butter, protein powder, extract, and coconut oil in a food processor.
- Pulse in short bursts to combine.
- Scrape down the bowl and pulse again until mostly smooth.
- Pinch the mixture between your fingers. It should stay together. If not, add another tablespoon of nut butter.
Step Two: Add Chocolate Chips & Roll
- Add chocolate chips and pulse a couple of times to combine.
- Use a cookie scoop to portion out the batter and roll it into balls. Make 10 smaller balls or 8 larger ones.
- Roll each ball in shredded coconut flakes.
Storage Tips
Store protein balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 month. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Frequently-Asked Questions
How long do protein balls last?
The ingredients in protein ball recipes can vary greatly and as a result impact how long they will keep. The majority of protein balls can be kept in the fridge and will keep up to a month. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
Can you eat raw oats in energy balls?
You can eat raw oats when added to energy balls because the oats are ground into small, more easily digestible bits. You can think of the oats in energy bites as oat flour and oat flour is fine to eat raw.
Keto Protein Balls
If you’re on a keto or low-protein diet, these tasty protein balls will be a go-to favorite! That’s because each one has only 4 grams of net carbs (6 grams of carbs and 2 grams of fiber). Make sure you’re using a protein powder with the types of sweeteners you’re looking for to maintain low carb or keto.
Healthy Sweet Snacks
If you love these healthy protein balls, you may be in the market to try some more healthy sweet snacks. Here are some of my favorites:
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Coconut Protein Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup coconut flakes, divided
- ½ cuo rolled oats
- 2 scoops vanilla protein powder
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin coconut oil
- ¼ teaspoon coconut extract
- 3 tablespoons dairy-free chocolate chips
Instructions
- Reserve 2 tablespoons of coconut flakes for rolling. Combine the remaining coconut flakes, protein powder, extract, and coconut oil in a food processor. Pulse in short bursts to combine. Then scrape down the bowl and pulse again until mostly smooth. Pinch the batter between your fingers — it should stay together. If not, add another teaspoon or so of coconut oil.
- Add chocolate chips and pulse a couple of times to combine.
- Use a cookie scoop to portion out the batter and roll it into balls. Roll each ball in shredded coconut flakes.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 month. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Recommended Equipment
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The nutrition information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator and should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
There is no nut butter or flax meal included in your recipe!
Thanks, Linda. The recipe is fixed now.