As a mom of three young kids, I’m always on the look-out for healthy homemade snacks that my kids love. We often turn to energy bites or protein ball recipes, because they’re so easy to make and you can pack them full of nutrition.
I love finding interesting flavour combinations for energy balls (my favourites always contain chocolate), and unique uses for nutritious ingredients that I already have in my fridge and pantry (like quinoa and coconut).
Energy balls are great for a quick and nutritious snack on the go, or to add to school lunches (just make sure to use a nut-free butter).
I find that my kids love them (almost like a treat!), but they’re also filling and nutritious, which makes me feel good as a mom and registered dietitian.
When I make energy or protein bites I make sure to include protein-rich ingredients such as nut or seed butters, hemp hearts (these are my go-to), chia seeds, and protein powder (this one is my fave). And then I add a bit of sweetness with honey or maple syrup (and occasionally chocolate chips), and some sort of whole grain or flour such as oats, quinoa or coconut flour.
What makes these even easier to make is using good quality baking sheets with non-stick silicone mats. I have inserted links to the ones that I like to use! For many energy ball recipes, you need a blender or food processor. I love this one and use it daily!
To inspire you, here’s 20 nutritious energy protein balls that kids love!
1
Double Chocolate Chia Protein Balls
These double chocolate chia protein balls are a great healthy snack for adults and kids, too! Quick to make, and packed with good-for-you ingredients. Plus, they're school-safe!
Quick and easy, no bake and gluten-free. These Cinnamon Crunch Breakfast Protein Balls are the perfect on the go meal or snack your entire family will love!
Bursting with citrus flavor, these Lemon Energy Balls make the perfect snack. Made with just 5 ingredients, they’re gluten-free, paleo-friendly and perfect for stashing in the fridge or freezer!
Thin Mint Date Protein Balls Recipe | Chocolate Mint Date Energy Balls
Can't wait for the holiday's to get here? Try this Thin Mint Date Protein Balls Recipe to get you in the holiday spirit. They are high in protein, gluten free, and can be made vegan by substituting with a vegan protein powder. These Chocolate Mint Date Energy Balls are made with minimal ingredients and super easy to make.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Balls
I managed to pack a lot into these little protein bites – lentils, coconut flour, and natural peanut butter provide protein and fibre (among many other essential nutrients), which help to keep tummies full and sustain energy levels. And adding dark chocolate chips, vanilla and maple syrup give them the perfect "cookie dough" flavour.
Wondering how to make energy balls or energy bites? It’s so easy with this gluten-free chocolate almond butter protein balls recipe. Plus, these healthy breakfast balls are an easy no-bake recipe!
6-Ingredient Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Energy Bites
These Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Energy Bites contain only 6 ingredients and are full of fiber and healthy fats for a nutritious and satisfying snack any time of day!
1cuppeanut butteror pumpkin seed butter if you’re making for school
1/4cupchia seeds
2 1/2tbsphoney
1tbspcoconut oil
1tspvanilla extract
2 1/2tbspcocoa powder
1/4tspsalt
1/3cupdark chocolate chips
Instructions
Add all of the ingredients except the chocolate chips into a food processor and process until well-blended.
Transfer to a medium-sized bowl and add chocolate chips. Mix well.
Roll into 1-inch balls and place on parchment paper inside an airtight container.
Chill and serve!
Notes
I like to roll and place on a baking sheet and freeze them right on the baking sheet. Once they’re nice and cold and firm, I place them in a freezer-safe plastic ziploc bag for storage and just take one out at a time!
Keyword Energy balls, energy bites, protein balls, protein bites
Food to Grow On is the definitive guide to childhood nutrition, packed with practical advice to support you through pregnancy, and up until your little one starts school.
Laid out in an easy-to-navigate question and answer style, this book provides practical advice and support from Sarah Remmer and Cara Rosenbloom, two trusted registered dietitians (and moms). Food to Grow On is packed with hard-earned parenting wisdom and the very latest research in pediatric nutrition, so you will feel supported, understood, and ready to help your child thrive.
Sarah Remmer, RD, is a registered dietitian and mom of three, specializing in family and pediatric nutrition. She’s the founder of Centred Nutrition Collective and has nearly 20 years of experience helping families feel confident about feeding their kids.
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Really easy and adaptable recipe for no bake energy balls. All the family love them and really helps when you want to reach for a sweet treat and you have the balls made so quickly to hand!
My 2.5 yr old and I have been baking one new healthy recipe a week together since the start of the year and this is a new family favorite. I used Justin’s honey peanut butter so we added a little less honey to the recipe. They came out fantastic. It’s not always easy to find healthy baking recipes that my husband will enjoy but he really liked them too.
I can’t wait to work my way through this delicious list! Thank you for pulling these together!!
My pleasure! I hope you enjoy!
Really easy and adaptable recipe for no bake energy balls. All the family love them and really helps when you want to reach for a sweet treat and you have the balls made so quickly to hand!
I’m so glad you love them!
My 2.5 yr old and I have been baking one new healthy recipe a week together since the start of the year and this is a new family favorite. I used Justin’s honey peanut butter so we added a little less honey to the recipe. They came out fantastic. It’s not always easy to find healthy baking recipes that my husband will enjoy but he really liked them too.
I love hearing that, Shannon! So glad you and your family love making them together, too :).