These Low Calorie Protein Balls prove you don’t need a heavy, calorie-loaded snack to satisfy a craving. They’re sweet, rich, and totally bite-sized. Made with just 4 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep, they have a whipped, truffle-like texture you’ll absolutely love.
“I love having healthy little snacks like this on hand but I’ve been a little burned out on my go-to chocolatey protein ball recipe. The combo of blueberry, vanilla and coconut milk is just what I was craving!”-Thalia
A Quick Look At The Recipe
⏲️Ready In: 5 Minutes
👪Serves: 7
🍽 Calories and Protein: 104 kcals and 4 grams of protein
📋 Main Ingredients: Dried Blueberries. full-fat coconut milk, almond butter or and vegan vanilla protein powder
📖 Dietary Notes: Dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan.
⭐ Why You’ll Love It: These lightly sweet, creamy protein balls come together in minutes and make the perfect low-calorie, grab-and-go snack.
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Trying to sneak more protein into your day (or your kids’)? These protein balls with protein powder make it easy and actually enjoyable. With only four ingredients, they’re ideal for busy moms on the go, just like low calorie baked oats and protein buckeyes.
This low-calorie protein balls recipe delivers just enough sweetness to curb a craving while giving you steady energy through the day, kind of like my 3-ingredient protein balls. I pop one of these (or these coffee protein balls) on my way out the door or between tasks, and it keeps me from raiding the snack cupboard. Pairing them with a protein latte turns it into the ultimate afternoon treat.
💭Why You’ll Love The Recipe
Allergy-friendly: The protein balls are dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, and have a nut-free option!
Naturally sweetened: No big sugar swings with this recipe; these protein balls are sweetened only with dried blueberries.
Minimal prep time: These no-bake balls are made in just 5 minutes and with only 4 ingredients.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Literally, the best thing about these low calorie protein balls is that they have only four ingredients. And if you have a well-stocked gluten-free pantry, you probably already have them on hand!
Vegan protein powder: You need to use vegan protein as that is what thickens the energy balls and holds them together. Vanilla or chocolate flavors work but vanilla protein powder pairs best with the blueberry flavor.
Dried fruit: A fun flavor twist as most no-bake protein balls are chocolate or peanut butter (or peanut butter and jam, like these gluten-free peanut butter protein balls!). You can use any dried fruit here but I alternate between blueberries, cranberries, and cherries the most.
Coconut milk: You want full-fat coconut milk and only the thick white cream from the can. This makes the blueberry protein balls not only hold together better but taste extra rich.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Flavor Variations
Nut-free: If you need these low-calorie energy balls to be nut-free, replace the almond butter with sunflower seed butter.
Double chocolate: To make the balls chocolate-based, use a chocolate protein powder and add mini chocolate chips to the balls as you mix them.
How To Make Low Calorie Protein Balls
Step 1: In a food processor, combine the coconut milk, nut-butter, and dried blueberries. Process for 1-2 minutes (the blueberries will still be chunky).
Step 2: Scrape the mixture into a bowl with the protein powder. Mix until thick-looking
Step 3: Use a trigger ice cream scoop to portion the balls onto a cutting board. Pop them in the fridge for an hour to firm up.
Expert Tips To Make It
The protein you choose will affect the taste and texture of the low-calorie protein balls. The sweeter the protein, the sweeter the balls. These low-calorie protein powder balls have been made with both Genuine Health’s Protein powder as well as Botanica protein powder.
You must use a vegan protein for this recipe, as vegan protein absorbs liquid which is what holds the balls together.
Brown rice protein works well, but will have a “chalkier” flavor. Pea protein works the best.
Make sure to use full-fat coconut milk and only the thick white cream. Otherwise, the protein balls won’t hold together.
Since each vegan protein powder absorbs liquid differently, you may need to tweak the amount of powder to coconut milk ratios. Add more protein if the mixture is TOO runny, and add more coconut milk (or water to save calories) if it seems too thick.
Remember that if you choose a sweetened nut butter, your no-bake protein balls will be sweeter.
How To Store Them
Store the low-calorie protein balls in an airtight container in the fridge and eat them chilled. Like this, they’ll last about two weeks.
They get too soft at room temperature, so keep them chilled as long as possible.
Freeze the protein balls between layers of parchment paper for up to 3 months. To enjoy them, let them thaw in the fridge overnight until you’re ready to snack.
Low Calorie Protein Balls FAQs
Are protein balls good for weight loss?
Protein balls can be part of a healthy weight loss program. Because you want to consume a high-protein diet to initiate weight loss, protein balls are a good way to bump up your intake without adding on too many calories.
Do protein balls need to be refrigerated?
Yes! Protein balls should be stored in the fridge or freezer to prevent them from spoiling. If stored in the freezer, make sure to thaw briefly in the fridge before eating. If the balls are in the fridge, they should last roughly seven to ten days.
More High-Protein Snack Recipes
If you tried this Low Calorie Protein Balls Recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes!
This low calorie protein balls recipe is perfect for snacking on the go. Made with only four ingredients these protein balls are dairy-free, rich in flavor and whipped up in just a few minutes.
In a food processor, combine the coconut milk, nut-butter, and dried blueberries.
Process for 1-2 minutes (the blueberries will still be chunky).
Scrape the mixture into a bowl with the protein powder.
Mix until thick looking.
Use a trigger ice cream scoop to portion the balls onto a cutting board.
Pop them in the fridge for an hour to firm up.
Notes
The protein you choose will affect the taste and texture of the low calorie protein balls. The sweeter the protein the sweeter the balls.
Know that the balls are not overly sweet, you must enjoy the flavor of your protein powder.
You must use a vegan protein for this recipe as vegan protein absorbs liquid, which is what holds the balls together.
Brown rice protein works well, but will have a “chalkier” flavor. Pea protein works the best.
Make sure to use full fat coconut milk and only the thick white cream. Otherwise, the protein balls won’t hold together.
Since each vegan protein powder absorbs liquid differently, you may need to tweak the amount of powder to coconut milk ratios. Add more protein if the mixture is TOO runny, and add more coconut milk (or water to save calories) if it seems too thick.
If using a FERMENTED protein powder, leave the recipe as is. If using a non-fermented protein powder, add in 1 tbs more protein. Update: I recently made these balls with beef-based protein powder. I use Equip Protein as the flavors ROCK. You need to add 1 tablespoon of extra protein and though they don’t hold their ball form (they flatten out almost like a cookie shape), they’re still pretty delicious, not like mousse that you get from the vegan powder but chewy and sweet. It also bumps it up to 6-7 grams of protein per ball.
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data”
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