A super easy protein ball recipe using oats, protein powder, dates, sunflower seeds, cranberries, chia seeds, flaxseed oil and vanilla extract. Finally, a vegan-friendly, school approved and freezer-friendly protein bite recipe that all kids will love! A no bake, just refrigerate recipe and your 3 year old can pitch in too, in under 10 minutes!
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You know the drill, protein-based foods are everywhere you look these days. You’ve got the snacks, drinks, shakes, bars and even gluten-free options out there too.
Sure, most of them are really tasty and are a great healthy option but unfortunately whether they’re store-bought or homemade, a lot of these recipes contain nut products. In many schools, peanuts and tree nuts are a big no no!
I know I know, store-bought protein bars can be pretty delicious but have you ever tried making homemade protein balls? There’s something special about being able to customise the ingredients to your liking and making a snack that’s tailored specifically to your taste buds. Plus, making them at home is a way more affordable option, have you seen the price tag on some of those protein bars, ouch!
Give it a try and see if you prefer your own homemade version – I think you may just be pleasantly surprised!
Here's why you'll love this vegan-friendly protein bite recipe
Nut free recipe
Fortunately, if you’re looking for a vegan, nut free, sugar free, dairy free protein ball alternative, you’re in the right place! This recipe is so easy to make and because they’re freezer friendly, you’ll always have some on hand for a quick and simple snack.
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This is a no-bake recipe using only a food processor which makes things incredibly simple and super efficient. Adding binding ingredients like dates and cranberries helps to stick dry ingredients together without the need for heat or wet ingredients. This forms the base of many no-bake treats.
You can then add flavourings like cocoa powder, vanilla, or other dried fruits like apricots for varying tastes.
Once blended, shape the mixture into bars, balls, or press into a pan for a cake-like treat. Refrigerate or freeze for a few hours to set. In no time, you have a delicious, fuss-free dessert (or delightful snack) without needing an oven, easy!
Sugar-free recipe
One of the most important things that I try to do in my kid-friendly recipes, is limiting the amount of refined sugar added. This vegan-friendly protein bite recipe is sugar-free and naturally sweetened by the dried dates and cranberries.
Quick and easy
This recipe calls for everyday ingredients that you may already have in your pantry. But most importantly, you can source most of these ingredients from a zero waste whole foods store. This recipe makes around 10-15 protein bites (depending on their size) in just under 10 minutes.
Tastes delicious
I make a batch of these and leave them in the freezer for my kids’ lunchboxes but you can also have them handy for any snack times.
They might be small bite sized pieces but the yummy choccy flavours really pack a punch. They’re wholesome and delicious, don’t just take my word for it, ask the kids!
Notes on protein powder
There are a ton of protein powders available on the market. What you’re looking for in this recipe, is a vegan-based protein powder. I use Botanika Blends Plant Protein Cacao Hazelnut which is made right here in Australia.
The signature blend uses organic pea protein and rice protein isolates as the plant-based option.
Whey protein powders and blends are not vegan, so remember to check the ingredients list when choosing your protein powder.
How to store protein balls
Store protein balls or protein bites in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Whilst the individual ingredients for protein balls are shelf-stable, combining all the ingredients together introduces moisture to the final product. With no further cooking process required, the high level of protein in protein balls can encourage the growth potentially pathogenic microorganisms when kept at room temperature for too long.
Storing potentially hazardous foods, such as protein balls, under temperature control (less than 5 degrees Celsius) minimises the risk of exponential microbial growth. Take it from me, as a professional in Environmental Health.
Can you freeze protein balls?
Yes, you can freeze protein balls. It’s always a good idea to keep one batch in the freezer so you’ll have extra.
This recipe doesn’t require you to pre-freeze the protein balls on a baking tray before storing them in a freezer bag. After portioning out the mixture into bite-sized pieces, allow the protein balls or protein bites to set in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
This will allow them to set and prevent them from sticking to each other before placing them into reusable silicone ziplock bag or freezer-friendly container. Freeze for up to three months, if they last that long!
Do you need to thaw out protein balls?
This recipe does not require you to thaw out the protein bites from the freezer. The kids and I happily eat them cold straight from the freezer or I pop them straight into their lunchboxes ready to go for school.
Now let’s get stuck into that recipe!
Vegan-friendly Protein Bites
Ingredients
- 1½ cups oats
- 2 tablespoons vegan protein powder
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- ½ cup sunflower seeds
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons flaxseed oil
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup dried dates
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
How to make vegan-friendly protein bites
Serving size: makes 15 protein bites
Step 1
Place sunflower seeds, chia seeds, flaxseed oil, vanilla extract, dried dates and dried cranberries into a food processor and process for about 4-5 minutes.
Step 2
Add oats, protein powder and cocoa powder to the food processor. Process for about 2 minutes until the mixture comes together. Take the mixture out and gently stir until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
Step 3
Use a spoon (I use a teaspoon) to scoop a small amount of the mixture into your hands and gently roll into a ball. You can leave it as a ball shape or lightly press it in the middle to form a flattened disc.
The smaller size and disc makes it perfect for school lunchboxes and little mouths. Place the individual bites evenly spaced away from each other on a tray or plate to prevent them sticking together. I also use a non-slip baking silicone mat to prevent the bites from sticking to the plate.
Step 4
Place in the refrigerator to set for at least 30 minutes. Once set, store the protein bites in an air-tight container for up to one week. You can also store them in the freezer for up to three months in a ziplock bag or freezer-friendly container.
Have you tried this recipe? Be sure to share this recipe with your family and friends for a healthy and sugar-free treat!
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