Chocolate Protein Balls (with mocha option!)
Posted: 02/13/2017
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Chocolate protein balls will satisfy your chocolate cravings without a sugar crash later and will give you energy to get through your afternoon!
Don’t these look like chocolate truffles? Yum! Maybe I should rename them… Energy truffles, anyone? Maybe not.
Really, though, they are delicious and healthy energy balls. My obsession with energy balls started when I developed a recipe for nut-free energy balls after finding a total lack of nut-free options online.
My kids love them, Ben loves them, and I love them. They are the perfect solution to my afternoon snack cravings and I feel great about feeding them to my kids too. I also love non-chocolate energy balls: apple cinnamon no-bake energy bites and cranberry oatmeal energy balls.
These chocolate protein balls have an extra little boost to help you through that afternoon slump — espresso powder (this is my favorite kind). It not only gives you a little boost of caffeine, but it also adds depth to the flavor of the chocolate.
I used chocolate shakeology for this recipe because a) it’s what I had and b) I love the strong chocolate flavor it has.
PS: I’m technically a Beachbody coach and I don’t like to admit it, but I’m required to disclose that. Our little secret? I do love the Shakeology and the workouts. But yeah, let’s keep it between you and me and the rest of the internet, k? Thanks!!!!
PS: I used to buy pitted dates for protein balls but then a pit snuck through and made it into my food processor and it was super annoying. And loud. And I had to throw it all out. So now I buy the kind with the pits in them and pit them myself. If you want it done right, gotta do it yourself I guess!
PPS: I use this scoop — I also use it for cookies!
Enjoy!
Looking for more healthy snacks? Try:
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @rachelcooksblog on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
-30 protein balls
These chocolate protein balls will satisfy your chocolate cravings without a sugar crash later and will give you energy to get through your afternoon!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups pitted dates
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup flaxseed meal
- 1/4 cup chocolate protein powder (I used [chocolate shakeology] for this recipe)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 teaspoons espresso powder (optional, but recommended)
- Additional flax meal or cocoa powder for rolling
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until completely blended.
- Roll into balls (I used a two teaspoon scoop) and then roll in additional cocoa powder or flaxseed meal (I typically use a combination of cocoa powder and flaxseed meal).
Notes
- Best stored in fridge and eaten cold.
- Mixture will look very dry at first. Just keep processing it and it will come together.
- Serving Size: 2 protein balls
Nutrition Information
Serving: 2protein balls, Calories: 87kcal, Carbohydrates: 17g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 4mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 12g
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Verdict: I love snacking on these!
Husband’s take: He said these were his favorite flavor yet!
Changes I would make: None!
Difficulty: So easy!
KT says
I received a link to this recipe in an email titled “Protein Packed Snacks for Busy Days!” However, 3 g protein per serving is hardly “protein packed.”
Using your Nutrition Information above, the macros break down as follows: 69.4% carbs, 18.4% fat, 12.2% protein. I would not use the “protein packed” designation for something with less than 20% protein.
Rachel Gurk says
Hi KT, thanks for the feedback! The serving size is only two protein balls, so if you wanted a heartier snack you could always eat more, or supplement them with other food. They’re meant to be a snack and not a full meal. Also, I provide nutrition info as an estimate only, each individual still should take responsibility for making their own nutritional and diet choices.
Jennifer says
Great!! Thanks for responding. I am going to try it today, I’ll let you know how it goes!!
Jennifer says
Can I use Cacao powder instead of unsweetened Cocoa powder, or will the flavor be too strong? Thanks!
Rachel Gurk says
That will work fine!
Denise says
love energy balls
Sues says
I feel like energy balls won’t ever really go out of style!! I am always on board with a healthy and delicious food that will power me through a rough workday!