The Best No Bake Protein Balls (vegan + gluten free)

No Bake Protein Balls made with nutritious ingredients like SunButter, vegan protein powder and oats!. These chewy bites make the perfect allergy-friendly lunchbox treat, snack or dessert!

It makes sense that a snack with so many flavor combinations would go by different names. So whether you call them protein bites, protein balls, energy balls or anything in-between, lets just agree that these are one of the best, portable snacks to have on hand for healthy snacking. 

I have made a ridiculous amount of energy bites over the years, and while I often play with the ingredients, I always come back to one simple Protein Bite recipe which I’m sharing today. I’m also including a few flavor variations you can have fun trying later on.

Ingredients in the best-ever protein balls recipe

These No Bake energy balls are easy to make, full of feel-good ingredients and deliciously irresistible too!  

Here’s what you’ll need for these SunButter oatmeal protein balls:

• Old Fashioned rolled oats: check label to make sure you’re oats are gluten free if needed.
• Creamy or Crunchy SunButter: just be sure to stir well before measuring if any oils are pulled to the top of the jar. 
• Agave: substitute with brown rice syrup or maple syrup
• Kosher salt: just a pinch. 
• Cinnamon: brings out a little extra yum.
• Vanilla or chocolate protein powder: see variations below.
• Vegan chocolate chips: use mini white chips, chocolate chips or a combo of both.

How to make vegan Protein Bites:

It’s really just a matter of measuring and mixing!

1. Stir together oats, SunButter, agave, cinnamon and salt, protein powder and chips until combined in a large bowl. 
2. Chill covered bowl in the refrigerator 30-60 minutes. This helps with being able to shape them later. Short on time? Freeze the dough 5 minutes before you roll. Just a few minutes in the freezer will make it easier to roll.
3. Roll into balls. Use a small cookie scoop (like this) to ensure equal sized bites. 
4. Eat right away or refrigerate and enjoy any time of day. 

Energy bite recipe variations:

Feel free to get creative because there are a lot of ways you can customize this protein bites recipe. Here are some examples…

• Use a different SunButter variation: Use creamy, crunchy or even their new chocolate flavor. Just make sure to stir well before measuring if you see oil resting on the top of the jar.
• Change up the protein powder: There are so many options to pick from like chocolate, vanilla, cookies and cream, coffee and more.  Some allergy-friendly brands include Owyn, Nutracelle, Ora and EarthChimp (which does contain coconut).
• Add dried fruit: If you would like to give these energy bites some extra texture, feel free to add craisins, raisins, dried blueberries or coconut.

Other healthy snack recipes:

• Easy Chocolate Protein Bars (Vegan, Gluten Free, Top 8 Free)
• No-Bake SunButter Energy Bites
• Easy Chocolate Protein Bars (Vegan, Gluten Free, Top 8 Free)
• No Bake Bites {Vegan + Top 8 Free}
• SunButter Craisin Protein Bites

I can’t wait for you to try this Protein Ball recipe and make it your own!

If you enjoyed this recipe, have any questions or added your own special twist to it, please leave a comment down below and give this recipe a rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ so that others may find this recipe!

As always, if you make something from the blog, be sure to tag @allergylicious on Instagram so I can see your creations.  Also, follow along with me on Instagram and Pinterest  for more vegan & allergy friendly treats.

Easy, energy balls recipe