Collagen Protein Balls (Paleo, Keto)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

These collagen protein balls have a creamy almond butter and collagen filling that's coated in a rich, dark chocolate shell. They're perfect for a low carb dessert or satiating snack and this recipe is paleo, keto and gluten free.

Collagen is one of my favorite protein sources. Most days, you can find me pouring a scoop into my morning coffee, using it in baked goods like my tahini banana bread or collagen cookies, and adding it to no-bake recipes like these keto collagen protein balls.

Collagen is nothing new to me. In fact, I first started taking it back in 2014 when I was pregnant with my first child. I heard about it through paleo blogs and was immediately intrigued. It's been a staple in my diet ever since!

This collagen protein ball recipe is one of my favorite ways to enjoy collagen. They have a creamy nut butter filling that's coated in dark chocolate - perfect for a healthy dessert.

Why You'll Love these Collagen Protein Balls

paleo friendly - made with simple, wholesome ingredients you can feel good about. No gluten, grains (oat free), refined sugar or dairy.
keto - perfect for anyone wanting a low carb treat that won't spike your blood sugar.
minimal ingredients - only 5 ingredients are required (salt and coconut oil for thinning the chocolate are optional)
easy to make - simply combine the filling ingredients, roll into balls, chill and then dip in dark chocolate.

Ingredients

The full recipe for these paleo collagen balls can be found in the recipe card below, but here's an overview of the ingredients you'll need:

almond butter - I like these protein balls with almond butter, but any nut or seed butter will work for this recipe.
maple syrup - to provide a little sweetness. You can omit the maple syrup or swap it with your sweetener of choice.
vanilla extract - for flavor.
collagen peptides - since these are collagen balls. I used Vital protein collagen peptides, but any brand will work.
salt - optional ingredient for flavor enhancement
dark chocolate - I recommend a dark chocolate with a cocoa content between 70-90%. My favorite paleo chocolate are the Hu dark chocolate gems.
coconut oil - optional for thinning the chocolate coating

How to Make Collagen Protein Balls

These collagen energy balls are so easy to make. Here are the steps:

First, combine all filling ingredients in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Start with just ⅓ cup of collagen and add more as needed. Mix until well combined.
Next, roll the dough into balls, about 1 tablespoon in size. Set the balls on a large plate or small baking sheet, then place in the freezer until firm. (This makes dipping the balls in the chocolate way easier because the filling is soft at room temperature.)

Once the balls are firm, melt the dark chocolate for the coating. Place the chocolate and coconut oil in a small sauce pan and melt over low heat, stirring frequently.
Once the chocolate is fully melted, grab the filling balls from the freezer. Dip them, one at a time, into the melted chocolate. Then place them on parchment paper to set. As an option, you may add a topping before the chocolate sets. (I added bee pollen.)

Storage

Place these keto collagen balls in an airtight container or baggie and store in the fridge or freezer. They're great prepped ahead of time and stored in the freezer for a quick, satisfying dessert or on-the-go snack.

Tips and Tricks

Play around with the filling. The filling will need more or less collagen depending on the brand you use. If your filling is too dry and crumbly, add more nut butter. Conversely, if the filling is too runny, add more collagen. You'll have reached the right texture when the dough is pliable and can be shaped into balls.
Freeze the balls before dipping in chocolate. Placing the collagen balls in the freezer will firm them up, making them easier to dip in dark chocolate.
Try different flavors. Feel free to use a different flavor of nut/seed butter or add a little almond extract to the filling. You could also mix in some mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts.

FAQ

What is collagen?

So what exactly is collagen? Well, it's the most abundant protein in the human body that makes up features like skin, hair, nails, bones, connective tissue, even the gut lining. As we age, our body's production of collagen declines. This means, adding more collagen in our diet is essential for proper mobility, a healthy gut and overall appearance (ie healthy looking skin).

Collagen in our diets comes from foods high in protein. For example, beef, chicken, fish and eggs. Collagen peptides can be made from any of these high protein sources. The most common form of collagen peptides I've seen is from bovine (or cows). It's made from their skin, bones and muscles.

Collagen peptides are unique in that they have undergone a process called hydrolysis, which breaks their amino acids down into shorter chains of proteins. (1) This makes collagen easier to digest and able to dissolve in hot or cold liquids.

What are the benefits of consuming collagen?

Collagen has so many amazing benefits! It improves skin elasticity (one reason why I loved taking it when pregnant) and appearance, helps grow stronger nails, improves the health of your hair (thicker, fuller, grows faster), supports the gut, helps with joint mobility and connective tissue health.

What are the best collagen peptides?

When buying collagen peptides, always look for a brand that makes its collagen from 100% grass fed, pastured cows. Also look for fillers, gums or stabilizers, as you want to stay away from those ingredients. My favorite brands include: Perfect Supplements, Vital Proteins, Garden of Life, Nu Naturals, Ancient Nutrition.

More Easy Recipes Using Collagen Peptides