These vanilla protein balls are soft and chewy with a delicious vanilla flavor. They are nut free, grain free (no oats) and paleo friendly; perfect for a healthy dessert or snack.
I try my best to keep a stash of protein balls on hand at all times, as they're great for a post-workout energy boost, afternoon snack for the kiddos or protein rich breakfast addition.
These vanilla protein balls are one of my favorite variations. They are paleo friendly and nut free, making them great to pack in school lunches. In addition, this protein ball recipe is made with protein powder and only sweetened with dates.
Why You'll Love These Vanilla Protein Balls
- gluten free and grain free - made without oats and without flour
- nut free - no nuts in this healthy vanilla protein ball recipe, peanut free too
- paleo friendly -made with real, whole food ingredients
- dairy free - they contain plant protein
- healthy but delicious
- no bake - just blend the ingredients, roll into balls and enjoy
Ingredients
These vanilla protein powder balls are made with a short list of paleo and vegan ingredients. Here's what you need:
- unsweetened shredded coconut
- raw sunflower seeds
- vanilla protein powder
- medjool dates
- vanilla extract
- salt
- water
Vanilla Protein Powder
I used the vanilla lucuma protein powder from Sprout Living to make these protein balls. It's one of my all time favorite protein powders in terms of taste, texture and the way it makes me feel. Not only is this protein powder gluten free, but it's also vegan and can be part of a paleo diet.
Some other protein powders that would work well for this recipe include: pumpkin seed protein, pea protein and hemp protein. Just note, you may have to alter the water content for this recipe depending on what protein powder you use.
How to Make Vanilla Protein Balls
These homemade vanilla protein balls are easy to make - all you need is a food processor to blend the ingredients.
Simply add all of the ingredients to your food processor, except the water. Blend the ingredients and add the water one tablespoon at a time, until it starts to combine and forms a ball in the food processor.
Scoop the dough into balls, about one tablespoon in size, making approximately 12 protein balls.
Once rolled, the vanilla protein balls are ready to eat!
Storage
Store the protein balls in a sealed container in the fridge, for up to two weeks. For longer storage, place the protein balls in a baggie in the freezer.
FAQ
Any protein powder can be used to make protein balls, but for this particular recipe I recommend a plant based protein powder. Particularly a vanilla flavored one.
Yes! This is a vegan vanilla protein ball recipe.
These protein balls will last well in the fridge for up to two weeks.
More Healthy Protein Ball Recipes
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Vanilla Protein Balls (No Nuts, Paleo)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 protein balls 1x
Description
These vanilla protein balls are made without nuts (no peanut butter) and are paleo and vegan friendly. They're great for snacking, packing in lunches or as a healthy dessert.
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut (50g)
- ¼ cup raw sunflower seeds (38g)
- ⅓ plant based vanilla protein powder (40g)
- 3 medjool dates, pitted (50g)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅛ tsp salt
- 3 Tbsp water*
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients, except water in a food processor. Blend, then add the water one tablespoon at a time until the mixture starts to clump and forms a ball in the food processor.
- Scoop the dough and roll into balls about 1 tablespoon in size.
- Store the leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Notes
*Depending on the protein powder you use, you may need more or less water.
Katie
My family and I love these vanilla protein balls. Enjoy!
Jessica
These are delicious but they aren’t nut free. Coconut is part of the nut family when talking about nut and tree nut allergies. My son is severely allergic to all nuts, which included coconut.
Katie
Hi! Coconuts are not technically nuts. According to Healthline: "Despite its name, coconut is not a nut but a type of fruit known as a drupe. Most people with tree nut allergies can safely eat coconut and its products without any symptoms of a reaction."