Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Energy Protein Balls

The perfect answer to your sweet tooth’s snack time cravings!

Not only are Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Energy Protein Balls the perfect pregnancy, postpartum and nursing snack, but my toddlers LOVE them! These nutrient-packed protein balls are the perfect snack for when you want something sweet, but don’t want to overindulge.

By combining old fashioned rolled oats, flax meal, chia seeds, peanut butter, honey and mini chocolate chips, these energy balls taste like a cookie, but pack a nutritious punch! Not only that, but with all of the ingredients on hand, these delicious morsels come together in less than five minutes, making them the perfect after-school or on-the-go snack.

You can watch a step-by-step video of this recipe on the Savvy Spoon Instagram, here!

These are the absolute best to have in the fridge when you need just a little nibble to hold you over.

More protein ball recipes! Chocolate Protein Energy Balls, Valentine’s Day Oatmeal Protein Energy Balls.

Why you’ll love this recipe!

• They’re packed with gluten-free oats, making them a great choice for anyone avoiding gluten.
• This recipe is super flexible. If you’re not a fan of peanut butter, feel free to swap it out for almond butter or your favorite seed butter.
• We’re keeping things sweet and simple here; the natural sweetness from honey and semi-sweet chocolate chips means low sugar.
• With the combo of oats, flaxseed meal, and chia seeds, these little bites are high in fiber. They’re not only tasty but also help with digestion and keep you feeling fuller for longer.

Ingredients you’ll need:

 Here’s what goes into the mix:

• 2 cups gluten-free rolled oats (I use Bob’s Red Mill)
• 2 tbsp. chia seeds
• 2 tbsp. flaxseed meal
• 2/3 cup creamy unsweetened peanut butter (can substitute with almond butter or your favorite nut/seed butter)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
• 1 scoop your favorite protein powder (I use The Bomb Co. Vanilla Protein Powder)

How to make chocolate chip oatmeal protein energy balls 

1. Wash your hands and leave them slightly damp.
2. In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients together until well combined.
3. Using a spoon, scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and shape it into a ball.
4. Place each ball onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
5. Chill in the freezer for at least two hours. Then, transfer the balls to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. Enjoy!

Storing your protein energy balls

Once you’ve rolled your energy balls, they’re best stored in an airtight container. They stay fresh in the fridge for about a week, or you can freeze them for up to a month. Just pull a couple out when you need an on-the-go snack!

Customize your protein energy balls

• Try mixing up your protein powder! Chocolate, vanilla, or unflavored protein powder are all great options, depending on which flavor you like best. A plant-based option, like pea protein powder, is perfect if you’re skipping animal products, while whey protein is a great choice if you love that creamy texture and want the full protein package!
  
  Note: Adding protein powder might make the mix a bit thicker, so you may need a splash of extra liquid or a little more nut butter to keep it easy to roll.
  
• Honey is my go-to sweetener for these energy balls, but maple syrup, agave syrup, or date syrup all work beautifully in this recipe too.
  
• Almonds, cacao nibs, or chopped peanuts can add a nice little crunch if you’re into some extra texture! Almond butter or cashew butter can also be used instead of peanut butter—it’s all up to you!

Savvy tips!

1. Use a Food Processor or Blender
If you want a smoother texture, blend the oats, flax, and any other dry ingredients in a food processor or blender before mixing with the wet ingredients.

2. Adjusting Consistency
If your protein ball mixture feels too sticky or too dry, add a little almond milk for moisture or almond flour to thicken it up.

3. Make it Your Own!
Experiment with this recipe by adding a dash of vanilla extract for a subtle sweet vanilla flavor or tossing in some chopped Medjool dates dates for even more natural sweetness—perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth!

How to make protein balls vegan?

Simply substitute the honey with a vegan sweetener like maple syrup or agave syrup. You can use the same amount—⅓ cup should work well. It’s always best to check all of your ingredients to ensure they are vegan, especially for items like chocolate chips or nut butter, as some brands may contain non-vegan additives.

Can I freeze my protein balls?

Yes! You can keep these protein balls in the freezer for up to three months. To do so, place them in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag, making sure to seal it tightly. Don’t forget to label the container or bag with the date for reference. When you’re ready to snack, just take a protein ball out of the freezer and allow it to thaw at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying!

Thank you for being an amazing reader of The Savvy Spoon! If you loved this post, I would so appreciate you rating it below and/or leaving a comment! Be sure to follow me on Instagram and Facebook for more recipes, twin mom and healthy lifestyle content!