Vegan Protein Balls

Hungry for more delicious plant-based snacks? These hazelnut chocolate vegan protein balls are quick and easy to make with a quick whirl in the food processor, and will satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping you healthy. Win-win-win!

Nutritious ingredients like hazelnuts, cocoa powder, and dates come together to create a delightfully chewy treat, reminiscent of cookie dough with a vegan nutella flavor. They pack a punch with plant-based protein, making them perfect for a post-workout snack or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. And you can add a scoop of vegan protein powder for an extra protein boost!

This recipe for vegan protein balls was kindly supported by NBPure, and features their Plant Protein+ plant-based protein powder made from yellow peas, flaxseeds, and chia seeds.  

Why You Must Try This Vegan Protein Balls Recipe

Excited to explore a vegan protein ball recipe featuring protein powder? Discover why this nutritious blend is a must-try! Packed with an uber-chocolatey flavor and so simple to prepare, these homemade snacks are a delicious way to boost your energy and satisfy your sweet tooth.

• Protein-Packed Powerhouses. These protein balls are a fantastic way to increase your protein intake essential for muscle repair and overall energy levels.
• Versatile Snacking. They make for a versatile snack that can be enjoyed pre or post-workout, as a midday pick-me-up, or even as a healthy dessert alternative. (Pre-workout snacks are important, too!)
• Balanced Nutrition. These healthy treats provide a balanced mix of nutrients, including fiber from dates, healthy fats from nuts like hazelnuts, and antioxidants from cocoa powder.
• Customizable Flavors. You can easily customize flavors by choosing different types of protein powders (like chocolate or vanilla), or adding variations such as coconut flakes or almond butter.
• Quick and Easy Preparation. With minimal ingredients and no baking required, they’re quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy schedules.
• Long-lasting Freshness. They can be stored in the fridge or freezer for weeks, making them a convenient grab-and-go option for busy days.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

Curious about the key ingredients for vegan protein balls? Here, we’ll explore the essentials and offer some simple swaps to personalize your perfect snack. Discover how easy it is to create delicious, nutritious treats at home!

Hazelnuts: Provide healthy fats, which are essential for energy and satiety. They also add a nutty flavor and crunchy texture. You can substitute almost any other nut here—including walnuts, pecans, cashews, or almonds, you just may need to adjust the nut-to-date ratio slightly to achieve the perfect cookie-dough-like texture.

Medjool Dates: Add a natural sweetness to the protein balls, reducing the amount of extra refined sugar. They help bind the ingredients together, giving the balls their shape and chewy texture. Raisins or dried figs can be used instead of dates.

Cocoa Powder: Lends a deep, chocolatey flavor to the protein balls. It’s rich in antioxidants, which are beneficial for overall health. Feel free to use carob powder for a similar taste with a slightly different flavor profile.

Protein Powder: To boost the protein content further, you can add a scoop of your favorite vegan protein powder, like Plant Protein+ from NBPure. This complete plant-based protein powder has a light vanilla flavor that compliments these balls beautifully. And it has added flaxseeds and chia seeds for fiber, antioxidants, ALA, and vegan omega-3 fatty acids.

Coconut Oil: Adds healthy fats, which help with energy and texture. This oil helps to bind the ingredients and solidify the mixture when cooled. Melted vegan butter or avocado oil would work well, too.

You can also try our delicious date truffles made with walnuts instead of hazelnuts, for another spin on this popular protein balls recipe concept.

How to Make These Chocolate Hazelnut Protein Balls

Making these tasty vegan protein balls with protein powder is simple and fun. The steps to create a tasty, nutritious snack are as easy as pie. With just a few ingredients and a food processor, you’ll have delicious protein balls ready in no time.

Step 1: Blend Ingredients – In a food processor, process the hazelnuts, dates, cocoa powder, protein powder, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.

Step 2: Chill and Shape – Refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes. Once chilled, shape the mixture into 1-inch balls with your hands.

Finally, Step 3: Finish and Store – Roll the protein balls in cocoa powder, hazelnut powder, chopped nuts, or dip them in melted chocolate. Store in the fridge or freezer for up to 4 weeks.