Cocoa Protein Balls

Bid your protein powders farewell and turn your attention to these uh-maaazing Cocoa Protein Balls. These babies have enough protein in them to make you never look at those chalky tasting, crazy ingredients filled powders, again. But perhaps the best part is that they actually taste pretty fantastic.

These nutrient dense energy balls became an instant hit with everyone who tried them, and the recipe has gone out a few times already. I’ve been wanting to make some sort of protein bar/ball concoction for my husband. But between you and me, I hate the taste of protein powders. There isn’t one kind that I like the taste of. So that’s why it’s taken me this long to make anything protein-ish based.

That was until we were at our friends’ house not too long ago, we were all talking about healthy eating and the subject of protein powders came up. The guys began discussing their favourite brands and how they incorporated it into their morning shakes… to borrow a line from one of Seinfeld’s episodes … and yaddi yaddi yadda, I tuned them out right away and envisioned how I was going to make a protein powderless protein snack.

The very next morning, I got to work, looking for everything I had in my pantry and fridge to see what I could put into making the best protein filled snack. It turns out hemp seeds are loaded with protein — which is wonderful because they’re delish. I compared the protein and fibre content between my protein balls and a scoop of the plant-based protein powder my husband uses used to use, and here’s the side-by-side comparison:

Cocoa Protein Balls VS Plant Based Protein Powder (per serving)

23.23g protein                            20g protein
13.11g fibre                                    1g fibre
9.09g sugar (natural)                  2g sugar (just in the powder)

Keep in mind that when you make a shake, you add more to it, maybe honey or another form of sweetener, fruits, fibre, liquid etc etc. so the sugar content will add up quickly. When you think about it, you’re getting about the same amount of protein but 12 times more fibre, and the taste surpasses anything you’d try to put into your shake to help mask the gross chalky taste of the powder. Sorry, I just can’t get over that part. :p

This is such an easy recipe to make, it’s borderline ridiculous.  There’s no baking involved which is wonderful. And, in 5 easy steps, you’ll have enough protein to last you the entire week. That is, IF they actually last that long uneaten. I apologize I have no idea where my progress pics went for this post. I took them but for the life of me, can’t find them anywhere. I’ll be making them this week again so will insert the pics then. Luckily, this recipe is literally made in 1 bowl and takes minutes to prepare. In the words of my little man and little miss, this recipe is easy peasy, lemon squeezy.

Happy no-bake, cocoa protein balls making, my friends!

xo, Laila

Free from: dairy, egg, tree nuts, wheat, gluten, sesame, mustard, fish, shellfish, animal product.

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients.

2. Next, add peanut butter, oil, and honey. Mix well using a rubber spatula, until fully combined.

3. Using a 1″ ice cream scoop, or if unavailable, using a tablespoon, scoop a spoonful into your hand, and gently shape and roll mixture into a ball.

4. Place balls on a pan/flat dish with wax paper (recommended) or parchment paper. Drizzle with melted chocolate.

5. Place in the fridge until set, minimum 30-40 minutes.

Remove and enjoy.

Come to think of it, it’s beyond ridiculous to make — which is a good thing. ;)

Bon appétit!