I loved making our Energy Balls and my family and Amber’s friends loved eating them so I decided to make Chocolate Coconut Protein Balls as well. These are a fantastic healthy snack too!
The Energy Balls are a very popular recipe on our site right now. This is one of those great recipes that you will want to have on hand. They take no time to roll into balls and are ready for future nibbling. Want another great healthy recipe try our Sesame Tahini Cookies.
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How to Make Protein Balls?
Protein balls are very easy to make with only a few ingredients that you can find in any grocery store like Medjool dates, cocoa powder, honey, unsweetened coconut, rolled oats, vanilla, and unsalted cashews.
Dates are one ingredient that I don’t use enough of. They make a great substitute for sugar as they have a natural sweetness and are a good binder for this recipe.
All the ingredients are whirled up in a food processor which makes the work very easy for you!
After they are whirled in the food processor they are an instant chocolatey goodness and now are so easy to work with.
When Should You Eat Protein Balls?
Literally any time would be great for these protein balls. They would be great in a lunch box, after a workout, or for an afternoon pick-me-up. Store some in the freezer for later or tuck them all in the fridge to eat up now!
Simple ingredients go into them. If you want them gluten-free just make sure your oats aren’t contaminated. A lot of companies that make oats also make other products that contain wheat.
If you want to take these to school and have nut allergy issues just omit the nuts!
I love dates, and they are full of protein, even more than an avocado. In this recipe, though, you taste mainly chocolate.
Rich, dark, delicious chocolate but the dates and honey add the sweetness. Look how chocolatey and fudgy they are. I want to pop one right away, they are so good.
I love it when something healthy tastes this good! If you are hankering for a chocolate fix these are just perfect.
These could be added to a plate full of decadent treats too and offer up a little healthier choice. They don’t contain any peanut products, almond butter or other nut butter, or natural peanut butter but they do have cashews. If that is an allergy issue then just remove those from the mix.
This is also very easy to make as all the ingredients go into a large bowl of a food processor, you whirl them up and then you roll in coconut. I also love that they are a no-bake recipe!
What is a Healthy Chocolate Snack?
A healthy chocolate snack is these delicious protein balls. These balls don’t have a lot of crazy ingredients that you may never use again. Everything in them is pretty common and your pantry may have all the items you need already!!
With ingredients like Medjool dates, cocoa powder, honey, shredded coconut, rolled oats, vanilla extract, and cashew nuts these energy bites make for healthy snacking. You could even add flax seeds to the mix.
You could substitute maple syrup or agave syrup for the honey if you want to change that up.
Are Energy Balls Good for You?
Energy balls are usually filled with healthy fats, fiber, and protein, making them an excellent, healthy on-the-go snack! To get an even higher protein from these little balls you can also add in a protein powder.
They have chocolate protein powders now. You may have to add less cocoa powder to get the right consistency.
How Can I Satisfy My Sweet Tooth Without Sugar?
This treat is a great way to satisfy that sweet tooth. The sweetness in this recipe is from the dates plus the honey; there is no added sugar.
You could also use a stevia-like sweetener if you want to reduce the calories but keep it natural instead of honey.
For this recipe though I would avoid white or brown sugar completely. I am craving one of these again just from looking at the pictures!! Enjoy!!
Chocolate Coconut Protein Balls
Video
Ingredients
- 1 cup Medjool dates pitted (about 10 large)
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 cup medium desiccated unsweetened coconut plus more for rolling
- 1/4 cup quick cooking rolled oats
- 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted cashews
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a food processor and whirl until the mixture starts to pull together. Roll into balls and roll in additional coconut. Store in a tight sealed container in the fridge or freezer.
Comments & Reviews
Sara says
Taste delicious and my kids love them
Tara Noland says
So glad you enjoy them. Thanks for telling us!!
Noah says
Why are these called protein balls if there’s just 1g of protein per serving?
Tara Noland says
I mention in the post that you can add protein powder to up them even higher if you like.
Chari says
So good! I felt like I was eating something very decadent. Love it!
Tara Noland says
Great, so glad you liked them!!
Chari says
Do you think it would still work if I omitted the cashews?
Tara Noland says
I am not sure they would be as good and they would lack the protein which is the point of them.
Chari says
True… Thanks for your reply.
Akaxi says
these are 😋
question
how do you get 24?
I almost doubled all ingredients & barley got 12.
they are tasty love them
not sure how to post a pic
they are still good 👍
Tara Noland says
I guess mine are smaller, so glad you liked them though.
Kate says
Do the cashews need to be roasted or are they raw?
Tara Noland says
I buy mine roasted, I don’t think you are supposed to eat raw cashews.
Bree says
Struggling to see how these are protein balls when there is only 1g of protein per serve…
Tara Noland says
I have mentioned in the post that if you want more protein per ball you can add in protein powder. These balls are a truly healthy and delicious snack.
Eva says
How long can these be stored in the refrigerator?
Tara Noland says
Ours never last longer than a week in the refrigerator.