Healthy Double Chocolate Protein Balls

Guilt-free, raw and healthy chocolate protein balls take just 5 minutes to prepare and have less than 70 calories per serve.

Protein balls (also known as bliss balls) make a great energy-boosting, healthy snack.

Just like my original peanut butter protein balls, this chocolate version is sure to become a family favourite snack in no time!

Why Protein Balls Are So Good

Protein balls make a great energy-boosting snack, lunchbox treat or post-workout pick me up.

Here's why you're going to love them:

• made from raw, natural ingredients
• high in protein, healthy fats, carbs and fibre
• energy-boosting
• made with natural sweeteners
• quick and easy to prepare... just 5 minutes!!!
• freezer-friendly

What You Need

To make my chocolate protein balls (that taste just like a cheeky chocolate treat), you'll need just 6 ingredients:

• dates - you can use either pitted medjool or pitted dried dates for this recipe. Personally I prefer the texture and flavour of the medjool dates. If using dried pitted dates, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes, then drain and use as per the recipe.
• almonds - use raw natural almonds.
• honey - for a vegan option you can substitute the honey with either rice malt syrup or agave syrup. Adjust the amount of honey used based on how sweet you like your protein balls to be.
• vanilla extract
• cocoa powder - or substitute with cacao powder
• cacao nibs - these can be purchased from the health food aisle of any major supermarket or from health food stores. Alternatively, you can substitute the cacao nibs for dark chocolate chips or omit them entirely.

How To Make Protein Balls

This simple 5 minute and 3 step recipe could not be any easier!

Note: please scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for ingredient quantities and the full detailed method.

Step 1 - Place the dates, cocoa powder, honey and vanilla extract into a food processor, Thermomix or blender. Mix until smooth.

Step 2 - Add the almonds and cacao nibs and mix until combined (it's fine for the mixture to still be a little chunky).

Step 3 - Use your hands to roll the mixture into balls.

Storing & Freezing

Protein balls can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Alternatively, they can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Once removed from the freezer, bliss balls will defrost very quickly (within 10-20 minutes). Therefore, they can be placed into lunchboxes directly from the freezer and they'll be ready in time for a morning snack.

Recipe Tips & FAQ

What type of dates are best for protein balls?

You can use either medjool dates or dried pitted dates when making protein balls, however, they hold different amounts of moisture which means that you'll need to adapt the recipe slightly depending on which type of dates you're using. I prefer to use medjool dates which are more moist than pitted dates. If using pitted dates, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes before draining and using.

How many calories is in 1 ball?

These balls have 68 calories per serve.

Are protein balls healthy for you?

Protein balls should be consumed as part of a balanced and healthy diet. They are high in protein, fibre, healthy fats and carbs.

What equipment do I need to make protein balls?

You will need either a food processor, Thermomix, blender or Vitamix.

Are these vegan?

If you substitute the honey with rice malt syrup or agave syrup, then these protein balls are vegan.

Processing the mixture

The mixture is very sticky, so you'll need to scrape down the sides of your food processor partway through mixing.

More Healthy Snack Recipes

While it's hard to find a healthier snack than my chocolate protein balls, these recipes all make simple, healthy snacks too:

• peanut butter protein balls
• salted caramel protein balls
• healthy lemon and coconut balls
• healthy apricot and coconut balls

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