These oatmeal protein bites can be whipped up super quick. I’ve put together two different variations for you to try. Both of these recipes use vanilla whey protein powder and provide 7-9 grams of protein per ball, depending on which recipe you try. They are great to pop in your mouth before or after a workout or as a mid-day snack. Try these energy balls with protein powder today and let me know what you think!
A Quick and Easy Energy Source
Oatmeal protein bites are a quick and easy energy source for athletes, students, and literally anyone on-the-go. And you don’t have to be a self-proclaimed gym rat or health nut to enjoy these healthy no bake protein balls.
What makes these so convenient is that each no-bake protein balls recipe has only 5-7 basic ingredients. Simply mix all ingredients in a large bowl and roll into golfball-sized balls.
And even though the recipe says to wait 15-30 minutes, it’s definitely not required. It’s tempting not to try these straight from the bowl- at least for me. These oatmeal protein bites are like eating raw cookie dough, without the risk of salmonella from raw eggs or e. coli from raw flour.
The energy source here comes from the whole grain oats, nut butters, protein powder and other add-ins that make them so yummy. Let’s talk more about these ingredients.
Ingredients
Old-fashioned oats, also called rolled oats, are considered a whole grain. Whole grains are minimally processed and still have all 3 components of the original grain present (bran, germ, and endosperm). According to the 2020-2025 Guidelines for Americans, at least half of our grain intake for the day should be from whole grains.
Nut butters from peanuts and almonds are also a great source of both protein and healthy fats. Nut butters are also a plant-based source of protein. And while the high amount of total fat may concern you, the majority of the fat content is in the form of unsaturated fats.
Unsweetened nut butters as a whole are very nutrient-dense and contain essential vitamins and minerals, including potassium and magnesium. So while you don’t want to eat too much nut butter, to prevent weight gain over time, they are still a very healthy food you can consume daily in moderation. Nut butters also add to the wonderful flavor of these no bake protein bites.
And the whey protein powder adds to the nutrient profile by obviously adding more protein! Research on whey protein shows that compared to soy and casein protein, whey protein gives a stronger feeling of satiety which may be beneficial to weight loss (1).
Variations
You can also easily customize these oatmeal protein powder balls to your liking. Here are a few options to try:
- If allergic to nuts, try substituting sunflower butter
- Try another gooey sweetener such as agave nectar
- Add some omega-3 fatty acids with flaxseeds, chia seeds or walnut butter
- Use different flavors of protein powder such as chocolate
- Use a plant-based protein powder (pea protein, soy protein, etc.)
Other suggestions are below in the “Notes” section. Feel free to create something new and have fun. Just remember that it may alter the consistency of your no bake protein bites.
If your mixture becomes too dry or crumbly, try adding a little more nut butter or whatever gooey sweetener you’ve chosen to act as a binder. I can tell you from experience that your oatmeal protein bites will get dryer and harder after sitting a day or two.
Video How to Make Oatmeal Protein Balls
FAQ
Yes, these nutrient dense protein energy balls have wholesome ingredients including whole grain oats, nut butter, natural sweeteners, and other natural ingredients.
Each of these oatmeal protein bites have about 150 calories per ball. They are made for snacks or a quick pick-me-up. Eating 3 or more of these at a times can quickly add unwanted extra calories.
Protein balls can keep for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer- if they last that long!
You can eat these any time of day however, you may not want to eat more than 2-3 per day for the simple fact that these are calorie dense. Each of these no bake protein bites is 150 calories, so one is the perfect snack size if you’re trying to watch your weight or daily calorie intake.
Oatmeal Protein Bites (2 Ways)
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Protein Bites
- 1 ½ cups old-fashioned oatmeal
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2 Tbsp chocolate chips
- 2 scoops vanilla whey protein powder
Cinnamon Raisin Protein Bites
- 1 ½ cups old-fashioned oatmeal
- ½ cup almond butter
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 Tbsp raisins
- ¼ tsp cinnamon ground
- 2 scoops vanilla whey protein powder
- 2-3 Tbsp almond milk or water as needed
Instructions
- Place all ingredients into a large bowl and mix until combined.
- Form mixture by hand into 12 equal sized balls.
- Add water, milk or milk alternative as needed if mixture is too dry to form.
- Place each ball on a baking sheet lined with wax paper or parchment paper.
- Refrigerate for 15-30 minutes then ENJOY!
Notes
- These can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, however you can store them in the freezer for up to 3 months!
- Experiment using different nut butters such as sunflower or soy butter.
- You can also switch up the add-ins by trying chopped dates or dried cherries in place of raisins or mini chocolate chips or mini M&M’s.
- If you don’t have whey protein, you can try other protein powders as well such as pea protein, hemp protein or soy protein.
- Sweetening agents may also be switched up- try agave nectar, barley malt syrup or brown rice syrup instead of honey or maple syrup.
Did you enjoy this recipe? Feel free to pin and save this recipe for others!
Want more meal or snack ideas using whole grain oats? Try my:
Kiran Campbell is a registered dietitian and entrepreneur with 13 years of experience. She has a degree in psychology as well as dietetics. She is also a proud member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ and its Cardiovascular Health and Well-being Dietetics Practice Group among others. Kiran proudly presents and promotes the most up-to-date, science-based nutrition information on all things heart-related. She aims to serve not only individuals with heart disease, but also those wanting to protect against it. Learn more about Kiran by visiting her About Page.