These Crunchy Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls are great for the sweet tooth and to hold you over when in a pinch. Make ahead for the week and try not to eat them all at once.

I have something to admit. I really REALLY don’t like protein bars or bars in general. I’m cool with a meat stick/bar/jerky especially on a hike but I’m just not all that jazzed about nuts/seeds/protein powder/fillers/vitamins/dates mushed up into a bar shape. That being said, I’m really into protein balls especially if they are homemade. Let’s be honest, everything tastes better homemade anyway.

Okay, now that I’ve gotten that off my chest I feel like I can continue. I’ve just been one to like food in its raw form. Give me nuts, seeds, dates, etc. but give them to me in their more natural form. I also find that I’m more satisfied with a meal than just a bar. If I eat a bar, I also want a meal and sometimes you just don’t need both. You know?

Protein Bars, Balls & Treats, Oh My!

All that being said, there is a time and a place for highly concentrated snacks like protein balls/bars and snacks. When you are highly active and strapped for time (and/or energy to feed yourself/chew enough calories) these snacks can come in handy. Not to mention since they are easy to make, they may replace your candy/cookie/snack addiction, which would make me oh so happy.

I make a batch of protein balls each week and try to change up what I put in them. They are very tasty, super satisfying and easy to make. I also love coating them with chocolate from time to time, but you don’t always want your hands to be a chocolatey hot mess, or do you?!

Sport Fuel

That’s me and my partner “Diablo” in the center, if you can’t see us amongst all the tall men. We won 🙂 

As a former athlete and now a more amateur/for-fun one, I need easy to eat and digest foods ready for when i’m hungry but also have to workout/perform/compete. This past weekend I did my third, yes THIRD competition of the year and I think I may have finally figured out exactly what my stomach likes on competition day. Protein Balls are #1 on my list next to fruit and water + electrolytes. Guess it’s time to sign up for another competition since I’ve got this thing down pat.

These protein balls are easy to eat, dense in nutrients and the best part (for most) easy to digest in a timely manner so that you don’t feel like you have a brick sitting in your stomach. Win-win-win.

Crunchy Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls

These protein balls may be my favorite batch yet. I usually go for smooth peanut butter (Teddie’s is my favorite) but for some reason the crunchy GIANT tub of peanut butter at Whole Foods was screaming my name this week. Alas, I decided I needed some chocolate along with the crunch and so these Crunchy Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls were born.

When I make them I like to line a baking sheet with parchment paper so that I have some place to put the balls when my hands are all sticky (and delicious). Then once they set I throw them in a bag or tupperware container and toss them in the fridge before I eat them all.

Pro Tip: Make a bunch of protein balls for the week and store in the refrigerator that way you always have a healthy snack waiting for you. If batter is too sticky, throw in the refrigerator before rolling into balls!

Crunchy Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls

• Yield: 18-20 protein balls 1x

Print Recipe

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 tsp cocoa powder
• 2/3 cup crunchy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup protein powder
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips, optional (more if desired)

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Instructions

1. Mix rolled oats, protein powder & cocoa powder together in a large bowl.
2. Add peanut butter & honey, stir to combine.
3. Add in chocolate chips.
4. Form into golf-ball size balls and refrigerate.

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Notes

Macros (for 1 protein ball) : 4g Pro, 8g Carb, 5g Fat

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 protein balls

Alright, time to go enjoy these delicious protein balls, just do your best not to eat them all at once, okay?!

What is your favorite go-to snack?

xoxo,

Sassy

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