Protein No bake chocolate energy bites are perfect for that afternoon crash when you’re wanting a a treat but need a healthy snack!
I am the biggest snacker ever. I’ve said it a gazillion times on the blog and Cade can totally vouch for me, (in fact he’s totally the same way). It’s why we’ve posted so many snack recipes like cereal bars, frozen yogurt banana dippers, white chocolate craisin granola bars etc . It’s actually not a bad habit like some may assume. It’s good to keep your metabolism going and your hunger at bay by frequently eating.
So many skip a meal or snacks trying to lose weight and all they are doing is telling their bodies to hold onto every calorie possible because your body knows you’re going to make it wait to eat. The only hard part is deciding what to eat. These protein no bake chocolate energy bites are one of our solutions.
Protein No Bake Chocolate Energy Bites
A long time ago my cute friend, Ali posted these awesome energy bites that went completely wild on pinterest. Everyone loves them! They are a great little snack and you don’t have to feel guilty as if you’d baked up some mozzarella sticks or something. Wait, did she just throw mozzarella sticks out there as a snack? Pretty much. But don’t worry, I’ve given up that Jr. High habit. Although now that we are talking about them, gosh dang that sounds good!
Ok, focus, girl, focus.
What are Energy Bites or Balls?
These are little balls with extra protein, and a little dose of calories that your body needs to keep you going during the day. Most are made with a nut butter like almond or peanut butter, oats and whatever flavors you desire. Ours are made with protein in addition to the other things.
Are Energy Bites Healthy?
Energy bites aren’t necessarily a “healthy snack” as nut butter does have sugar, sodium, fat etc and those chocolate chips do too, but they are are healthier for snacking as they have protein which is great to keep your metabolism going and muscles in shape. It’s this or animal crackers, goldfish or handfulls of cereal and you know I’m right, so reach for no bake energy bites instead.
We added a little protein powder and a tiny amount of puffed rice (not rice krispies) just for additional texture but it’s totally optional. We also love to add chia seeds and or flax seeds. Even Cade loves them and he’s pretty strict about his snacking. They are totally awesome and we can’t wait to hear what you think!
How to Store Energy Bites
You can store energy bites in the fridge or in the cupboard as long as they are in an airtight container, however we’ve found that they hold up better when you refrigerate them.
How Long do Energy Bites Last?
Refrigerated energy bites will last up to 2 weeks in the fridge. They do begin to dry out, so just keep an eye on them. I’ll be honest though, ours have never last that long as our whole family gobbles them up!
Can Energy Bites be Frozen?
Energy bites freeze really well for up to 1 month. Place them in airtight freezer bags and lay them flat to freeze just like you would with cookie dough. Once they are frozen you can store them anywhere in the freezer. You can then eat them frozen or let them thaw in the fridge.
Protein No Bake Chocolate Energy Bites
Protein No Bake Chocolate Energy Bites
Protein No bake chocolate energy bites are perfect for that afternoon crash when you’re wanting a a treat but need a healthy snack!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats (not quick oats)
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/4 cup chocolate protein powder
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup puffed brown rice
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients with a wooden spoon.
- Form into balls (see note) and store in an air tight container in the fridge between snacking.
If you’d like you can stick them in the fridge to tighten up for easier rolling. Only about 15 minutes is necessary.
Nutrition Information
Yield: 12 balls, Serving Size: 1
- Amount Per Serving:
- Calories: 193 Calories
- Total Fat: 8.6g
- Cholesterol: 1.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 24.7g
- Fiber: 2.4g
- Sugar: 13.6g
- Protein: 6.7g
Almond Joy Protein Shake
A protein shake that tastes like an Almond Joy Candy Bar!!!
Hey, I’ve been making something very similar for a long time. I add ground flax to mine though and I roll them in unsweetened coconut. I don’t use protein powder or puffed rice. They are soooo good and my kids love them too.
Oh I love the ground flax seed addition! Great idea!
I absolutely LOVE these tastey bites! Is there an exact nutrition sheet? I’m trying to keep track of what I’m eating so that I can modify in other areas if needed. Again, these are AMAZING.
So glad you enjoyed them! Unfortunately we don’t have the nutrition facts.
I am going to try these for sure!! We made our own maple syrup last Spring, I think I may sub the honey with it. Thanks!!
Oh I’m jealous you made your own!
Could you sub in peanut butter or another nut butter instead of the almond butter? Thanks!
Oh, absolutely! We love to do that and it doesn’t change anything other than flavor which isn’t a bad thing at all. 🙂
Hi! I made a batch of these last week, and they are awesome! I tried asding more protein powder and adjusted the honey and almond butter. They turned out great. Quick question, though – how long will they last in the fridge? I’d like to make a double batch. Thanks!
Hi Jennifer, I’ve had them in mine for 2 weeks before and they were great but I’ve never stored them for longer.
Just started back to work after being a stay at home mom for six years. Eeeeek!..lol. These look like somethg I could use in the afternoon to keep me going. What can I substitute for the almond butter? Allergic to almonds here. Thanks!
Hi Heather, you could use peanut butter or really any spread.
What are the nutritional value of these? They sound yummy! But I can’t see calories, serving size, etc…
I entered these ingredients into MyFitnessPal. They have 128 calories each, but only 4 grams of protein. They are good, but I need to find a way to add a bunch more protein to these.
where do you find puffed brown rice?
Hi Kristen, we found ours at an organic grocery store.
YUM! My brother is obsessed with adding protein powder to things so I’ll have to make these for him 😀
I’m so happy to see your site has blossomed 🙂 I remember when you first started this blog. I went to school at BYUI with your husband, but I can’t remember how I first found your blog all those years ago. Anyway, it looks fantastic, and it looks like you’re doing well! I was thinking about emailing you to get sponsor info too, but it doesn’t seem like you do much of that on here. PS- Your girls are adorable!!
Jessica,
Thanks for the sweet comment! We do different sponsored work so feel free to email and we will see if it’s something we have a space for and will fit. 🙂
These sound good, but have question….why can’t you use quick cook oats ? This is usually all I buy…..and could these be spread in a pan and later cut into squares ?
Thanks,
Hi Mona,
The quick oats don’t hold up as well, but you could always go for it anyway.