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Boost your energy levels with these delicious and nutritious protein no bake chocolate energy bites, packed with protein to keep you going throughout the day. Perfect for a quick and easy snack on the go!

a photo of a bowl of peanut butter chocolate chip oatmeal bites
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These no bake chocolate protein bites save me during those afternoon crashes 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 Aussie Bites, our favorite granola, sweet and salty caramel chocolate banana trail mix, protein monster bites or out copycat Kudos bars. Snacking actually is not a bad habit like some may assume. It’s good to keep your metabolism going and your hunger at bay by frequently eating small amounts.

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 oatmeal energy bites are one of our solutions.

a photo of a large bowl of oatmeal protein bites

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 powder in addition to the other things.

a photo of all the ingredients for oatmeal energy bites in separate bowls including oats, peanut butter, honey, chocolate chips, etc.

Ingredients for Protein Chocolate Protein Bites

A healthy snack is just 6 ingredients away! Here is everything that you will need:

  • Old Fashioned Rolled Oats: don’t use quick oats because they don’t hold up well
  • Almond Butter: substitute with peanut butter or any other nut butter
  • Honey: adds natural sweetness
  • Chocolate Protein Powder: whatever your favorite brand is will work great
  • Chocolate Chips: we prefer dark chocolate or semi-sweet, but use whatever chocolate you love most
  • Puffed Brown Rice: adds a delicious crunch to bites

All of the measurements for each ingredient can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post.

How to Make Protein Energy Bites

There aren’t many healthy snacks out there that can be made in less than 10 minutes! There are two steps…that’s it!

  1. Mix: Add all the ingredients to a large bowl and stir until thoroughly combined.
  2. Form: Use a cookie scoop to form the mixture into balls. Use your hands to roll them if desired. You can eat them right away or store them in the fridge to let them set up a little more.

The complete recipe can be found in the recipe card down below. Keep scrolling for all the details.

PRO TIP: If you aren’t a almond butter and chocolate fan, try our oatmeal raisin cookie energy bites instead!

a photo of oatmeal energy bites being mixed with a wooden spoon in a large white bowl

Are Oatmeal Energy Balls 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 handfuls of cereal and you know I’m right, so reach for no bake protein bites instead.

Variations for Energy Bites

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. And if you’re a coconut lover, then add some unsweetened coconut flakes! Vanilla lovers could add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Allergy Friendly

If your oats are certified gluten free, then this recipe is both gluten-free and dairy-free! Make sure the chocolate that you use is dairy-free, and you’ll be set! This makes a great snack for our our friends with certain food allergies.

a photo of a large white bowl full of oatmeal protein balls

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 no bake energy balls 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 lasted 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.

a photo of a large bowl of protein chocolate energy bites loaded with chocolate chips

These delicious no bake energy bites are packed with protein and natural energy-boosting ingredients like oats and dark chocolate. Perfect for a quick and healthy pick-me-up snack!

More Healthy Snack Ideas:

4.13 from 16 votes

Protein Chocolate Energy Bites

By Sweet Basil
Prep5 minutes
Total5 minutes
Servings12 balls
Protein No bake chocolate energy bites are perfect for that afternoon crash when you’re wanting a a treat but need a healthy snack!
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Ingredients 

  • 1 Cup Old Fashioned Rolled Oats, not quick oats
  • 1/2 Cup Almond Butter, or peanut butter
  • 1/4 Cup Honey, plus 1 teaspoon
  • 1/4 Cup Chocolate Protein Powder
  • 1/2 Cup Chocolate Chips
  • 1/3 Cup Puffed Brown Rice

Instructions 

  • In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon until combined.
    1 Cup Old Fashioned Rolled Oats, 1/2 Cup Almond Butter, 1/4 Cup Honey, 1/4 Cup Chocolate Protein Powder, 1/2 Cup Chocolate Chips, 1/3 Cup Puffed Brown Rice
  • Form into balls (see note) and store in an air tight container in the fridge between snacking.

Recipe Notes

If you’d like you can stick them in the fridge to tighten up for easier rolling. Only about 15 minutes is necessary.
Store in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ball, Calories: 177kcal, Carbohydrates: 19g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Trans Fat: 0.01g, Cholesterol: 3mg, Sodium: 12mg, Potassium: 180mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 10g, Vitamin A: 5IU, Vitamin C: 0.03mg, Calcium: 61mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this? Leave a comment below!
a photo of a large white bowl full of oatmeal protein balls

About The Author

Carrian Cheney

Carrian Cheney is the creative force behind ‘Oh, Sweet Basil,’ a food blog she co-authors with her husband, Cade. She creates fresh, family-friendly recipes that encourage togetherness in the kitchen.

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4.13 from 16 votes (12 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




22 Comments

  1. Victoria says:

    5 stars
    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.

    1. Sweet Basil says:

      So glad you enjoyed them! Unfortunately we don’t have the nutrition facts.

  2. Devonna says:

    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!!

    1. Sweet Basil says:

      Oh I’m jealous you made your own!

  3. Susan says:

    Could you sub in peanut butter or another nut butter instead of the almond butter? Thanks!

    1. Sweet Basil says:

      Oh, absolutely! We love to do that and it doesn’t change anything other than flavor which isn’t a bad thing at all. 🙂

  4. Jennifer says:

    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!

    1. Sweet Basil says:

      Hi Jennifer, I’ve had them in mine for 2 weeks before and they were great but I’ve never stored them for longer.

  5. Heather says:

    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!

    1. Sweet Basil says:

      Hi Heather, you could use peanut butter or really any spread.

  6. Kea says:

    What are the nutritional value of these? They sound yummy! But I can’t see calories, serving size, etc…

    1. Leah Bonebrake says:

      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.

  7. Kristen Jaeger says:

    where do you find puffed brown rice?

    1. Sweet Basil says:

      Hi Kristen, we found ours at an organic grocery store.

  8. Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says:

    5 stars
    YUM! My brother is obsessed with adding protein powder to things so I’ll have to make these for him 😀

  9. Jessica says:

    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!!

    1. Sweet Basil says:

      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. 🙂

  10. Mona says:

    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,

    1. Sweet Basil says:

      Hi Mona,
      The quick oats don’t hold up as well, but you could always go for it anyway.