10+ Easy No-Bake Energy Balls Recipes - Your Portable Healthy Snack!! (2024)

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Jan 10, 2020 Aug 24, 2023

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For the ultimate portable healthy snack, whip up a batch of No-Bake Energy Balls! They are perfect to pack in a lunch box for work, school, or travel, or just keep some on hand to grab when you need a little boost. All of these easy energy bites recipes are gluten free, and most can be made vegan too!

10+ Easy No-Bake Energy Balls Recipes - Your Portable Healthy Snack!! (3)

What are Energy Balls?

Energy balls (also sometimes called energy bites) are easy no-bake snacks that you can whip up in minutes and customize with your favorite flavors and superfood ingredients, and they can meet any of your allergy needs. You just need to toss a few ingredients in a food processor or stir them together, and then roll the sticky mixture into balls. They are quick to make and are perfect for packing to take to school, work, or on a road trip.

Are Energy Balls Healthy?

Because they typically contain a combination of good carbs, healthy fat, protein, and fiber energy bites are a healthy way to fuel you during any busy day. And it’s an easy way to pack in wholesome ingredients like fruit, whole grains, nuts or seeds, and even superfoods.

Common ingredients in energy balls:

Energy bites usually only have a few ingredients, but by choosing the right ones, you still get that perfect mix of macronutrients to keep you satisfied. And by switching them up, you can make any number of different flavor combinations depending on what you like.

  • Dried fruitdried dates are a common base for many energy ball recipes as they are sticky and form a paste that can be rolled, but they can also include raisins, dried cranberries, dried apricots, figs, and even coconut.
  • Fresh or thawed frozen fruit – bananas, pineapple, and even thawed and drained frozen berries are sometimes mixed in, but then typically require more grains or something else for binding the bites.
  • Grainsoats or even cooked quinoa are often found in energy bites to add fiber and bulk, but some recipes are grain free and paleo-friendly.
  • Nuts and nut butter – a great source of healthy fat and protein, peanut butter or almond butter or another nut or sunflower seed butter are great for making them stick together, and nuts like walnuts or pecans also add some texture and crunch. Almond meal can be a grain-free alternative to bulk up those balls.
  • Seeds – flax, hemp, chia, and other seeds sneak in some extra superfood nutrition.
  • Protein powder – while I typically don’t add this to my energy ball recipes, some like to boost the protein with whey, collagen, pea, or other protein powders.
  • Flavors and mix-ins – have some fun and make them extra tasty with spices, extracts, or even cocoa powder. And fun mix-ins like mini chocolate chips or even a few sprinkles never hurt!

How To Make Energy Balls

The ingredients are either stirred together with something sticky like honey to bind them together. Or, particularly if made with dried fruit that is already sticky on its own, broken down to a thick paste in a food processor. You can also use a high-powered blender. I like to use my Blendtec with the Twister Jar, which has a lid that allows you to scrape down the sides while it blends.

Brianne’s Favorite Blender

When it comes to a high-powered blender, I recommend the Blendtec and use mine every single day!

I am a Blendtec ambassador, and should you make any purchases through my Blendtec Store link, I will receive a small commission, but that also means you can use the codeCUPCAKESANDKALECHIPSto receive 20% off.

This mixture is then scooped up into portions of about one tablespoon and rolled into balls.

How to Store Them

  • Most can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for several days.
  • If they contain fresh fruit or other perishable ingredients, keep the container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Those made with dried fruit and grains last in the fridge for a couple of weeks.
  • You can also put your energy balls in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to six months. Just pull out a few at a time at least a few hours before you plan to eat them.

10+ Recipes for No-Bake Energy Balls

Get ready to try these recipes and find your favorite energy bites to snack on!

Apple Cinnamon Energy Balls

You only need four ingredients and a few minutes to make this easy, nut-free snack kids love. They taste like a sweet and sticky caramel apple with the perfect hint of cinnamon, which means you won't be able to stop popping them in your mouth.

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Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Balls

The chocolate and peanut butter fix you crave (plus a dose of banana for good measure) in a quick and easy snack with only 8 ingredients. It's a healthy way to satisfy those rich chocolate candy cravings.

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Cherry Chocolate Chip No Bake Energy Balls

These tasty little treats have a sweet cherry flavor, a pretty pinkish color, and busts of mini chips. They have no nuts, gluten, or dairy (if you use dairy-free chips), so feel free to share, if you don't want them all yourself.

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Apricot Coconut Energy Balls

Get ready to snack on these tasty bites with exotic flavors nobody can resist. It's even more fun to roll them in coconut because they look like donut holes, but are packed with healthy ingredients.

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Pineapple Coconut Energy Balls

These little bites have a big burst of sweet and delicious tropical flavor. You can assemble them in minutes, but a little time in the fridge makes them soft and chewy.

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Pumpkin Energy Balls

Add the flavors of pumpkin and warm cinnamon and nutmeg, plus bursts of mini chocolate chips. You can now enjoy energy balls with everyone's favorite fall flavors.

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Cranberry Almond Energy Balls

There are only four ingredients in these sweet and nutty snacks. But it's the perfect simple combination that makes them sweet, tangy, and satisfying.

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Chunky Monkey Energy Balls

This healthy snack is inspired by a favorite ice cream flavor. They are loaded with chunks of dark chocolate and walnuts plus sweet bananas, and a few superfoods for good measure.

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Peach Energy Balls

Satisfy a sweets craving in a healthy snack. These have the nutty, caramelized peach flavor of a classic peach crisp dessert.

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Chocolate Dipped Caramel Apple Energy Balls

With all the flavors of the classic caramel apple coated in fudge, transform that favorite sweet treat into a healthy little energy bite. This recipe will be a delight for kids and adults.

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10+ Easy No-Bake Energy Balls Recipes - Your Portable Healthy Snack!! (14)

Birthday Cake Energy Bites

Enjoy everything you love about birthday cake with wholesome ingredients like oats, cashew butter, flax, and maple syrup. Plus, of course, rainbow sprinkles for good measure.

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10+ Easy No-Bake Energy Balls Recipes - Your Portable Healthy Snack!! (15)

Dark Chocolate Chewy Energy Bites

A sweet, chewy, and absolutely delicious energizing snack perfect for any time of day. And it's always a good time to indulge in dark chocolate.

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10+ Easy No-Bake Energy Balls Recipes - Your Portable Healthy Snack!! (16)

PB&J Surprise Energy Bites

Think outside the bread! Kids and kids-at-heart love this healthy no-bake snack with a peanut butter oat mixture and a surprise pop of strawberry jelly on the inside.

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10+ Easy No-Bake Energy Balls Recipes - Your Portable Healthy Snack!! (17)

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls

If you like Monster Cookies, you'll love these loaded little bites. They are a healthy make-ahead snack with just a bit of sweet tooth indulgence.

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    10+ Easy No-Bake Energy Balls Recipes - Your Portable Healthy Snack!! (2024)

    FAQs

    Are energy balls actually healthy? ›

    No bake energy balls are a perfect healthy snack, treat, and breakfast on the go. They are balanced with healthy fats, fiber, and protein. Energy balls for runners, kids, grandma, and anyone between!

    How many energy balls can you eat a day? ›

    These 4-ingredient protein balls have about 128 calories so you should only eat 2 of these as part of a healthy amount of calories and fat. Keep in mind that you need to consider all the foods consumed in a day and keep it within the acceptable range for your height and weight.

    What is the nutritional value of no bake energy bites? ›

    Nutrition Information per serving (1 bite): Calories: 70, Total Fat: 2.5g, Saturated Fat: 0g, Protein: 2g, Total Carbohydrate: 11g, Dietary Fiber 1g, Sodium: 20mg.

    Do protein balls help with weight loss? ›

    Protein balls (or bliss balls, if you prefer) are great on-the-go snack if you're trying to eat healthily or looking to lose weight. Filled with fiber-rich and protein-packed ingredients like oats, dates and nuts, they'll keep you fuller for longer – plus you don't need protein powder to make them.

    Do protein balls go bad? ›

    We do not advise eating your protein bites after the recommended one week, but you won't get sick if you do. If bites are held outside of a refrigerated space (longer than 5 days) or hot warm temperatures for a prolonged period of time (48 hours) this can cause the bites to mold.

    Do energy balls really give you energy? ›

    Making your own energy balls is quick and super easy, they act as a great snack when your stomach needs an extra boost. Most energy balls have a combination of protein, carbohydrates, fibre and healthy fats which make them the perfect pick me up throughout the day.

    Is peanut butter good for you? ›

    Peanut butter is loaded with so many good, health-promoting nutrients, including vitamin E, magnesium, iron, selenium and vitamin B6. Research shows that people who regularly eat nuts and nut butter, including peanut butter, are less likely to develop heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

    When should I eat energy balls? ›

    You can eat our delicious peanut butter protein balls anytime day or night, but they can be especially useful if you eat them in conjunction with certain daily activities. Pre-Gym: Have a protein ball or two right before your workout for an extra energy boost so you can go further and longer.

    How much sugar is in energy balls? ›

    Nutrition Facts (per serving)
    Nutrition Facts
    Servings Per Recipe 17
    Dietary Fiber 2g8%
    Total Sugars 10g
    Added Sugars 9g18%
    14 more rows

    What is the food with very little nutritional value? ›

    Soft drinks, sports drinks, sweet tea, lemonade and energy drinks. Alcohol. Junk food and fast food. Candy, including hard candies and sweet or sour chews.

    What food gives you little or no nutrition value? ›

    Foods and drinks that contain no significant nutrients but are high in calories are said to have “empty calories.” These are mainly foods and drinks that have a high sugar, fat, or alcohol content, but little or no other nutritional value.

    Does protein lower belly fat? ›

    In a 12-week study , women with a moderate weight but high body fat percentage followed either a high or standard protein diet. Those on the high protein diet lost an additional 3 lb (1.4 kg) of body fat and around 1 inch (2.2 centimeters) in waist circumference.

    Does an exercise ball help lose belly fat? ›

    The stability ball is a great tool to incorporate in your exercises, especially when it comes to core work. Adding the stability factor causes your core to contract even more while exercising, making you stronger and your waistline slimmer.

    What kind of protein to lose weight? ›

    Eating a protein-rich diet can help you reach your weight-loss goals, according to dietitians. Salmon and shrimp can bulk up a meal, and black beans are great for plant-based diets. Opt for quinoa or whole-grain loaves over white bread, and try adding low-fat dairy to your diet.

    How healthy are bounce protein balls? ›

    Bounce balls are a great snack choice for individuals looking to achieve a healthy balanced diet due to their composition of healthy fats from nuts and seeds, low to medium GI carbohydrates from brown rice and quality protein from whey/pea and brown rice. Bounce products are also a good source of fibre.

    What is the nutritional value of energy balls? ›

    Nutrition summary

    There are 121 calories in 1 serving of Energy Balls. Calorie split: 52% fat, 34% carbs, 13% protein.

    Why are bliss balls healthy? ›

    They don't contain processed sugar.

    Bliss balls are a healthy snack alternative because their sweetness typically comes from dates or dried fruits. That means they come without processed sugar.

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