Looking for a quick, filling easy snack that’s high in protein and a bunch of other healthy stuff? I’ve got you covered. This Easy Protein Bites recipe is sure to be one that you make time and time again. The best part about it is that your kids can eat these too.
Originally, this recipe was introduced to me during my days working in professional sports. The team nutritionist shared it and I was obsessed. Fast forward quite a few years, and I’ve experimented with a few different ingredients while taking some things out and guess what — they still taste freaking amazing!
Below you’ll find the recipe along with a few notes I’ve made along the way. I encourage you to find the best ingredients that work for you and your family (i.e. I love chocolate protein powder but you can use whatever you’d like! You can even add collagen powder if you want.)
**There are affiliate links throughout this post. If you make a purchase through a link, I may receive a small commission. I will only link to items that I stand behind and may update links as I find better options for you and your family!**
Enough blabbing — here you go. Your new favorite high protein snack!
Extra Easy Protein Bites
Equipment
- 1 Mixer (I use a Kitchen Aid)
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl
- 1 Silicone Spatula
- 1-2 Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat
- 1 Large Storage Container or Ziploc Bag
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Peanut Butter
- 1/2 cup Rolled Oats
- 1/3 cup Protein Powder
- 1/4 cup Honey
- 1/8 cup Flaxseed Meal
- 1 Tbsp. Chia Seeds
- 1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Start by pouring all the liquid ingredients in first.
- Then, add all of the dry ingredients.
- Mix using an electric mixer if possible as this is a large batch.
- Roll into 1" diameter balls.
- Place in freeze for 30 minutes to help them keep their form.
- Store in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Try replacing the protein powder with other powders (collagen powder, brewers yeast, etc.) However, you'll want to keep the total amount of powder(s) to approximately 2 cups so your bites don't get flaky.
- You can add more or remove ingredients based on preference. I do recommend keeping the ratio of honey and peanut butter the same as this can affect how well they stay intact.
- PLEASE NOTE: This is not a low calorie snack. They are roughly 130 calories per bite. Trying eating 1-2 bites with your morning coffee or before/after a workout!
Easy Protein Bites Recipe
Preparation: 30 minutes
Yields: Approximately 15-20 bites
Ingredients
Peanut Butter 1/2 cup
Rolled Oats 1/2 cup
Protein Powder 1/3 cup
Honey 1/4 cup
Flaxseed Meal 1/8 cup
Chia Seeds 1 Tbsp.
Vanilla Extract 1 tsp.
Optional Ingredients:
-
- Mini Chocolate Chips (I make these so often that I do not put the chips in and I don’t even notice.) Add 6-12 Tbsp if you choose to add this.
- Other Powders – Such as brewers yeast (hello lactating mamas) or collagen powder (hello all of us) *See notes for instructions on adding either of these.
- You can also add or remove other items from above. Such as adding more vanilla extract or reduce the chia seeds.
Instructions:
-
- Mix all ingredients together in a large mixing bowl. (I personally like to use my KitchenAid Mixer with this accessory.) Note: I used dry ingredient measure cups for this recipe.
- Roll into bite size balls. (approximately 1 inch in diameter.)
- Optional Step: Freeze for 30 minutes to harden.
- Store in the refrigerator.
Notes:
-
- I use chocolate protein powder however, you can use any kind. See below for the types of tried!
- I’ve used plenty of different ingredients over the years however, the recipe as written is how I make it pretty much weekly. You can add in any kind of chips however, if you want to add in any powder based ingredients (i.e. collagen powder, or this Mama Knows Best brewer’s yeast for breastfeeding mamas) you’ll want to adjust the protein powder amount to account for the additional powder. Or you can add in more peanut butter and honey however, this may drastically change the calories. If you just add it on top of the current recipe, the mix will come out flaky and hard to form into balls. Lastly, adding these may slightly change the taste!
- You do not have to freeze them however, I do find that this helps them stay together in their bite size form rather than sticking together in the fridge.
- Mixing by hand is doable but with this large of a recipe, you may want to consider using an electric mixer!
Materials I Use:
-
- KitchenAid Mixer (if you don’t already have one, I’d recommend trying this electric stand mixer which is a fraction of the cost of a KitchenAid!)
-
- Storage Containers (this is my favorite glass dish to store with)
Types of Protein I’ve Tried:
-
- My Favorite Protein: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard (Whey Isolate) (You can also sometimes find this cheaper at Costco!)
-
- Orgain Organic Vanilla Bean (Plant Based) (Looks like they also now have a Peanut Butter version!)
-
- Vega Essentials Chocolate (Plant Based) (They also have a protein + greens powder too!)
THIRD PARTY TESTING: Ultimately, any protein will work however, I always recommend using proteins that are third party certified if you can. This means they’ve been tested by an independent company and are certified for compliance, safety, and performance.
Basically, it is clear of certain ingredients. You can look for a certified stamp or it will say it somewhere on the packaging. You may also want to consider some of the best protein powders available in 2023 which Forbes outlines beautifully.
NOTE: I usually add macros and calories to recipes however, with the variety of options for this Easy Protein Bites recipe, this may change. Such factors include what ingredients you use (i.e. different peanut butters have different calorie amounts), how large you make the bites, and if you switch out the ingredients.
**This is not a low calorie snack.**
They are roughly 130 calories per bite if you make them 1 inch round.
Have you tried this Extra Easy Protein Bites recipe already? Let me know in the comments!
**There are affiliate links throughout this post. If you make a purchase through a link, I may receive a small commission. I will only link to items that I stand behind and may update links as I find better options for you and your family!**
I am anxious to try the protein bites recipe, however some protein powders cause some discomfort. What kind of protein powder would you suggest?
Hi Marlene! I’m glad you’re excited. If your discomfort is usually caused by lactose you’ll want to avoid whey protein powders. I’d recommend using a plant protein instead. Kos Chocolate is my favorite!