These Chocolate Nut Free Protein Balls are packed with health benefits from dates, and chocolate plant protein. Delicious and chewy, these no-bake bites are the perfect healthy gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free lunchbox treat, post-workout snack, or afternoon pick-me-up! Make them in advance to enjoy throughout the week.
Why You’ll Love These Nut Free Protein Balls
It’s no secret that we love protein balls recipes! In fact, at one point we even turned it into a business. True story. With countless recipes like coconut chocolate protein balls, no-bake oatmeal energy balls, and these nut free chocolate protein balls, we always have a batch on hand!
While we love them all, this nut-free recipe is one of our faves. Here are a few reasons why:
- 6 staple ingredients are all you need.
- Made with 0 baking, they’re super easy to whip up.
- Nut-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free, they fit a variety of dietary needs.
- Bite-sized and poppable, they’re perfect for taking on the go.
- You get tons of chocolate flavor in every bite to satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping you full!
Health Benefits
Think chocolate can’t be good for you? Think again! We’re redefining healthy snacks with these nut free protein balls! Not only are they irresistibly tasty, but they’re also:
- Rich in plant-based iron
- A good source of omega-3 fatty acids
- Grain-free
- Soy-free
- Refined sugar–free – We aren’t even using honey or maple syrup! Instead, dates provide natural sugar making these protein balls naturally sweet while adding fiber, potassium, magnesium, copper, and vitamin B6!
- Rich in plant-based protein
The 6 Nutritious Ingredients You’ll Need
Unlike store-bought protein treats that are made with long lists of often not-so-great ingredients, these nut free protein balls come together with just 6 nutritious foods! Here’s what you need:
- Dates – Not only do these contribute a sweet taste and tons of nutrients, but they also act as a “glue” holding the balls together.
- Sunflower Seed Butter – Used for a boost of seedy flavor and healthy fats while working with the dates to hold the rest of the ingredients together.
- Plant-Based Protein Powder – We love to use plant-based chocolate protein powder for a high-quality protein source that’s boosted with nutrients. However, any chocolate protein powder you like best can be used. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture of your ball may change.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Used to enhance the chocolate flavor. Plus, it’s a great source of antioxidants!
- Coconut Milk – Use as needed to combine the “batter” and create a rich, creamy taste.
- Dark Chocolate Chips (Vegan Friendly) – Folded into the batter for a slight crunch and rich pockets of decadent dark chocolate in every bite.
Flavor Variations and Ingredient Substitutions
One of the great things about protein ball recipes is that they’re super versatile! As long as they hold together, you really can’t go wrong. For instance, some of our favorite variations for these nut free protein balls include:
- Using Different Protein – Feel free to mix and match your favorite protein flavors to switch up the taste completely.
- Swapping Out the Sunflower Butter – Replace the sunflower butter with tahini or pumpkin seed butter instead to create a completely new flavor while keeping these balls nut-free. Of course, if you don’t have a nut allergy, nut butter including cashew butter, peanut butter, and almond butter all work well, too.
- Using Toppings – Drizzle melted chocolate and coconut flakes or chocolate shavings on top for extra texture and a boost of flavor.
- Turning them into Bars – Make these nut free protein balls even easier to make by turning them into bars! Just press the batter into a square baking pan, and place it in the fridge to set.
How to Make the Best Nut Free Protein Balls Recipe
This recipe is not only easy but also super fun to make! Plus, they’re a great way to get the kids involved in the kitchen. Follow the steps below, and they come together in minutes.
- Soak the Dates. Add the dates to a bowl of water, and let them soak until soft.
- Pulse. Add the drained date and sunflower butter to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until the ingredients are well combined.
- Combine the Ingredients. Transfer the date mixture to a large mixing bowl, and combine it with the rest of the ingredients.
- Adjust. If the batter seems too dry, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of coconut milk. Alternatively, if the batter is too wet, add 1 to 2 more tablespoons of protein powder or cocoa powder.
- Fold. Use a spatula to gently fold in the chocolate chips until they are well-distributed in the batter.
- Roll. Once smooth, use the spatula or your hands to shape the batter into a large ball, making sure the ingredients are well-combined and no clumps remain.
- Form the Balls. Roll the batter into one large ball then divide the dough into equal-sized balls, and place them in the fridge to harden. Of course, feel free to give them a taste test first!
Pro-Tip: To enhance the chocolate flavor even more, roll your chocolate nut-free protein balls in cocoa powder before freezing!
Tips and Tricks
- Scrape the Edges. Make sure to scrape down the edges of the food processor and your mixing bowl to ensure all the ingredients are blended and well incorporated.
- Adjust the Ingredients. If your protein balls are crumbly or falling apart, add more coconut milk or sunflower butter to add moisture to the batter. Or, if the batter is too wet to mold, fold in a pinch of extra protein powder or cocoa powder as needed until it can be rolled into balls.
- Use a Cookie Scoop. For equal-sized portions, use a small cookie scoop or an ice cream scoop to divide the batter into balls.
How to Store
Go ahead and make a bit batch of these nut free protein balls! You won’t regret it. They’re lifesavers for quick breakfasts, grab-n-go snacks, or an after-dinner dessert, and they tend to disappear fast!
Refrigerator: Once set, place the balls in a sealable bag or airtight container, and keep them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Freezer: Store your energy bites in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Then, let them thaw in the fridge. Or, enjoy them while frozen!
More of Our Favorite
Gluten-Free Protein Balls, Bars, & Bites
Looking for more high-protein homemade snack recipes? Try out more of our gluten-free options below!
Nut Free Protein Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 balls 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Make these nut free protein balls with 6 simple ingredients for a healthy, high-protein recipe perfect for breakfasts, snacks, and desserts!
Ingredients
- 10 (70 grams) pitted dates, soaked in water
- ½ cup creamy sunflower seed butter *See notes
- ⅓ cup (55 grams) chocolate or vanilla plant protein
- Optional 1 Tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder for richer flavor + extra for coating
- 2 to 4 Tablespoons coconut milk, or as needed
- ¼ cup dark chocolate chips or vegan chocolate chips + more for optional chocolate drizzle
Instructions
- In a small bowl, soak the dates in purified water for 20 minutes. This helps to soften them before blending to use as a binder.
- Place soaked dates (drain and discard water) and sunflower seed butter in a food processor. Blend until batter is mixed and combined, scraping the sides between blending.
- Place the date/butter mixture into a medium-sized bowl. Add the protein powder and mix to combine. For extra rich flavor, mix in the optional cocoa powder.
- If the batter is too dry, stir in 1 to 2 Tablespoons coconut milk. Pour in the chocolate chips and mix well with a spatula. Roll 1 ½ Tablespoons of batter into balls.
- To enhance the chocolate flavor, roll the protein balls in extra cocoa powder before freezing! Place the balls in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
Batter Tips – *If using a thicker seed butter the batter can be too dry, a loose/drippy seed butter works best. If the batter is too dry to roll into balls, adjust with 1 to 2 Tablespoons milk. If the batter is too wet to roll into balls, add 1 to 2 Tablespoons cocoa powder or protein powder.
Storage Tips – Store balls in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 protein ball
- Calories: 127
- Sugar: 6.9 g
- Sodium: 33.8 mg
- Fat: 8.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.6 g
- Carbohydrates: 10.2 g
- Fiber: 2.3 g
- Protein: 5.3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: nut free protein balls, protein balls, nut free, gluten free, no bake, protein balls, protein bites, breakfast, snack
Do you have questions, feedback, or tips about this recipe? Leave a comment below with any questions or feedback you’d like to share!
Hi, it says in the description that these use chia, but I don’t see chia in the recipe… am I missing something? Thanks!
Hi Gretchen! Sorry for the confusion. The plant based protein powder we used had chia seed in it. But we will be sure to update that. You don’t need chia seed. What protein do you have on hand?
Thank you! I have some vanilla pea protein at home so I’ll use that. I look forward to trying these!
Does it make a difference if I use vegan vs non-vegan dark chocolate? I followed the recipe to the letter and when I combined batter into mixing bowl, it all turned to mud. I ended up lining a baking dish and making protein bars instead of balls. I oiled my hands, tried using gloves, tried refrigerating mixture for a bit before rolling but nothing worked. It all just clumped together in my hand like grainy mud.
The chocolate doesn’t make a difference, but the protein does. Did you use a pea protein?
Hi Lindsay, My daughter is nut-free and also allergic to coconut. Do you think I could use soy milk in place of the coconut milk? Thank you!
Yes!
and keep me posted on how they turn out. 🙂
Hello! I am so excited to try these with my dairy/nut allergic son! However he is also allergic to sunflower seeds. 🙁 any other replacement that’ll would try in these? He just passed his almond challenge so perhaps slivered almonds instead? Thanks so much, Lindsay!
Totally understand! I think slivered almonds or pumpkin seeds would work great! Or even pistachio.
No bake recipes ALWAYS get my attention! You add chocolate to the mix and I’m sold. I’ll be trying this recipe out for sure
IN LOVE WITH THESE.
wow, the chocolate cake looks delicious and very attractive, thank you for sharing the recipe
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I am often to blogging and i really appreciate your content. The article has really peaks my interest. I am going to bookmark your site and keep checking for new information.
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looks soo good and added date sin to it is soo extra sweetning..thanks for the delicious pics u have posted too
That chocolate drizzle though!
right? Heavenly!
These are basically the perfect snack!!
Please share with me:)
anything for you!
Oh my gosh Linds… I’m in LOVE! You know I’m all about the grab n go snacks and when they’re healthy, all the better! I’ve not tried Bob’s protein pows but will check em’ out! Dates are absolute magic… love this recipe!
oh friend, you would love their protein! It’s so versatile. Come over, we can make some! mmm k? #iwishyoulivedhere
Dates are my favorite sweetener.
you’re my fav…. sweet
HAHA I am ready! I love your corny jokes and these balls look amazing too!
haha always balls. 😉 p.s how are you?
LOVE all your protein bites and balls! These look fantastic!
oh thank you friend!
Love having these around the house!
★★★★★
Dates are delicious and love that the are the binder in this recipe!
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Bob’s makes the BEST protein powders!
I could pop all of these!!
Rated 🙂
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I love protein balls – I always have some in my freezer. It’s the perfect pre or post workout snack. Looks so delicious!
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And perfect for road trips too! These would be a huge hot here for sure.
Love dark chocolate. Love no bake. Love protein balls. LOVE. 🙂
Brother. You know I’m a baller. LOL! Love your balls, as always. I’ve never used the date-soaking method… must try. Though I may just eat all the dates…
Chocolate and protein?! NEED THESE.
Love all the health benefits of these little bites! Delish!
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Love that you used dates too! Great for energy