Decadent and delicious, these Coconut Chocolate Protein Balls are the BEST high protein treats! Low sugar, gluten free, dairy free, nut free, and vegan, they’re perfect for breakfast, snacks, and dessert. No baking required.
If you’ve been around a while, you’ve probably noticed that we’re a little protein ball obsessed! Fun fact, Cotter Crunch first existed as a protein balls and bites business. For two years! During that time, I worked solo making and shipping customized balls to people with specific nutrition needs all over the world.
We’ve come a long way since then, serving lots more people, but the love of protein bites remains the same. Especially when it comes to these coconut chocolate balls! One of our all-time favorite recipes, they’re loaded with antioxidants, healthy fats, and protein but taste just like a chocolate dessert.
Real food Ingredients
One of the great things about these coconut protein balls is how versatile they are to make. We used just a handful of simple ingredients that can all be easily adjusted to fit your needs!
- Ground Flax Meal – This adds a great source of plant-based protein and fiber to these coconut chocolate protein balls along with a bit of a crunch!
- Nut/Seed Butter – For added fats, a smooth texture, and richer taste, we love to include almond or peanut butter. Or, for a nut free option, try sunflower butter instead!
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – When sugar has not been added, cocoa powder offers tons of health benefits and can help reduce inflammation, improve blood pressure levels, improve brain function, and more!
- Chocolate Protein Powder – Anything you have on hand can be used. However, we found that plant-based protein powders work to provide the best taste and texture.
- Coconut Oil – This helps to thin out the batter, helping it stick together in order to form coconut protein balls. Plus, it adds a boost of medium-chain triglycerides!
- Unsweetened Shredded Coconut – Used to add texture, coconut also increases the healthy fat content of these bites, making them super delicious and even more filling.
- Dark Chocolate or Cocoa Nibs – Technically, you could use any kind of chocolate you like best, but we opt for dark chocolate varieties for an extra rich flavor and a boost of antioxidants. For keto coconut balls, use dairy free chocolate chips.
- Maple Syrup or Honey – Maple syrup or honey both add antioxidants and a hint of sweetness to these bites while helping to hold them together. However, if using a food processor you won’t need to add either.
Protein Powder – What You Need to Know
The type of protein powder you use is crucial for these coconut chocolate balls. Each protein weighs differently and will yield different tastes and textures. We found that the best results come from using plant-based protein powders.
However, if you want to use something else, be sure to test the batter. If it is too thick, add a bit more coconut oil. Or, on the contrary, if it is too “wet” and not sticking together, add a dash more protein powder or gluten free flour.
How to Make Coconut Chocolate Protein Balls (+ Video)
An easy no bake recipe, these coconut balls couldn’t be easier to make! Bust out the blender or food processor and let’s get the ball rollin. Ha, see what I did there?
- Pulse the flax meal and cocoa powder in a food processor.
- Add the nut butter, protein powder, shredded coconut, and coconut oil, and blend until smooth. Be sure to pause and scrape down the sides!
- Scoop the batter into a bowl, and stir in the chocolate chips.
- Form the batter into a ball, and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes.
- Portion the dough into 12-14 equal-sized balls.
- Roll the balls in coconut.
- Freeze for 15-20 minutes right away. Then, after 20 minutes, simply store in an airtight container or Ziplock bag. Keep in the fridge for immediate snackage!
Tips & Tricks for the Best Coconut Protein Balls
Admittedly, these coconut protein balls are super easy to make, but there’s always room for improvement, right?! Take a look at a few of our best tips to make this recipe a breeze.
Be Patient. The batter will look thick and clumpy at first, but don’t worry! The coconut oil will help smooth it all out. It just takes a little bit of time for it to fully incorporate.
Chill the Batter (But Not Too Much!). If you’re not using maple syrup/honey, you’ll want to let the batter chill in the fridge to solidify just a bit. However, 20 minutes should be long enough. if it chills too long it will become too hard to roll into balls. No worries, though! Just let it thaw at room temperature until it is soft and malleable again.
Wet Your Hands. For easy rolling, wet your hands with water before you begin. This wil prevent the batter from sticking.
Use a Small Cookie Scoop. For equal coconut bites, use a cookie scoop to portion out the batter.
Add Your Favorite Toppings. For a bit of extra crunch, we like to use a fork (or our fingers) for dipping our finished coconut protein balls in extra coconut flakes. However, you could also dip them in melted chocolate or roll them in crushed nuts!
Storage
To keep these coconut protein balls fresh store them in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer for up to 2 months. Then, when you’re ready to eat, just let them thaw at room temperature until soft!
More Protein Balls and Bites
- No Bake Cowboy Cookie Energy Bites have all the flavor of your favorite cowboy cookies but are made with better-for-you ingredients!
- Simple and sweet, Cinnamon Vanilla Protein Breakfast Bites are perfect on-the-go treats.
- Oatmeal cookies are turned into a nourishing treat with these Gluten Free No Bake Oatmeal Energy Balls.
- Naturally sweetened, made with healthy fats, low carb, and keto, these Chocolate Pistachio Protein Balls will quickly become one of your favorite snacks with just one bite!
Coconut Chocolate Protein Balls
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12–14 balls 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These gluten free coconut chocolate protein balls are packed with healthy fats and a boost of protein. Vegan, low carb, refined sugar free, they’re perfect for a make ahead breakfast or on-the-go snack!
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup ground flax meal
- 2 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 Tablespoons almond butter or nut butter of choice (for nut-free option, use sunflower seed butter)
- Optional – 2 Tablespoons maple syrup or honey (not needed if using a food processor vs in mixing bowl)
- 2 servings (50-60 grams) chocolate protein powder of choice (See notes)
- 1 –2 Tablespoons coconut oil, solidified (Adjust as needed)
- ⅓ cup unsweetened shredded coconut, plus more to coat
- 2–3 Tablespoons dark chocolate morsels
Instructions
- Place flax meal and cocoa powder in food processor. Blend until combined.
- Next, add creamy nut butter, protein powder, shredded coconut, and coconut oil. Blend until a smooth batter is formed. This might take a couple minutes, so be sure to stop the food processor or blender and scrape sides.
- Continue to blend until smooth. (See notes for alternative method)
- Transfer batter into a large mixing bowl, and fold in chocolate chips. Roll the batter into one large ball, cover with plastic wrap, and place in fridge to firm up for about 20 to 30 minutes or until batter is firm enough to roll into balls. (See notes)
- Remove batter from fridge, and line a baking sheet or shallow container with wax paper. Roll the dough into balls about the size of golf ball then place on pan/sheet.
- Transfer balls to freezer for 15 – 20 minutes.
- Storage: Once balls have chilled, store in an airtight container or ziplock bag in fridge for 2 weeks or freezer for up to 2 months.
Notes
Substitutes – For keto option, omit maple syrup, and use sugar free chocolate chips and protein. Plant based protein works best for mixing and holding batter together.
Tips – Chilling the batter too long will harden the mix. If that happens, simply let the batter thaw at room temperature until soft enough to roll into balls.
Method – If you don’t have a blender you may mix the batter by hand in a bowl, but will need to add the maple syrup to bind it. The texture will be more gritty. Adjust syrup depending on thickness of batter and amount of protein powder used.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- chill time: 30 – 35 minutes
- Cook Time: n/a
- Category: Snacks
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 protein ball
- Calories: 58
- Sugar: 0.7 g
- Sodium: 36 mg
- Fat: 4.7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.8 g
- Protein: 3.1 g
- Cholesterol: 0.1 mg
Keywords: coconut chocolate, chocolate protein balls, protein balls, high protein, gluten free, refined sugar free, low carb, vegan, vegetarian, breakfast, snack
These gluten free coconut chocolate protein balls are packed with healthy fats and a boost of protein. Thank you so much for sharing such super-easy, super-tasty breakfast ,they’re perfect for a make ahead breakfast or on-the-go snack! Will definitely try them at home and let you know the feedback! But the only thing I would love to change is that nut butter, I would rather prefer ghee or clarified butter for the nut-free option and extra flavor. A spoonful of cow ghee calories is higher than the calories in a tablespoon of butter. Having ghee instantly provides enough stamina and its nutritional content is also reliable.
https://milkio.co.nz/cow-ghee/
I put this in my calculator and says
5.2 carbs & 117 cal
That’s w/o coconut.
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Hi Kathleen! We updated the amount of servings (given a range) so that is why nutrition is different. I will make a note of that in the nutrition! How many bites did you get?
We LOVE this recipe! I have made the recipe several times using vegan protein powder in one and whey protein powder in another and we love both versions! To be completely honest sometimes we don’t even roll the batter into balls we just eat it with a spoon. It’s that good!
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I’m so glad! Thanks for the feedback Sammi, truly! <3
1/3 cup ground flax meal – Dry Ingredient
2 heaping tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder – Dry Ingredient
1/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut – Dry Ingredient
2 servings (60 g) chocolate protein powder – Dry Ingredient
1 –2 tbsp coconut oil, solidified. Dry Ingredient
4 tbsp almond butter will not turn this into a batter.
The photo does not represent what happen when blended. I have tried it twice and yes recipe followed exactly…it looks like dry flour when blended not a batter….something must be missing
I did not use syrup because as per note….not needed
I had high hopes but these have no moisture in them and almost impossible to eat…like eating gravel….disappointing
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Hi Alice! Sorry to hear this happened. It could be the type of protein powder you used. Was it a pea protein? And did you use a no stir nut butter. Definitely want to help remedy this for you and update recipe notes if needed. Thanks
There good but triple your ingredients when you make them..they don’t make many.. I substituted almond in place of choc. chips. Also, I chose to role them over coconut shreds.. excellent recipe.* You also may need more flax powder as the batter is thick.*
Thanks for the update on that caroline. I’ll make note of that. It definitely depends on the protein powder you use.
These were so gross! I tried adding oats and more liquids and I tossed it. Nothing helped it.
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Oh no! These are a favorite here. May I ask what brand of protein powder you used? That definitely makes a difference.
do they taste like boost protein balls by any chance? i really want the recipe for them and wanna know how to make them or like a less fat version like with less fat in it. if anyone knows please let me know.
It depends on the protein powder you are using. The one I use doesn’t taste chalky.
okay because i wanna make one that tastes like boost ones because i love them.
I loved these and I am about to make more. Not too sweet and low sugar too boot!!
I did triple the recipe to have more on hand since my husband and I are both diabetic. I keep them stored in the fridge, but let them warm up to room temperature before eating – not as dry tasting.
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I’m so glad! Thanks for feedback Charlotte. I’ll have to add your notes
From a chocolate coconut fanatic, these are absolutely amazing and don’t pass up trying them!
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These taste amazing and they are the perfect grab and go snack for a busy morning, or even for dessert. However, the recipe proportions don’t make any sense to me. When I followed the recipe, the dough was WAY too gloopy and I wasn’t able to roll it into a ball. (I used Tone It Up chocolate protein powder for reference). I had to double to amount of protein powder to get the dough to form. And I have no idea how this recipe yields 24 balls? Even with doubling the amount of protein powder, I only got 12 “golf ball sized” balls out of it.
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Glad you like them Sara! quick note about the protein, I have found that each protein powder absorbs the liquid/nut butter differently. I used pea protein which is really great for these snack bites. It doesn’t have any other protein mix in it either. What type of protein is the one you used?
I stumbled across your recipe when looking for high protein snacks to aid with weight loss, but have never heard of ‘flax meal’ before only flax seeds.
I am in the UK – please can you kindly help? (I’m possibly being thick!).
Sure thing! Flaxmeal is just ground flax seed. Like this! https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bobs-Red-Mill-Organic-Flaxseed/dp/B001O8PRZA
Ah that’s amazing – thank you so much! Can’t wait to try these as they look delicious! Thank you so much x
These are awesome! Super tasty! I’m just confused because my recipe probably only yielded about 12 bites instead of 24.. am I making them too big? They’re probably still smaller than a golf ball!
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You’re probably making them just right! Sometimes it depends on the protein powder. I used a pea protein that was low carb, so it was thicker. Did you use whey?
Oh yes, that makes sense! I used chocolate flavored whey protein powder from Designer Whey brand. I’m new to protein powder and I want to switch to a plant based one soon, the whey after taste is not my favorite. Can I ask if you have a favorite?
Oh yes, that one is a bit gritty. I like bob’s redmill pea protein. They have several kinds! Keto and low sugar too! https://www.bobsredmill.com/vanilla-protein-powder-nutritional-booster.html It’s on amazon too if you can’t find it on their site.
I had heard a lot about protein balls and decided to try these. I followed the recipe and I could only make approximately 10 small balls – no where near the 24 in the recipe. Mine were definitely smaller than golf balls.
Did I do something wrong ??
I would have to at least double the recipe to get 24.
It could be the protein powder you use. Some are thicker that others. What brand did you use?
There is a store here called Bulk Barn where they sell various healthy foods (and candy) in bulk so there is no name on it.
But the protein balls taste great. I will try them again.
Thank you.
Question – my protein powder has 21 g of protein per scoop… just wondered what yours has because I think my protein value seems low.
I don’t know how to edit that post… meant to say that the protein value in the recipe seems low.
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Totally understand! Protein powder can vary between 20-30 grams depending on source. Mine was closer to 30 grams and I use pea protein or collagen.
I found your blog from a friend .
why don’t you visit us in morocco its very popular with its cooking i would love to see you add you touch to them
Keep writing, you are doing a great job.
Great recipe. Tastes very good. My family loved it. Will definitely make it again.
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Thanks Edward!
I made these today because I didn’t want to make an entire flourless cake and have it in the house as I am on Keto and it’s my birthday week. These are easy to make and you can get creative is using chocolate bars chopped up or any type of nut butter. JEM nut butters have flavors like berry or chocolate and I used that for the protein balls this time. Easy to make, highly recommend this recipe.
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Awesome! So glad you liked them Joan. And thanks for the tips!
Hello Lindsay,
What a great day. I stumbled across your recipes and can not wait to start creating healthy delicious meals and snacks! Thank you for putting the time and effort not only to create them but to share as well. As I do make them, I will definitely be sharing my opinions with you and your followers (which I am now!).
Thanks again,
Michael
Oh thank you Michael! I truly appreciate your feedback and kindness!
Could not get it to form a ball even with more melted coconut oil, just crumbly. Didn’t use sweetner
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Oh no! What type of protein powder did you use? Did you blend it on high speed to make the batter smooth first? I have a video on igtv if you want to see how I did it. https://www.instagram.com/tv/ByK6mfqlYfL/?igshid=v2zyq9c4tp0i
This was yummy. I tried it with some crunchy granola topping/garnish 😛
Keep sharing such amazing recipes.
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Oh nice touch! Love the Granola topping idea!
Hi – I just found your website and I am loving it! I am curious to know which protein powder brand you use, would you mind sharing? I am looking for new ways to fuel an Ironman, during and after long rides, to avoid using so many store bought protein bars and gels – most of the times those come with dubious ingredients.
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Hey there! Congrats! My husband used to race pro so I understand the demands of training and proper fuel. We used a sprouted pea or rice protein or collagen protein. Just depends on your bodies needs. I think it’s best to alternate. Hope helps!
I love chocolate and coconut! These protein balls look like the perfect snack!
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They hit the spot for sure?
These were so good! They quickly disappeared at my house!
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I am seriously going to make these tomorrow, I can’t wait!
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Chocolate and coconut is one of my favorite combos! These protein balls will be made again and again!
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I love protein balls! They are such a great snack and these do not disappoint!
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Same here! They’re kind of my life haha 😉
I miss your Healthy Bites company/service; but thank you for sharing this fabulous no-bake recipe?.
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ahhh yes, the good old days! I should do a giveaway for some again. Whatcha think?