We’ve gone gluten free (is that how you say it?) and I’ve been in the kitchen more than ever as I try new recipes. I’ve created a yummy snack – Gluten-Free Chocolate Protein Balls. These tasty little snack balls are packed with protein and because there’s no refined sugar, this simple recipe is a great way to enjoy a guilt-free chocolate fix. Even the kids will love it!
We found out three weeks ago that Nathan, our twelve year, has wheat intolerance. Since I’m still dealing with health issues myself (adrenal fatigue and hypothyroidism), I decided our whole family needed to take the leap.
I tried the gluten free diet almost a year ago, but went back to regular eating after a few weeks. This time? It’s a lifestyle change. I even need to take it a step farther and go Paleo, depending on the results of my recent blood work.
Today is day 17 of being gluten free and aside from a somewhat reluctant husband (“I really have to give up pizza?!” Yes at least regular pizza.) and the occasional snafu (a kind friend gave my three younger children brownies yesterday without my knowledge), we’ve been doing pretty good. (Again, it’s my oldest we have to really watch.)
Oh my husband? He comes home from work a few days ago and says “I turned down pizza! That’s how much I love you!” (It’s true, that IS a big deal.) Then later he says, “I had a cookie at work though. Does that have gluten?” Um, yeah it does, hon. Sigh.
Anyways.
I’ve tried to show my kids that it’s not the end of the world and we can still enjoy delicious food without wheat. That’s where I created this simple Gluten-Free Chocolate Protein Ball recipe.
With 7 simple ingredients and a super quick prep time – just 5 minutes, you can enjoy these delicious chocolate snack balls in no time. You can eat them right away after making them or refrigerate them to let the flavors blend together. These snack balls are yummy either way!
If your children are used to sweeter things, you may want to increase the amount of honey slightly (see the recipe notes section). My kids weren’t a huge fan of my original chocolate protein balls recipe because it wasn’t sweet enough for their liking. I simply increased the honey and used peanut butter instead of almond butter and they were thrilled. I still prefer less honey and use unsweetened almond butter for a more clean snack. That’s up to you.
How to Make Gluten-Free Chocolate Protein Balls:
The ingredients are simple: (gluten free) oats, almond butter, flaxseed, honey, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and cacao powder. Together these ingredients pack a lot of goodness and flavor into a small little protein ball.
*I recommend steel cut oats for this recipe, though you can use regular oats. Just make sure they are gluten free if you’re avoiding wheat. On the morning I was taking photos for this post, I discovered my kids had fed the rest of our steel cut oats to the chickens so I had to settle for regular oatmeal. Sigh. Such is life! Still it goes to show that this chocolate protein balls recipe works either way.
I recommend using a food processor to make these protein balls, but you can use a regular mixer instead. The food processor simply blends everything quicker and more evenly.
Put all the ingredients into your food processor:
Process for a few seconds or so until everything is mixed.
Shape into 1-inch balls.
Enjoy right away or store in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
- 1 cup gluten free steel cut oats
- ¾ cup almond butter (or other nut butter)*
- ¼ cup ground flaxseed
- 2 Tablespoons honey*
- ½ Tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 Tablespoons cacao powder
- Add the ingredients into a food processor or mixing bowl. Process or mix until combined.
- Roll into 1-inch balls.
- Enjoy right away or store in the refrigerator.
Yum, we make a vegan and gluten free ball that is similar but blueberry- I’ll definitely be trying this!
Wow – these look amazing! I’ve been trying to snack better and this would be a snack that totally gave me energy! I can’t wait to try making them.
I had to go Gluten Free for health reasons and it is crazy how much gluten is in things. This sounds amazing going to have to try these out!
Those look great! I bet my kids would enjoy these as a daytime snack!
These look delicious! I need to make these asap.
I love trying out gluten free recipes. This one sounds super tasty!
I recently made something similar and it was SO delicious! I really loved how I could take them to work!
Yum! these look really easy and so good. I’ll have to give them a try.
The chocolate protein balls look absolutely delicious. I can’t wait to try your recipe.
OMYum! These look absolutely delicious. I’ll definitely be making these for my kids.
These look awesome. I love the idea of making protein balls.I bet you could sub the cocoa powder for shakeology
Great recipe!
Here is another good chocolate brownie balls recipe. Very easy to make. Best I’ve ever had!
http://skinnygirlsguide.com/raw-chocolate-brownie-protein-balls-recipe/
Thanks, Emma. Your chocolate brownie balls look delicious!
Erika, I found your recipe on Pinterest and I have a gluten intolerance because I have a genetic mutation called MTHFR based on what you and your son are dealing with i would HIGHLY suggest getting tested for this as 50% of people have the mutation do research as well because not many doctors know of this mutation although it is so common and it causes many issues I hope you are doing well God Bless!
Hi Kayla, I’m so happy to find someone else who knows about MTHFR! Yes, both my son and I – actually my whole family – have MTHFR. We discovered this about 3 years ago. It’s quite fascinating really. I’ll be posting an article about MTHFR next week. God bless you too!
Do you know the carbs, fats, and protein amounts for your protein balls?
Thank you! …And they are delicious!
How many calories per ball?
This re pie looks yummy! Are they “chewie”? I have a recipe I’ve been making for a few weeks, they are relish but dry. Looking for new recipe to try!
Yes, I think they are chewy! 🙂
Do you know calorie count per serving (1)?