Vanilla Chia Protein Balls

These Vanilla Chia Protein Balls are a tasty, bite-sized snack that combines the goodness of vanilla flavor with nutritious chia seeds and protein. They’re a convenient and satisfying option for a quick energy boost, offering a mix of protein and healthy fats. Perfect for on-the-go snacking or as a wholesome addition to your meals.

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An overhead image of vanilla chia protein balls.

Easy snacks like these Vanilla Chia Protein Balls are perfect for toting to work or school. Other energy balls we love include this Hemp Seed Energy Balls recipe and these Chocolate Chia Power Balls. Check out all of our Snack Recipes for more inspiration.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • This recipe is easy with a capital “E.” It is a no-bake recipe, and no special equipment is needed.
  • Energy bites are a healthy and satisfying snack. These feature the nutrition of chia seeds, which are an excellent source of fiber and rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
  • These protein balls are naturally vegan and gluten-free. Bonus!
A jar of vanilla chia protein balls.

Ingredients

Find the complete ingredient list, with measurements, in the recipe card below.

  • Peanut Butter: Feel free to use either chunky or creamy peanut butter. We recommend using a natural variety where only peanuts are listed on the label.
  • Brown Rice Syrup: This is an excellent binder for keeping these balls from crumbling. It is also a natural sweetener.
  • Rolled Oats: Be sure to choose certified gluten-free oats if allergies are a concern.
  • Vanilla Protein Powder: Look for a clean protein powder like Ora brand So Lean So Clean, which is free from toxic ingredients.
  • Chia Seeds: Besides being super healthy, chia seeds add a lovely snap and crunch to these balls.
  • Salt: A pinch of salt brings out the best flavor in your ingredients.
Ingredients on a counter.

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl: For mixing the ingredients.
  • Mixing Spoon or Spatula: These cute small spatulas are one of our favorite kitchen tools. Perfect for stirring, mixing, and scraping down the sides.
  • Medium Saucepan: We use a medium saucepan to melt together the brown rice syrup and peanut butter.
  • Small Baking Sheet: This is used as a place to hold the balls while they set.
  • Parchment Paper: A must for easy cleanup and no sticking. We recommend using unbleached parchment paper.
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Instructions

Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the FULL recipe details.

Step 1

First, line a small baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

Step 2

Next, stir the oats, protein powder, salt, and chia seeds in the large bowl.

Set the bowl aside.

Ingredients being whisked in a bowl.

Step 3

Then, melt together the peanut butter and brown rice syrup in a small pot over medium-low heat.

Keep an eye on it and stir frequently so the mixture doesn’t burn.

Ingredients being stirred in a saucepan.

Step 4

Next, once the peanut butter mixture is thoroughly blended, pour it over the oat mixture and stir well.

It’s pretty sticky, so getting in there with your hands might be necessary.

Ingredients being mixed in a bowl.

Step 5

Then, use a small cookie scoop (or your hands again) to form the mixture into balls. Place them on the prepared pan as you roll them out.

Leave the tray at room temperature to harden.

Balls on a parchment lined sheet.

Expert tip! Brown rice syrup is an excellent binder because it is super sticky. To keep your hands from sticking while mixing and rolling out the balls, dampen them slightly with a bit of water. This will prevent sticking and make these much easier to prepare.

A jar of vanilla chia protein balls.

Substitutions

  • Use any nut butter or even seed butter in this recipe. Both almond butter, cashew butter, and Sunbutter are great substitutes.
  • Swap in honey or maple syrup instead of brown rice syrup. However, drawing from my experience, the balls tend to be more fragile at room temperature than with brown rice syrup, and storing them in the fridge so they hold together is best.
  • Feel free to use unflavored protein powder, but add a teaspoon vanilla extract to the peanut butter mixture before stirring it with the oats mixture to add that vanilla vibe. Whey protein powders taste great in energy balls if you can tolerate dairy.

Recipe Variations

  • Add a sweet chocolate element to this protein ball recipe by stirring some mini chocolate chips into the mixture.
  • Experiment with adding warm spices such as cinnamon, ginger, or even pumpkin pie spice for a fall or winter vibe.
  • Sprinkle in a bit of unsweetened coconut and some dried pineapple or mango for a tropical flavor.

Serving Suggestions

  • Enjoy these protein balls as a convenient and satisfying snack between meals or whenever you need a quick energy boost.
  • Pair them with your morning bulletproof coffee or afternoon chai spiced coffee for a delicious and energizing combination.

FAQS

Are vanilla chia protein balls a good pre- or post-workout snack?

Yes, they can be a good choice for both pre- and post-workout snacks. The combination of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates provides a quick energy boost and aids in muscle recovery.

Can I make vanilla chia protein balls without a food processor?

Yes, you can make this recipe without a food processor. Mix the ingredients thoroughly in a bowl and use your hands to form the mixture into balls.

Storage Tips

  • To Store: Store the Vanilla Chia Protein Balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
  • To Freeze: Freeze these balls for up to a month in a freezer-safe bag or container.
A jar of vanilla chia protein balls.

More Recipes with Protein Powder

Slices of protein fudge on a counter.

Protein Fudge

banana protein muffins on a board.

Banana Protein Muffins

a bowl of protein granola.

Protein Granola

a stack of chocolate protein cookies.

Chocolate Protein Cookies

**This recipe was originally posted on May 18, 2015, updated on April 4, 2019, and again on November 30, 2023, with recipe notes, writing, and photos.**

If you’ve tried our Vanilla Chia Protein Balls, please rate the recipe and let us know how it turned out by leaving a comment below. We’re always interested in feedback!

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An overhead image of vanilla chia protein balls.

Vanilla Chia Protein Balls

Sharon Rhodes
These Vanilla Chia Protein Balls are a tasty, bite-sized snack that combines the goodness of vanilla flavor with nutritious chia seeds and protein. They're a convenient and satisfying option for a quick energy boost, offering a mix of protein and healthy fats. Perfect for on-the-go snacking or as a wholesome addition to your meals.
4.85 from 44 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Chill 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 84 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • First, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  • Then, in a large mixing bowl, stir together the oats, protein powder, chia seeds, and salt. Set this aside also.
  • Next, in a pot over medium-low heat, melt together the peanut butter and brown rice syrup, stirring frequently.
  • Then, once the peanut butter mixture is fully blended, pour it over the oat mixture and stir well. It's pretty sticky so you may want to use your hands with a bit of water on them to prevent sticking.
  • Next, form into tablespoon-sized balls. Use a small cookie scoop or your hands. Place the balls on the prepared cookie sheet.
  • Leave them at room temperature for 15 minutes to harden.

Video

Notes

Expert Tip 

  • Brown rice syrup is an excellent binder because it is super sticky. To keep your hands from sticking while mixing and rolling out the balls, dampen them slightly with a bit of water. This will prevent sticking and make these much easier to prepare.

Storage Tips

    • To Store: Store the Vanilla Chia Protein Balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
    • To Freeze: Freeze these balls for up to a month in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Nutrition

Calories: 84kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 3gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.3gTrans Fat: 0.003gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 49mgPotassium: 53mgFiber: 2gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 0.04mgCalcium: 36mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Vanilla Chia Protein Balls
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23 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Made these today for an outing and they were incredible! The rice syrup held everything together perfectly — will make them again soon. Thanks for sharing the recipe.

    1. You could try honey or maple syrup or a combination of both. They might not hold together as well at room temp as the brown rice syrup though so you might want to keep them in the fridge.

    1. Yes, the nutritional breakdown is per ball assuming you make 16. You could make them half the size or larger too.

  2. I really want to try these but I’m having a hard time finding brown rice syrup. Would honey be a good substitute?

    1. Hey Lexi, you could totally try honey but they may not hold together quite as well as the brown rice syrup – that stuff is amazing! If you do try the honey maybe make the balls smaller so they hold a bit better. Good luck and let me know if you try it. Also – it’s not going to be a strict vegan recipe using the honey either – just in case that was something you were concerned with. 🙂

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