These Chia Oatmeal Energy Balls are easy to make, packed with protein, and make a super convenient snack for any time of the day. We mix plenty of healthy ingredients like chia seeds, flax and oats, along with fun ones like M&Ms and Rice Krispies to please even your littlest eaters.
You’ll hear energy balls go by all sorts of different names like energy bites, power balls, protein balls, and even vegan truffles, but whatever you want to call them they are delicious.
Chia Oatmeal Energy Balls
These Chia Seed Protein Balls can be made in under 30 minutes and are filled to the brim with healthy fats, Omega-3s, and protein. Plus, they travel great and can go for hours without refrigeration, so they make a perfect lunchbox or soccer bag treat. You can even stash a few in your desk at work.
We make these chia seed balls almost weekly at our house and usually switch up one or two of the ingredients. I’ve found that if I give the kids some options, they love them even more.
Chia Seed Energy Ball Ingredients
- Oats – we use old-fashioned rolled oats because they give the best chewy consistency. It’s a good idea to pulse them in the blender or food processor to break them down a little.
- Coconut – we like to use shredded and sweetened which you can find in the baking section at your grocery store
- Rice Krispies – you could also try Cocoa Krispies for something different.
- Flaxseed – since our bodies cannot break down whole flax seeds, they really do us no good unless they are ground. You can purchase them pre-ground, or else you can use your coffee grinder, blender or food processor to grind them yourself.
- Chia Seeds – These little seeds seriously live up to their “superfood” title. They are full of nutrition, including protein, Omega-3s, healthy fat, fiber and antioxidants.
- Protein Powder – we use chocolate protein powder in this recipe, but you can feel free to use any kind that you would like.
- Honey – you can also try substituting agave or maple syrup, or you can use a mixture.
- Nut Butter – our favorite nut butters for energy balls is peanut butter, but you can also try almond butter and cashew butter, or a combination.
- Salt
- M&Ms – M&Ms add nice little bits of color, but you can also use mini chocolate chips.
- Coconut Oil – this is optional, but you may find it is helpful to put on your hands while you roll the energy balls. You can also add a little along with the honey to help the dough stick together.
How to Make Chia Seed Protein Balls
- In a large mixing bowl, add the oats, coconut, Rice Krispies, ground flaxseed, chia seeds, protein powder, honey, salt and M&Ms. Mix with a rubber spatula until well combined.
- If it’s a little dry, add a little more honey (or coconut oil will work well, too). The “dough” should resemble dry cookie dough. When you scoop and lightly pack it together, it should stay in a ball and not break.
- Using a 1-1/2 Tablespoon (.75 oz) scoop, scoop your dough into evenly sized balls. Use your hands to finish rolling into a nice ball shape. You can use a little coconut oil on your hands if you need to.
- To store the energy balls, place them in a large airtight container in the fridge or freezer. Use parchment paper or wax paper between the layers of the energy balls to keep them from sticking to each other. Enjoy!
Tips for Making the Best Oatmeal Balls
- Medjool dates can be used as a delicious substitute for some of the liquid sweetener in this recipe. Just soak 3-4 dates in water for a few hours, or overnight, so that they will be very soft when you go to blend them up. Then add your blended dates into the mixture with half of the usual amount of honey.
- Switch up the mix-ins and let your kids help you scoop and roll the balls. The more they get involved, the more likely they will be to love them.
- Using coconut oil on your hands (about 1 teaspoon at a time) will help keep the balls together and keep your hands less sticky.
- If your energy balls seem a little sticky, add a little more ground oatmeal and ground flaxseed. If they aren’t sticking together, add a little more honey.
Recipe Variations for Energy Balls with Chia Seeds
- Peanut Butter Oatmeal Energy Balls – use peanut butter as your nut butter, and mix in chopped peanuts and mini butterscotch chips.
- Blueberry Muffin Energy Balls – add dried blueberries, chopped nuts, and a little lemon zest
Other Mix-ins to try:
- Sunflower Seeds
- Dark Chocolate Chips
- Raisins, or other dried fruits
- Hemp Seeds
- Raw cacao
- Chopped Nuts
Storing Instructions
- Refrigerator: store for up to 1 week in the fridge in an airtight container with parchment or wax paper between the layers to keep them from sticking. You can just grab as you need!
- Freezer: freeze energy balls for up to 2 months in an airtight container.
More Snack Recipes You’ll Love
Chia Oatmeal Energy Balls Recipe
These chia seed energy balls are quick and easy to make, packed with protein, and a super convenient snack for any time of the day. We mix plenty of healthy ingredients, like chia seeds, flax and oats, along with fun ones like M&Ms and Rice Krispies to please even your littlest eaters.
Yields energy balls
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup Rice Krispies Cereal
- 2/3 cup ground flaxseed
- 1/2 cup chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons chocolate protein powder
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 cup nut butter, almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup M&M Candies, or small chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, coconut, Rice Krispies, ground flaxseed, chia seeds, protein powder, honey, nut butter, salt, and M&Ms. Mix with a rubber spatula until well-combined and resembles dry cookie dough. When you scoop and lightly pack it together, it should stay in a ball and not break. If it's a little too dry, add a little more honey.
- Using a 1½ tablespoon (.75 oz) scoop, scoop your dough into evenly sized balls. Use your hands to finish rolling into a nice ball shape, using a little coconut oil on your hands if it gets too sticky.
- To store the energy balls, place them in a large airtight container in the fridge or freezer. Use parchment paper or wax paper between the layers of the energy balls to keep them from sticking to each other. Enjoy!
Notes
- Storing Instructions: store for up to 1 week in the fridge in an airtight container with parchment or wax paper between the layers to keep them from sticking.
- Freezer: freeze energy balls for up to 2 months in an airtight container.
- Substitutions: You can substitute agave or maple syrup for the honey.
Nutrition
Calories: 193kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 47mg | Potassium: 183mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 87IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 96mg | Iron: 2mg
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Here are some other no-bake recipes that we love!
- No Bake Nutella Cheesecake
- Nutella No Bake Cookies
- No Bake Chocolate Cheesecake
- No Bake Nutella Cookies
- Coconut Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies
- No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake
- Fruity Pebble Rice Crispy Treats
This Chia Oatmeal Energy Balls recipe is quick and easy, and packed with protein and makes a super convenient snack for any time of the day. We mix plenty of healthy ingredients, like chia seeds, flax and oats, along with fun ones like M&Ms and Rice Krispies to please even your littlest eaters.
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