I think by nature I’m a bit of a skeptic. I’ve seen protein balls about for a while now, and I have avoided them. So when I decided it was time to try combining some ingredients and create some Chocolate Orange Protein Balls of my own I was very surprised and pleased with the results.
![Chocolate & Orange Protein Balls Delicious Chocolate Orange Protein Balls - Vegan, Gluten Free and Paleo](https://www.meatandtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Vegan-Protein-Balls-Titled-LR.jpg)
Why have I avoided protein balls in the past?
There are a few reasons. Firstly, a lot of the “healthy” protein ball recipes include coconut oil and maple syrup as a substitute for butter and sugar. Whilst these ingredients may have more nutritional value then their counterparts, they are still laden with calories. The balls may have more protein than a cookie, but they can contain far more calories.
![Choc Orange Protein Balls Choc Orange Protein Balls](https://www.meatandtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Choc-Orange-Protein-Balls.jpg)
If I am “spending calories” I want some bang for my buck. Which brings me to the second reason for avoided them, I haven’t been convinced these little balls would WOW me!
![Gluten Free Chocolate Protein Balls Gluten Free Chocolate Protein Balls](https://www.meatandtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/GF-Chocolate-Protein-Balls.jpg)
After a bit of trial and error I bring you the best ever Chocolate Orange Protein Balls. These can actually be eaten as a snack without any calorie guilt. These little treats are vegan friendly and gluten free, so it’s not just a treat for those watching their waistline.
![Vegan Chocolate Orange Protein Balls Vegan Chocolate Orange Protein Balls](https://www.meatandtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Chocolate-Orange-Protein-Balls.jpg)
I made these because I was looking for a new idea for a snack. These little Chocolate Orange Protein Balls don’t contain any oil so they won’t melt in the lunchbox! My little taste testers gave these the big thumbs up.
![](https://www.meatandtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Vegan-Protein-Balls-Titled-LR-1.jpg)
Chocolate Orange Protein Balls
Ingredients
- 200 g dates
- 35 g desiccated coconut
- 50 g blanched almonds
- 2 Tbs cacoa powder
- 1 orange rind
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp orange juice
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients in a food processor except the orange rind.
- Process until the nuts are specks and the mixture comes together.
- Add the orange rind and process only until just combined.
- If the mixture is not quite sticky enough to hold together in a ball add a little more orange juice and pulse again.
- Roll 20 balls of even size.
- Refrigerate until needed.
Best of all these Chocolate Orange Protein Balls can be made in 5 minutes. In theory, even if I had no snacks prepared for the kids lunch box I could have actually make these BEFORE school!
![Vegan Chocolate Ball Vegan Chocolate Ball](https://www.meatandtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Vegan-Chocolate-Ball.jpg)
Thankfully, this time that wasn’t necessary, these were already made and ready to roll when it came time to pack the lunches.
![Vegan Chocolate & Orange Balls Vegan Chocolate & Orange Balls](https://www.meatandtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Vegan-Chocolate-Orange-Balls.jpg)
All of these ingredients just happened to be in my pantry, making it a simple, quick treat to just whip up! Perhaps I will have to investigate a few more flavor combinations.
![Jaffa Protein Balls Jaffa Protein Balls](https://www.meatandtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Jaffa-Protein-Balls-Taste.jpg)
These 20 little vegan balls managed to make it to just one lunch box. Somehow they disappeared one by one before they could make it to a second day.
![Jaffa Protein Balls Jaffa Protein Balls](https://www.meatandtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Jaffa-Protein-Balls.jpg)
Healthy and consumed happily by all.
Why not try these Chocolate Peppermint Bliss Bombs?