Chocolate Orange Protein Balls

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.

Delicious Chocolate Orange Protein Balls - Vegan, Gluten Free and Paleo
Chocolate Orange Protein Balls

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

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

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

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.

Chocolate Orange Protein Balls

These are a healthy taste treat that can be made in a matter of moments.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Gluten Free, Healthy, Snack, vegan
Cuisine: Healthy
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 20
Calories:
Author: Julie

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

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

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

 

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

Healthy and consumed happily by all.

Why not try these Chocolate Peppermint Bliss Bombs?

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