Energy balls are the perfect healthy, homemade snack for kids. To inspire you, here’s 20 of my favourite energy protein ball recipes that kids love.
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As a mom of three young kids, I’m always on the look-out for healthy homemade snacks that my kids love. We often turn to energy bites or protein ball recipes, because they’re so easy to make and you can pack them full of nutrition.
I love finding interesting flavour combinations for energy balls (my favourites always contain chocolate), and unique uses for nutritious ingredients that I already have in my fridge and pantry (like quinoa and coconut).
Energy balls are great for a quick and nutritious snack on the go, or to add to school lunches (just make sure to use a nut-free butter).
I find that my kids love them (almost like a treat!), but they’re also filling and nutritious, which makes me feel good as a mom and registered dietitian.
When I make energy or protein bites I make sure to include protein-rich ingredients such as nut or seed butters, hemp hearts (these are my go-to), chia seeds, and protein powder (this one is my fave). And then I add a bit of sweetness with honey or maple syrup (and occasionally chocolate chips), and some sort of whole grain or flour such as oats, quinoa or coconut flour.
What makes these even easier to make is using good quality baking sheets with non-stick silicone mats. I have inserted links to the ones that I like to use! For many energy ball recipes, you need a blender or food processor. I love this one and use it daily!
To inspire you, here’s 20 nutritious energy protein balls that kids love!
These delicious little balls are a little sweet, a little salty, and a little crunchy — the perfect combination of all three. They are also extremely nutritious, packed full of protein, fibre, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals. They can be made school-safe by substituting pumpkin seed butter for the peanut butter.
These quick and easy energy bites have a dose of pumpkin for added flavour and a nutrition boost. A perfect healthy treat!
Wondering how to make energy balls or energy bites? It’s so easy with this gluten-free chocolate almond butter protein balls recipe. Plus, these healthy breakfast balls are an easy no-bake recipe!
Quick and easy, no bake and gluten-free. These Cinnamon Crunch Breakfast Protein Balls are the perfect on the go meal or snack your entire family will love!
These little gingerbread energy bites are the perfect combination of sweet and spicy. You’ll love this holiday-inspired recipe!
These Thin Mint Date Protein Balls are high in protein, gluten free, and can be made vegan by substituting with a vegan protein powder. These Chocolate Mint Date Energy Balls are made with minimal ingredients and super easy to make.
These no bake apple peanut butter energy balls are a lovely healthy snack! The recipe is super easy to make with only 6 ingredients.
I managed to pack a lot into these little protein bites - lentils, coconut flour, and natural peanut butter provide protein and fibre (among many other essential nutrients), which help to keep tummies full and sustain energy levels. And adding dark chocolate chips, vanilla and maple syrup give them the perfect "cookie dough" flavour.
In addition to almonds and almond butter, this recipe has heart healthy rolled oats, antioxidant rich dark chocolate, dried cherries and chia seeds that add to the texture and nutrition of this bite-sized snack.
These Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Energy Bites contain only 6 ingredients and are full of fiber and healthy fats for a nutritious and satisfying snack any time of day!
Chocolate + Chocolate + Chocolate= deliciousness. Protein Brownie Bites. The best bite-sized brownies that are healthy!
These quinoa coconut energy balls are the perfect post workout snack or any snack to get you through the day!
Take 10 minutes to whip up these healthy and super delicious protein energy balls. They make a great grab and go snack or way to fuel your workout. All you need are a few ingredients and a food processor or high powered blender.
This peanut butter chocolate protein balls recipe makes for the perfect vegan, gluten free, low carb, and no bake snack for fuelling tired muscles after a workout!
Cashews, dates and oats provide energy – add cocoa and you’ve got a delicious Chocolate Truffle Energy Bite.
Take these PB banana nut energy bites with you for nutritious on-the-go snacking that reminds you of your grandma’s famous banana bread!
These chocolate lemon energy bites pair pure cocoa powder with fresh lemon zest and a handful of other “good-for-you” ingredients you give you the most luscious, no-bake, healthy treat!
These Chocolate Banana Nut Energy Bites are the perfect snack for after school, post-workout or as an afternoon pick-me-up. Only 80 calories per bite! Vegan and gluten-free.
These Oatmeal Cookie Dough Bites with cinnamon, pecans, and raisins, are a healthy and delicious treat when you want a little something sweet!
Kids will love these little snack bites. Chia seeds add healthy fats and fiber for staying power!
Double Chocolate Oatmeal Energy Bites & 19 More Energy Bites for Kids
These little bites are the perfect on-the-go energizing and nutritious snack that will keep you and your kiddos satisfied between meals!
Ingredients
- 1 cup oats (I used quick-cooking steel-cut oats)
- 1 cup peanut butter (or pumpkin seed butter if you're making for school)
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 2 1/2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients except the chocolate chips into a food processor and process until well-blended.
- Transfer to a medium-sized bowl and add chocolate chips. Mix well.
- Roll into 1-inch balls and place on parchment paper inside an airtight container.
- Chill and serve!
Notes
I like to roll and place on a baking sheet and freeze them right on the baking sheet. Once they're nice and cold and firm, I place them in a freezer-safe plastic ziploc bag for storage and just take one out at a time!
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Food to Grow On
Food to Grow On is the definitive guide to childhood nutrition, packed with practical advice to support you through pregnancy, and up until your little one starts school.
Laid out in an easy-to-navigate question and answer style, this book provides practical advice and support from Sarah Remmer and Cara Rosenbloom, two trusted registered dietitians (and moms). Food to Grow On is packed with hard-earned parenting wisdom and the very latest research in pediatric nutrition, so you will feel supported, understood, and ready to help your child thrive.
Comments
I can’t wait to work my way through this delicious list! Thank you for pulling these together!!
My pleasure! I hope you enjoy!
Really easy and adaptable recipe for no bake energy balls. All the family love them and really helps when you want to reach for a sweet treat and you have the balls made so quickly to hand!
I’m so glad you love them!
My 2.5 yr old and I have been baking one new healthy recipe a week together since the start of the year and this is a new family favorite. I used Justin’s honey peanut butter so we added a little less honey to the recipe. They came out fantastic. It’s not always easy to find healthy baking recipes that my husband will enjoy but he really liked them too.
I love hearing that, Shannon! So glad you and your family love making them together, too :).