These no-bake protein bites are chock full of REAL ingredients that you can feel good about giving to your kids (or enjoying all to yourself…go ahead, I won’t judge).
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If your kids are anything like my kids, then they are hungry. All. The. Time. I know it’s totally normal, but usually by the 174th “Mom, I’m hungry, what can I eat?” (even after I have slapped a snack list right on the fridge in front of their beautiful little eyes), I’m ready to scream. And I get that they may get bored of the typical healthy snack options from time to time. Hey, I do, too So when I stumbled across this recipe, I was stoked. Not only are they EASY and quick to whip up, but they are healthy… and they taste like Reeces Peanut Butter cups?! I’m in!
So if you are like me and are looking for a healthy and quick protein packed snack to have handy for your kids (or yourself), then this is one recipe you will want to save, print, and make over and over again!
I stumbled across this recipe from Gimme Some Oven, and thought my readers might enjoy it. While she added toasted coconut to her recipe, I left it out of mine, as I have a personal aversion to coconut. I know you’re silently judging me right now, and that’s ok – I still love you. But if you do decide to add this ingredient to your mixture, just add 1/3 cup!
Ingredients:
To make these yummy protein bites, you will need the following:
- Old Fashioned Oats: You may also see them listed as “rolled oats”.
- Peanut Butter: Creamy is best for this recipe, and if peanuts are a no-no in your house, then you can easily substitute for something more to your liking (almond butter, sunflower seed butter, etc.)
- Ground Flaxseed: Flaxseed is such a wonderful source of nutrients! High in fiber, protein, Omega 3’s, and Lignans (antioxidant and anti-inflammatory) – this is one ingredient you definitely don’t want to skip.
- Chocolate Chips: I prefer dark chocolate chips for their health benefits, but milk chocolate or semi-sweet works great, too! We like the Enjoy Life brand because they are free from so many allergens and inflammatory ingredients like gluten, soy, dairy, sulfites and so much more.
- Honey: Ah, yes, natures sweetener. This will also help bind the ingredients together. If you can, find a local option for even more health benefits for your family.
- Vanilla Extract: Just for a bit of added flavor. You can absolutely skip this if you want to, but I added it to mine.
- Chia Seeds (optional): I realize not everyone has these on hand and that’s ok! You can skip this if that’s the case. But if you do have them, you’ll want to add them for several reasons. I recently learned tat chia seeds can help you feel full. What?! The answer to the “I’m hungry!” problem?! And perhaps this Mama’s snacking problem as well… They are also good to help with cholesterol, stabilizing blood sugar, reducing inflammation, strengthening bones, AND they are high in Omega 3’s as well! Who knew?!
- Toasted Shredded Coconut (optional): Again, many of you may choose to add this ingredient, and I think that’s great! Coconut is so so good for you! If you do add this, just make sure they are cooled before adding in the chocolate chips (we don’t want them getting all melty).
No Bake Protein Bites
Ingredients
- 1 cup Old Fashioned (or rolled) Oats
- 1/2 cup Creamy Peanut Butter (or substitute of choice)
- 1/2 cup Ground Flaxseed
- 1/2 cup Chocolate Chips Dark, Milk or Semi-sweet
- 1/3 cup Honey
- 1 tbsp Chia Seeds
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Add all of your ingredients to a large bowl and stir well to combine.
- Chill. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and chill in fridge for 1-2 hours.
- Once chilled, roll dough into 1" round balls.
- Serve immediately or store in fridge for up to 2 weeks (if they last that long) - can also freeze for up to 6 months!
Notes
Photobombed
Our sweet pup, Falkor (yes, like the Never Ending Story), was all but drooling during my quick little photo sesh. Poor Boy. Don’t worry, he didn’t get any, and no dogs were harmed in the making of these protein bites. I’ll have to make some pup-friendly treats for my furry child, it seems.
