How to Make Chickpea Protein Balls Without Protein Powder

Chickpea protein balls make the perfect grab and go healthy snack. Made without protein powder, these chickpea protein balls pack about 5 grams of protein per ball. 

I love experimenting with chickpeas in the kitchen making easy and healthy recipes for me and my family. Energy ball recipes are staple in our house. The best part is this recipe uses simple ingredients and a great option for toddlers. 

Adapted from these SIMPLE CHICKPEA PROTEIN BARS (10G PROTEIN, NO POWDER NEEDED).

Be sure to click over to my Chickpeas for Babies post for more high fiber, high protein snack ideas.

Chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans) are versatile and have a nutty mild flavor that makes it a great base for sweet and savory snacks! I love a good snack prep and meal prep! Double or triple this recipe and freeze for later. 

Chickpeas are a wonderful nutrient dense food. This recipe is made from whole food ingredients and is packed with protein.

Great for lunchboxes, snack time, or a quick breakfast for moms and kids alike. Rolled into small chickpea balls, these are ideal for little hands and fun to make together. 

Pin it for later -easy chickpea protein balls

Why Chickpeas?

Chickpeas are known for being a great source of protein, fiber, iron and B vitamins. We all could use more fiber. They are easy to digest and have a mild flavor that are wonderful for picky eaters. If that wasn’t enough, they are budget-friendly and easy to have on hand in the pantry to whip up fast and easy snacks.

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Equipment 

Food processor 

Ingredient list

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup natural creamy peanut butter or sunflower seed butter (for nut-free)
• 1 cup almond flour
• ½ cup hemp seeds  (or any seeds you have on hand)
• ¼ cup uncooked rolled oats
• ⅔ cup dates, pitted and soaked in warm water for 10 mins
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 2–3 Tbsp maple syrup or honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional but recommended!)
• Optional: 1 tablespoon chia seeds, ¼ cup shredded coconut

Step-by-Step Instructions

Makes 24 balls. About 5 grams of protein per ball. 

Step 1

Inspect dates for any missed pits. Soak dates in hot water for 5 minutes. Drain. 

Step 2

Blend dates, chickpeas, peanut butter, maple syrup (optional), and vanilla in a food processor until smooth.  

Step 3

Add dry ingredients and mix until dough forms. 

Step 4

Roll into balls. Chill and serve.

If the dough is too wet to roll into balls add a little more oatmeal ¼ cup at a time.

Storage Tips

Store in the fridge for up to 5-7 days in an airtight container. Double or triple this batch and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months in the freezer. I always love a good meal prep! 

Notes

Although this recipe is high in protein without protein powder, you can certainly add in your favorite protein powder to boost these energy bites even more.

The easiest way would be to swap out the oatmeal and add ¼-½ cup protein powder. You can add flavored protein powder (like chocolate protein powder) for different flavor combinations.

Keep in mind if your protein powder is sweetened you will want to back off on any added maple syrup or honey and consider reducing the amount of dates you use. The extra protein would be great for a postpartum mom or post workout delicious snack. 

How to freeze 

The best way to freeze this sweet snack in bulk, is to roll out all the balls at one time and place on a baking sheet in a single layer.

Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 30 minutes. Remove from the freezer and transfer frozen balls into a gallon sized freezer bag. 

To defrost, place high protein energy balls in the refrigerator overnight or leave out for 1 hour. I pack these in my lunch frozen and by lunch time they are thawed.  

Peanut butter

You can swap out peanut butter with any nut butter like almond butter, cashew butter or sunflower butter. I used organic creamy peanut butter that is slightly runny.

If you’re using regular peanut butter, you might want to reduce the almond flour or oats to avoid the dough from getting too dry. My peanut butter is also sugar free. Keep this in mind when adjusting for sweetness. 

Flavor combinations

Since chickpeas are so versatile, your flavor combinations are virtually endless. Here are a few of my favorites: 

• ½ teaspoon pumpkin spice
• Raisins and cinnamon 
• Finely chopped nuts (for older kids)
• Chia seeds
• Mini chocolate chips
• Cocoa powder
• Cacao nibs (for older kids and adults) -my favorite! 

Toddler-Friendly Tips and substitutions 

• Mash or flatten balls for babies under 1
• Consider choking hazards with mix-ins 

For the whole family 

I love when a great snack is both baby/toddler friendly and something adults love too. I eat these as dessert, a post-workout snack or they would even be perfect as a snack prep for a postpartum mom.

They are portable snacks that keep well in a lunch box. A healthy little treat that is gluten free and dairy free. 

Final thoughts

Using healthy ingredients for snacks that are delicious takes some experimenting. I’ve spent lots of time creating and tweaking this recipe to make it perfect.  Double this batch since you’re already dirtying the food processor anyway! 

I hope you try these easy protein chickpeas balls and let me know what you think! As always, reach out if you have any questions!