15 Grab-and-Go High-Protein Energy Bites to Get You Through Your Day

updated Jun 13, 2019
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Credit: From left to right: Desserts with Benefits; Feasting on Fruit

Ever feel like you need a tiny pick-me-up in the middle of the work day or after a workout? Or maybe you’re constantly on the go and need a simple breakfast recipe? Protein bars can be chalky, taste like cardboard, or have no taste at all.

That’s why homemade energy bites are the answer. These portion-controlled balls of goodness can be made with your favorite ingredients, from chia seeds to peanut butter to cocoa powder. Make them in batches so you have a healthy snack on hand for the whole week. They’re kid-friendly, too, so energy bites can fuel up your whole family on long car trips, or during school plays and soccer games. And best of all, most energy bites are no-bake, so you don’t need much equipment (a blender or food processor at most) or extra time to whip up a batch. Here are 15 of our favorite recipes.

Credit: Gimme Some Oven

These yummy energy bites skip out on the refined sugar by replacing chocolate chips with unsweetened cocoa powder, plus a touch of honey for sweetness. All you need to combine the ingredients is a bowl and a spatula, so don’t worry about taking the blender out of the cupboard.

These gluten-free energy bites taste just like dried cranberry oatmeal cookies. Simply combine the ingredients in the blender, then roll the mixture into balls, and viola! You’re done. Just freeze what you don’t plan on eating right away.

3. No-Bake Sunbutter Energy Bites from Feasting on Fruit

This version is for anyone out of there dealing with allergies: Sunbutter replaces peanut butter, so you’ll still get a healthy dose of protein. Dried fruit adds a touch of sweetness.

Credit: Cotter Crunch

4. Vegan Cowboy Cookie Energy Bites from Cotter Crunch

These soft and chewy energy bites take inspiration from a Texas twist on the chocolate chip cookie. Maple syrup, chopped walnuts, and, the secret ingredient, cinnamon coconut sugar, make these bites an indulgent, nutritious snack.

5. Turtle Cookie Quinoa Energy Bites from Simply Quinoa

Quinoa isn’t just for savory recipes — just add caramel and chocolate, along with dates and pecans, and you’ve got a nutritious snack that tastes just like dessert.

Credit: Pinch of Yum

6. Cookie Dough Energy Bites from Pinch of Yum

Who doesn’t love to eat cookie dough straight out of the bowl? With coconut flakes and chocolate chips on the ingredient list, you’ll want to eat these for both a dessert and a snack.

Credit: Joe Lingeman

The nutty and sweet flavor of these energy bites are complemented by just a hint of saltiness. A sprinkle of shredded coconut and a handful of cashews make them a must-try treat.

8. Protein Peanut Butter Energy Bites from Ambitious Kitchen

These energy bites take just five minutes to make and are packed with healthy fats, courtesy of flax and chia seeds.

Credit: Coco Morante

This dough is so soft that you’ll need a spoon to help you form the balls. Dates and carrots add protein and fiber, but if you’ve got a sweet tooth, you can drizzle on a little vanilla bean icing on top.

10. Strawberry Shortcake Energy Bites from Desserts with Benefits

They might look like sweet treats, but these energy bites are refined sugar-free and only have 100 calories. Love dessert but trying out a healthier diet? These might just be your new favorite snack.

These chewy, peanut butter bites have an extra crunch from chia seeds. Dark chocolate adds a touch of sweetness.

Credit: Minimalist Baker

12. No-Bake PB & J Bites from Minimalist Baker

Peanut butter and dried fruit like cherries, blueberries, and cranberries make these energy bites reminiscent of a classic PB&J sandwich — but this isn’t your average childhood snack. Each bite is also packed with five grams of protein.

Don’t be fooled by the cookie dough-like base to these energy bites — chia seeds and cacao nibs add important nutrients like protein, fiber, and omega-3s.

Classic trail mix (M&Ms, raisins, and peanuts) gets an upgrade in these energy bites. Add flaxseed meal and chia seeds for a nutritional boost, and nuts and chocolate for a salty, sweet flavor.

Credit: From My Bowl

These fluffy energy bites are a zesty, chocolate-free take on energy bites. Try using raw cashews and cashew butter (instead of peanut butter) for an extra-creamy texture.