Gluten & Dairy-Free High Protein Monster Energy Balls

Do you need a sweet treat that is calorie-dense and provides sustainable energy? These Gluten and Dairy-Free High Protein Monster Energy Balls are a great treat for athletes and active people! They contain natural sugars, healthy fats and gluten-free carbohydrates, making them perfect for a pre-activity snack or anytime treat.

These healthy energy balls are easy to make and require no baking!

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Notes on Making Monster Energy Balls

Here are some tips and NOTES on recipe options:

• Sweetener: Honey works best because it’s stickier than maple syrup. However, if you have IBS or an intolerance to high-FODMAP foods, then try maple syrup or a blend of both (as listed in the recipe).

• Nut Butter: you can use any nut or seed butter you like, I just find that peanut or almond taste best.

• Peanut Butter Powder: this is a powdered, reduced fat form of peanut butter (like PB2). This maintains the nut butter flavor while reducing the stickiness. However, if you don’t have this on hand, you can still make these energy bites but increasing the amount of oats to get the consistency you prefer.You can also try adding more protein powder, but sometimes this can alter the taste and/or texture.
• Protein Powder: For a dairy-free version, I used ¼ cup chocolate flavored Vital Collagen Protein and ¼ cup Orgain Vanilla Protein which both add extra sweetness and flavor. Unflavored, vanilla or chocolate all work well based on your preference. Whey protein is an excellent source of protein if you can tolerate lactose, but vegan proteins can be used as well but will create a grainier texture. Different proteins will absorb liquid differently, so you may need to adjust ingredients to get the consistency you prefer.

• Chocolate Candy: Unreal Chocolate Gems are preferred because they are non-GMO and colored with vegetables, not chemicals. If using chocolate chips, Bake Believe no-sugar added chocolate chips are a great option. However, if you don’t have access to these healthier, more natural options, mini M&M’s and/or regular chocolate chips can also be used.

Gluten & Dairy-Free High Protein Monster Energy Balls Recipe

Servings: 15-18, depending on size of energy balls

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup honey
• ¼ cup maple syrup (see notes)
• ½ cup peanut butter or almond butter
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• ½ cup peanut butter powder (see notes)
• ½ cup protein powder unflavored, chocolate, or vanilla (see notes)
• ¾ cup gluten-free oats (or regular quick oats if you don’t require gluten-free)
• 2 tbsp raisins
• ⅓ cup Unreal Milk Chocolate Gems and/or chocolate chips (see notes)

Directions

1. In a medium-size bowl, mix together liquid sweetener, nut butter and vanilla extract.
2. Add peanut butter powder & protein powder, then mix well.
3. Add oats, raisins, M&M’s, and chocolate chips and mix.
4. Roll into ~1-inch balls.
5. If texture is too soft or sticky, refrigerate for 1-2 hours to make them easier to roll into balls.
6. Store in the refrigerator. For best taste, consume within 1 week. Enjoy!

Want more healthy recipes? Check out my meal plans for weeks worth of tasty recipes to keep you healthy and satisfied!

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