No-Bake Protein Bites Recipe
This no-bake protein bites recipe was developed exclusively for Nuts.com and our customers by Miryam Quinn Doblas, Registered Dietitian (RD). Miryam shares her passion for food and nutrition on her website, Eat Good 4 Life.
No-bake recipes are always my favorite, especially when they’re not only easy-to-make but also super healthy and delicious. That’s why these no-bake protein bites are one of my top go-to snacks. My kids love the irresistible nutty chocolate flavor of these bite-sized treats, and I love the fact that they’re packed with high-quality protein and nutrients. It’s truly a win-win snack in my household!
Each bite packs about seven grams of protein, thanks to 100% pure whey protein powder. Often considered a superior protein source, whey protein is the liquid portion of milk that is created as a byproduct of cheese production. It is one of the best sources of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which include three amino acids: leucine, isoleucine and valine. BCAAs are required for protein synthesis and can increase muscle growth over time. Whey protein is also easy to digest and has a very low lactose content.
When it comes to research-backed health benefits, whey protein offers many. Whey has been proven to increase muscle mass and strength when taken as a post-workout supplement, and specifically promotes the loss of fat, not muscle. It also prevents overeating and has been shown to provide a greater sense of satiety than protein from tuna, turkey or eggs.
If you are vegan or lactose-intolerant, pea or hemp protein are good alternatives. The pecans and almond butter provide an additional boost of protein, as well as fiber and protective fats. This recipe is very versatile so you could always use other nuts in place of the pecans, and even incorporate dried fruit if you wish. Dried tart cherries would be a wonderful mix-in for next time.
My family loves chocolate so I also added pure unsweetened cacao powder to create a nutty chocolaty flavor. Cacao powder is loaded with heart-healthy antioxidants and magnesium; it’s a healthy addition to many beverages and foods because it provides all the benefits of chocolate without the extra sugar and fat. Try blending cacao powder with frozen bananas for a naturally sweet smoothie the whole family can enjoy.
These no-bake protein bites can be stored in the fridge for up to one week and since they’re so versatile, you could enjoy them for breakfast, snack-time, or after a workout for a protein boost. When you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to go overboard, these no-bake bites make a better-for-you dessert. Bring them to your next potluck or party, and see what a crowd-pleaser they can be!
Ingredients
- 1 cup Georgia Pecans, crushed
- 1 cup Almond Butter
- 1/3 cup Organic Cacao Powder
- 1/4 cup Whey Protein Powder
- 1/4 cup Maple Syrup
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients in your food processor and pulse until the mixture comes together and you obtain a dough consistency. If you find that the mixture is dry, you can add one tablespoon of water.
- Roll small pieces of dough into little round bites. Coat the bites with cacao powder if you wish.
- Let the bites firm up in the refrigerator for half an hour prior to serving.
Notes
The bites can be stored in a glass container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
This recipe was developed and photographed exclusively for Nuts.com by Miryam Quinn Doblas, RD, of Eat Good 4 Life.
8 Responses to “No-Bake Protein Bites Recipe”
How much is a serving? 1 bite or two?
Hi Diana, one bite is equal to one serving.
These sound great. I have a client who is vegan and becoming severely anemic. Do you have snacks that are also high in iron?
You can find a number of our iron rich foods here: https://nuts.com/nuts/iron-rich/ 🙂
Cannot do whey in our household! Any suggestions for a good substitute? Thanks.
They look divine!
Hi Rita, pea protein powder would make a good substitute for whey protein. Hope that helps!
Just saw the recipe for protein bites. I would like to know how many protein bites contained in 29 g which contains a whopping 161 calories?
Hi JoAnn, There are two bites in a 29 gram serving. Hope that helps!