These Choc Mint Protein Balls with plant protein powder are super easy to make for a healthy snack or dessert. They are gluten free, nut free and contain less sugar than a lot of protein balls. Made without dates, they are sweetened with brown rice syrup for a low fructose option.

I divide the recipe into 10 large protein balls. Each ball has 169 calories and just over 6 grams of protein. It’s not a huge amount of protein, but I enjoy these as more of a healthy treat. If you want a protein ball recipe with a higher dose of protein, check out these Choc Mint Whey Protein Balls.

Why are my protein balls too dry and crumbly

If your protein balls are dry or crumbly, it is usually due to the type of protein powder used. Different brands and varieties of protein powder will absorb different amounts of liquid. It can also happen if the recipe calls for nut butter and you use a thicker nut butter, rather than a drippy or runny one.

To fix dry or crumbly protein balls, just add some extra liquid to the mixture. You can add a splash of water, milk or nut milk, some extra liquid sweetener or a little melted coconut oil. Just make sure that you add it gradually so that you don’t overdo it and end up with a mixture that is too sticky or oily.

Ingredients to make chocolate mint protein balls divided into bowls — Chocolate plant protein powder, oat flour, coconut, raw cacao powder, tahini, almond milk, coconut oil, brown rice syrup and peppermint oil

Why are my protein balls too sticky

Protein ball mixture may become too sticky if too much liquid is added. The protein powder and other dry ingredients should blend with the liquid ingredients to make a pliable dough. However, depending on the protein powder used, there may be some variance.

If your mixture is too sticky, just add some extra protein powder, oat flour or coconut flour until the dough becomes easier to handle. Add it in small amounts, stirring well between each addition.

Gluten-free chocolate mint protein balls rolled in coconut — These choc mint protein balls are gluten free, nut free and flavored with peppermint oil

Why are my protein balls oily

If the mixture for your protein balls is oily, it may be due to the consistency of nut or seed butters used in the recipe. Nut and seed butters can be either drippy and runny or thick in texture. If your nut butter is drippy and runny and the recipe was developed using a thicker variety, the protein ball mixture may turn out oily.

This can easily be rectified with a little tweaking. Just add some extra protein powder to the mixture, or another dry ingredient like oat flour or coconut flour. This should absorb the excess oil. Add it gradually, stirring well, until the mixture reaches your desired consistency.

Plant-based choc mint protein balls stacked together — These plant-based choc mint protein balls are easy to make with just a bowl and spoon

Frequently asked questions

Why are my protein balls dry or crumbly?

Protein balls can turn out dry or crumbly if the protein powder absorbs too much liquid or if you use a thick nut or seed butter. To fix dry or crumbly protein balls, add a small amount of liquid – such as water, milk, syrup, or melted coconut oil – and mix gradually until the texture softens.

Why is my protein ball mixture too sticky?

If your protein ball mixture is too sticky, it likely contains too much liquid or a protein powder that doesn’t absorb moisture well. To fix sticky protein ball dough, mix in extra dry ingredients – like oat flour, coconut flour, or additional protein powder – until the texture becomes firm and manageable.

Why is my protein ball mixture oily?

Protein ball mixture can become oily if you’re using very runny nut or seed butters. To fix oily protein ball dough, add more dry ingredients – such as oat flour, coconut flour, or protein powder – to absorb the excess oil.

Can I make protein balls without a food processor?

Yes. You can make protein balls without a food processor by choosing ingredients that are easy to mix by hand. To make no-processor protein balls, use oat flour instead of oats, smooth nut butters instead of whole nuts, and liquid sweeteners like maple syrup instead of sticky dried fruits.

Are protein balls good before or after a workout?

Yes. Protein balls can be a good option before or after a workout – whichever fits your schedule and personal preference – as total daily protein intake is generally more important than the exact timing of protein consumption.

Can I freeze homemade protein balls?

Yes. You can freeze homemade protein balls for up to 3 months. To freeze protein balls without them sticking together, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen – then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag.

Homemade choc mint protein balls coated in coconut on a wooden board — Food-grade peppermint oil or extract gives these choc mint protein balls their minty flavor

More plant protein recipes

You can find more ideas on the Protein Powder Recipes page.

Recipe video

Watch the recipe video to see how to make Choc Mint Protein Balls.