Coffee Whey Protein Balls

These Coffee Whey Protein Balls are chewy, high protein, grain-free and taste like coffee cake. They come together easily too. All you need is a bowl and a spoon, no need for a blender or food processor!

I make the recipe into 16 small balls, then usually eat two at a time as a snack. Two balls gives 9.4g protein at 684kJ (163Cal) total, which isn’t bad for homemade protein balls without artificial or non-nutritive sweeteners.

To coat the protein balls and provide some textural contrast, I roll them in crushed almonds.

It’s totally optional, but it does stop the balls from sticking together. That way, you can pile them into a container or jar straight after making them to store in the fridge.

To crush the almonds without getting a food processor out, I place a small handful of them on some cling film, fold the cling film over to enclose the almonds, then hit them with a mallet or heavy bottomed glass. It’s very satisfying and the cling film stops the almond crumbs going everywhere.

Ingredients for Coffee Whey Protein Balls

Cashew butter: I use unsalted cashew butter in this recipe, but unsalted almond butter also works well and gives slightly more protein. I would just avoid peanut butter because its strong peanut flavour might taste a bit strange with the coffee.

Rice malt syrup: Rice malt syrup is a fructose-free sweetener, handy for anyone with fructose sensitivity. It’s milder tasting than honey or maple syrup. If you prefer sweeter balls, you could use honey or maple syrup instead.

Whey protein isolate: I use unflavoured whey protein isolate. I’ve written about the difference between whey protein isolate (WPI) and whey protein concentrate (WPC) here if you’re curious. If you only have flavoured whey protein, vanilla should work well. Chocolate would give a mocha vibe. You will need to use whey protein though as its sticky texture when mixed with the coffee is what holds the balls together.

Vanilla extract: Vanilla brings extra sweetness to the balls and blends well with the coffee. I always prefer extract over essence because vanilla essence sometimes has a slightly chemical flavour.

Instant coffee granules: We dissolve the instant coffee granules in a small amount of water to get a strong coffee concentrate to flavour the balls. You could use freshly brewed strong black coffee if you prefer.

Coconut flour: This gives the balls structure and chewiness. You may need to adjust the amount used depending on how runny your nut butter is.

Sea salt: Adding a pinch of salt to the mixture enhances the flavours. You can leave it out if you prefer, but I highly recommend including it!

If you’re looking for another whey protein ball recipe that’s packed with protein, my Choc Mint Whey Protein Balls are also easy to make with just a bowl and a spoon. This recipe is a variation of that one, using coffee as the flavouring.

For a recipe using vegan protein powder, you might like to try my Easy Vegan Protein Balls. They’re made with a base of almonds, rolled oats and vanilla or chocolate plant-based protein powder.