These 5 ingredient protein balls will have you reaching for the freezer all day long. They are a perfect post workout snack with almost 4g of protein per ball. They are great for runners containing both simple and complex carbs with a boost of protein.

Chocolate protein balls in a bowl with a bite mark.

I’m not kidding when I tell you that I ate a whole batch of these protein balls in 2 days. Pop them in the freezer and eat whenever. They don’t have to be post workout protein balls, although they are ideal for that. They can be an after dinner dessert or a mid morning snack. The ball is in your court, so to speak 🙂

I love the combination of chocolate, walnuts and dates together. I think it tastes like a brownie bite. I used a chocolate whey protein powder (will discuss this more in the nutrition section) and it gave just the right amount of sweetness without being overpowering. I recently found some chocolate whey at Aldi that's pretty good and cheaper!

How to Make Protein Balls

Not only do they contain just 5 ingredients, but they require no baking! All you need is a food processor and a sheet pan or plate to put them on. I also place them on a sheet pan and freeze them for about half an hour then transfer them to a reusable zip-lock bag to stash away in the freezer.

They don’t need to be kept frozen. I just like them and they hold their form frozen better.

A scoop of protein ball inside a food processor.

Nutrition & Ingredients for 5 Ingredient Protein Balls

I am always looking for a snack after I workout. Sometimes it’s between lunch and breakfast or lunch and dinner. I’m always looking for something to “tie me over” until the next meal. Sometimes I will drink a protein shake or eat half of a protein bar, but other times I want something a little sweet and chocolately. Insert these 5 ingredient protein balls.

chocolate ball on a sheet pan with salt sprinkled around it.

When looking for a protein powder, you can go one of two ways: plant based or whey protein. I’ve tried both in different flavors, but for a chocolate flavor I like whey protein best. Any type of chocolate protein will work in the recipe though, whey or plant based.

Another topic for these protein balls I wanted to cover was dates. Dates are delicious and are nature’s candy. I literally dip them into anything. For this recipe, you want the soft dates you can buy at the grocery store near the produce section. If the dates are plump and juicy then you should soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes to loosen them up a bit.

Each protein ball contains almost 4 grams of protein and under 3 grams of sugar. It’s filled with both complex carbs and simple carbs, which is ideal after a workout to replenish your energy stores, especially if you are a runner!

These 5 ingredient protein balls are also great if you are traveling! Easy to transport and quick to make, grab and go.