As a pediatric dietitian, I know it can be hard to find delicious snacks for kids that are allergy-friendly. These Nut-Free Protein Balls check all the boxes – delicious, easy to make, and adjustable for any allergy needs!
Even if you don’t have anyone in your family with a nut allergy, these protein balls come in handy for allergy-free treats your kids can bring to school. They are nut-free and refined sugar-free, and can easily be made gluten-free and dairy-free. Great to pack for lunch if there are regulations on classroom food!
They are called “protein balls” because they pack a full 5 grams of protein into each ball! Kids of all ages need enough protein for proper growth and development. And many kids, especially picky eaters, often don’t get enough protein.
Let’s get to making the protein balls! You can use them for your child’s sports game fuel, after-school treat, or the perfect bedtime snack.
What You’ll Need
For the dry ingredients, you need oats, flax, protein powder, cinnamon, and salt. These protein balls have an incredibly smooth texture that comes from blending the oats and flax into a fine powder. This also makes them easier to digest and more likely to be accepted by even the pickiest eaters. 🙂
The protein powder you use is completely up to you! This can be adjusted to flavor preferences, allergen needs, or nutrition requirements. Some of my favorites are:
- Allergy-friendly – KOS Protein
- To maximize calories – Orgain Perfect Meal Powder
- Simple ingredients – Isopure
For more protein powder and shake recommendations, read here.
The wet ingredients are a simple mixture of sunflower butter, maple syrup, and vanilla. The sunflower butter is an allergen-safe nut butter, but feel free to use any nut butter you’d like!
If your nut butter is very thick, you might want to combine the wet ingredients, then microwave for 15 seconds. This will help with the mixing process.
Substitutions & Storage
This recipe is so easy to change based on your needs! Feel free to adjust any of the following:
- Make it gluten-free: by using certified gluten-free oats. Also check the protein powder you use to make sure it’s gluten free!
- Make it dairy-free: by using a plant based protein powder and dairy free chocolate chip
- Switch the toppings: add whatever your child prefers! Coconut flakes, M&Ms, raisins, pumpkin pie spice, pretzels, sprinkles – the options are endless.
Store your nut-free protein balls in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze these and defrost later for an easy snack!
Other Recipes You’ll Love
If you need more quick healthy snacks for your kids, check out these recipes:
No Bake Chocolate Chip Energy Bites
High Protein Guacamole
Chocolate Chip Baked Oats
Nut Free Protein Balls
Ingredients
- 2 cups oats
- 1/4 cup flax seeds
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup protein powder vanilla or unflavored
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup sunflower butter
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a blender or food processor, blend the oats and flax seeds until they form a fine powder
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the oat-flax mixture, cinnamon, protein powder, and salt. Mix well
- In a separate smaller mixing bowl, combine the sunflower butter, maple syrup, and vanilla. Mix well. If your nut butter is very thick, microwave for 15 seconds to loosen the mixture
- Combine the dry and wet ingredients. Mix until a dough forms. Add the chocolate chips
- Form the mixture into 16 equal-sized balls. Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator
Notes
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