A top view close-up shot of a white plate with two energy balls made of almond butter and flax seeds. The energy balls are brown in color and have a slightly textured surface. There are flax seeds on the plate around the energy balls. The background is clean and simple.

High-Protein, Low-Carb Energy Balls

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Sometimes you want a snack that gives you a steady boost without the crash. That’s where these high-protein, low-carb energy balls come in. They’re simple, satisfying, and designed to keep you full without loading up on sugar or starch. Whether you’re cutting carbs, watching your macros, or just trying to snack smarter, these are an easy win. No blender, no baking, and no weird ingredients—just fuel you can feel good about.

What You Need

A photo of a close-up shot of five stacked energy balls on a white dish. The energy balls are made of flaxseed. The dish is placed on a white kitchen counter. There is a sprinkle of flaxseed on the counter.

The foundation here is your protein powder. Choose one with no added sugar and a flavor you genuinely enjoy—vanilla, chocolate, or even unflavored if you want to keep things super clean. I use about 1/2 cup as a base.

For texture and structure, skip the oats and go for ground flaxseed. They’re low in carbs and rich in healthy fats. Around 1/3 cup works nicely.

Then comes the nut butter—just enough to bind everything together. Almond butter or peanut butter both work, but if you’re keeping carbs extra low, macadamia or sunflower seed butter are great alternatives. Use about 2 tablespoons.

To give the balls a little moisture and flavor, I mix in 1–2 tablespoons of unsweetened plant-based milk—like almond or coconut milk. You want the mixture to come together without being sticky.

Add a pinch of salt and a splash of vanilla extract to round out the flavor. If you like a bit of sweetness, a few drops of stevia or monk fruit sweetener will do the trick.

Optional but recommended: a tablespoon of chia seeds or shredded coconut for extra texture without pushing the carbs up too much.

Tool Requirements

This recipe keeps things minimal. All you really need is:

  • One medium mixing bowl.
  • A spoon or silicone spatula for mixing.
  • A tablespoon or small cookie scoop for portioning.
  • Clean hands for rolling.
  • A container or plate for setting them in the fridge.

Preparation Instructions

Start by mixing your dry ingredients in the bowl—protein powder, almond flour or flaxseed, chia seeds if you’re using them, and a pinch of salt.

Stir in the nut butter and vanilla extract. Then add your milk one tablespoon at a time until the texture feels like cookie dough—firm but pliable.

A photo of a close-up shot of an energy ball made of flaxseeds and nut butter. The energy ball has a smooth texture and a rich nutty flavor. There is a light dusting of cinnamon on top, adding a warm, spicy flavor. The background is blurred, showing a variety of ingredients and tools used for making energy balls.

Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness or seasoning as needed. You can get creative here with a sprinkle of cinnamon, cacao nibs, or even crushed nuts.

Use your scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough, then roll into smooth balls between your hands.

Place them in a container or on a plate and chill in the fridge for 20–30 minutes to firm up.

They’re ready to eat as soon as they’re cool and set—but you can store them for days.

Serving Ideas

These are great any time you need a quick snack without the sugar spike:

  • Pre-gym, post-gym, or just during a long afternoon of work.
  • Pair with a cup of black coffee for a clean, energizing combo.
  • Toss a few in a snack box with nuts and cucumber slices for a low-carb meal prep option.
  • Crumble one over a low-carb smoothie bowl or Greek-style plant-based yogurt for a fun topping.

They’re small but mighty—and surprisingly filling.

Storage Tips

  • Keep your energy balls in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll stay good for up to 7 days.
  • If you’re prepping in bulk, you can freeze them too. Just spread them out on a tray first so they don’t stick together, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. Thaw for 10–15 minutes at room temp before eating, or just pop one straight from the freezer if you like them firm.
easy healthy high-protein low-carb energy balls
Table of contents

High-Protein, Low-Carb Energy Balls

These High-Protein, Low-Carb Energy Balls are the perfect vegan snack or vegan dessert—no baking required! Made with flax seeds, nut butter, plant-based protein, and natural sweeteners, they’re soft, nutty, and packed with protein to keep you energized. Ready in just 10 minutes + chilling!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Resting Time 30 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12 energy balls
Calories 80 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup protein powder unsweetened or low-carb
  • ⅓ cup ground flaxseed or almond flour for lower carbs
  • 2 tbsp nut butter almond, peanut, or sunflower seed butter
  • 1 ½ tbsp unsweetened plant-based milk almond or coconut
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • chia seeds, shredded coconut, cacao nibs optional

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, mix protein powder, flaxseed, chia seeds (if using), and salt.
  • Add nut butter and vanilla extract. Stir well.
  • Gradually add milk until a firm, dough-like consistency forms.
  • Adjust sweetness (optional) or mix in extras (cinnamon, cacao, etc.).
  • Scoop ~1 tbsp portions and roll into balls.
  • Chill for 20–30 mins to firm up.

Nutrition

Calories: 80kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 5g
Keyword Vegan
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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