Today we’re going to make simple energy balls that you can customize to meet your needs (more on that later). This gluten free protein ball recipe is also seed free, top 9 free, refined sugar free, and a lot more. You’ll need a food processor to make them, and a kitchen scale. Let’s get to work!
Allergy Status
Free From: Wheat/Gluten, Dairy, Egg, Soy, Tree Nut (including Coconut), Peanut, Fish, Shellfish, Sesame, Top 9 Allergens, Alliums, Apple, Avocado, Banana, Beans & Lentils, Berries, Buckwheat, Cane/Refined Sugar, Carrot, Celery, Cinnamon, Citrus, Corn, Cruciferous, Garlic, Latex Cross Reactive Foods (H/M), Legume, Lupin, Mushroom, Mustard, Nightshade, Onion, Pea & Pea Protein, Potato (Nightshade Variety), Poultry, Red Meat, Rice, Seeds, Strawberry, Stone Fruit, Squash & Gourd, Sweet Potato & Yam, Tapioca/Cassava/Yuca/Manioc, Tomato, Yeast
Friendly To: EOE, GERD, Low Histamine, Vegan
Gluten Free Protein Ball Dry Ingredients
- 200g Organic Gluten Free Purity Protocol Oats (use the Zego Protein Oats)
- 1/4 tsp Sea Salt
Gluten Free Protein Ball Wet Ingredients
- 5 TBSP Organic Maple Syrup
- 4 TBSP Organic Tiger Nut Oil
- 1 tsp Organic Vanilla Extract
Low Histamine Reminder: If vanilla extract isn’t tolerated, swap for 1/2 tsp organic ground vanilla. Here’s an example of ground vanilla.
Directions for Your Vegan Protein Balls
Place your food processor bowl on your kitchen scale and tare to zero. Add the dry ingredients, then add the wet ingredients. Be sure to tare between weighted ingredients.
Process until the ingredients are well combined. You want your mix to resemble a cookie dough. Remove the lid and use a small or medium cookie dough scoop to portion protein balls (I LOVE the OXO brand for scoops).
Place your toppings on a plate or a piece of parchment paper. Roll each portion into a ball, then roll through your topping(s) of choice. If you have kids (even little kids), they can help roll power balls and “decorate” with toppings.
Recipe & Food Processor Tip: If you have a large food processor (I have a Breville 16 cup similar to this one), it might struggle with this recipe since it’s a small amount. Double your recipe if you run into problems.
Power Ball Topping Ideas
- Mini Chocolate Chips of Choice
- Sprinkles of Choice
- Organic Chia Seeds
- Organic Hemp Seeds
- Organic Pumpkin Seeds
Boost Your Power Balls with Protein Powder
As is, with the Zego Oats in your recipe (they have a higher protein content), these power balls provide a little protein in each serving. However, to amplify the protein content, you can add up to 50 grams of protein powder to the mix.
For this recipe, you can use a vanilla protein powder, chocolate protein powder, or any other flavour since this gluten free protein ball recipe is vanilla based, and can easily take on other flavours without clashing.
Just Ingredients has some of my fave protein powder, including vegan protein powder. Be sure to also look at their seasonal flavours, as you can rotate thru them when making this recipe for extra variety.
Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions
Organic Maple Syrup: You can swap this for other liquid sweeteners including date syrup, agave, and honey (any variety including raw honey).
Organic Tiger Nut Oil: You can use a different oil that’s low in flavour. You don’t want to use an oil that will be attention grabbing, like sacha inchi oil.
Sea Salt: If you’d like to have a little fun, swap this for smoked salt.
Organic Vanilla Extract: Given the simple nature of this recipe, you can have fun with this one. You can reduce or eliminate the vanilla and swap for other extracts. I have a whole range of Cook’s extracts on hand, and honestly, I’d start with maple extract. I’m not exaggerating when I say that particular extract smells like the most amazing stack of pancakes you’ve ever had in your entire life.
Cook’s makes other flavours (you can see the whole range on their website) including pineapple, strawberry, toffee, root beer, and so much more. You can play around with using different extracts to create unique and tasty power balls.
Power Ball Storage & Serving Notes
After making your protein balls, you’ll want to store extras in the fridge, in an airtight container. Protein balls keep in the fridge for several weeks.
Alternatively, you can freeze extras, however, some people are on the fence. If you’ve never frozen protein balls before, only freeze a few. The next day, thaw one on the counter at room temperature, then eat it. If you like it, repeat for the next few days with the other power balls you froze to make sure you still enjoy it.
These are great for all meals and travel well in a lunch box.
Enjoy More Gluten Free, Vegan, Allergy Friendly Power Ball Recipes
RAISE (membership site) has many more power ball recipes to choose from. They’re all kid & adult friendly, gluten free, refined sugar free, and much more.
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Answering Your Allergy Friendly & Gluten Free Power Ball Questions
Do I need to bake protein balls?
No, you don’t need to bake protein balls. They’re a no-bake food that’s easy to make, and have a great shelf storage in the fridge. Now, if you’d like to add another layer of flavour and depth, you can roast the oats (and allow them to cool completely) before using them in your gluten free protein ball recipe.
Additionally, you could flatten protein balls and bake them if you want a quasi-cookie experience, but just remember, baking isn’t necessary.
Could I add almond butter to this recipe?
Yes, you can add almond butter, peanut butter, any seed butter, nut butter, legume butter or tuber butter you enjoy. To add almond butter or another type of spread, follow these steps:
1. Make the recipe as is so you know what the texture should be.
2. Add 3 Tablespoons of your spread/butter. It’s easy if you use something like this OXO large cookie dough scoop which is 3T.
3. Taste to see if your spread is as present as you’d like it to be.
4. Add more spread if needed.
5. Add more oats to the mix to get it back to the original texture. Essentially, you need the mix to be something you can easily roll and pick up.
5.5 As an alternative though… if you like the runny texture, don’t add more oats. Instead, use small storage containers to make individual portions, then eat it with a spoon. The nice thing is, power balls are super versatile and there are no wrong answers.
If I don’t have a food processor, can I mix this in a large bowl?
Yes, you can mix this in a large bowl by hand, however, you’re going to need to manage your expectations. You’ll end up with more of a really wet granola creation rather than a protein ball.
The food processor not only combines the ingredients together, but also breaks down the oats. Without this action, you’ll essentially be folding liquid ingredients into your oats. This isn’t a bad thing, just remember to manage your expectations.
