Energize your day with Protein Energy Balls! A fusion of dates, walnuts, and wholesome ingredients, sweetened with maple syrup. Quick to make, no baking required—just chill and enjoy!

5 from 9 votes

This Protein Energy Balls recipe was created by Tyler Tafelsky, a plant-based, ultra-endurance athlete and professional cyclist. Tyler competes in long-distance cycling events, including Coast to Coast and Unbound Gravel. He experiments with vegan sports nutrition and recovery as part of his athletic endeavors.

If you’re someone who takes their training seriously, whether it’s running, cycling, or other endurance sports, you know the importance of having the right fuel to keep you going. You’re probably also well aware of just how costly conventional energy food supplements can be.

For instance, when I used to go out for a 4-hour training ride on my bike, I would consume at least 500 calories in gels, snacks, or drink mix, which would cost me around $10 per ride. Add that up over a 20-hour training week and my on-the-bike nutrition alone became quite costly.

That’s when I started to take my sports nutrition into my own hands. Sure there’s a time and a place for gels and easy-to-consume calories, but for 80% of my training, a solid food nutritional source is the way to go. And that’s where my homemade protein energy balls come into play.

These power-packed snacks are incredibly easy to make and are tailored to provide the energy you need to tackle any endurance activity, so long as you’re not maxing out your heart rate. They’re as easy to chew and take down as they are to make, and the recipe is very flexible.

I add whatever plant-based protein powder I have on hand for added amino acids to aid recovery recovery. It’s usually a vanilla or unflavored protein powder, but you could use whatever you like. The beauty of my “Ultra-Endurance Protein Energy Balls” lies in their simplicity. Creating them is a straightforward process that involves combining a few key ingredients, and the results are both nutritious and delicious. But even if you don’t have a food processor, you can easily get away with chopping your dates into tiny pieces and stirring everything together into a large bowl

So, whether you’re planning a day of hiking, biking, or running, or simply need a quick pick-me-up during a busy day, these protein energy balls have you covered.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pitted dates
Walnuts
Quick oats
Scoops of plant-based protein powder
Chia seeds
Maple syrup

Navitas Organics Chia Seeds (8oz)

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Gluten-Free Organic Quick Oats

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Raw Walnuts

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Organic Medjool Dates

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Organic Vegan Protein Powder (Vanilla)

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Maple syrup

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Recommended Equipment

food processor

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How To Make These Protein Energy Balls

Step 1: Creating the Nutrient-Packed Base

Start by processing the dates and walnuts in a food processor until they are finely chopped and start to come together into a sticky mixture.
Add the remaining dry ingredients (protein powder, chia seeds, and quick oats) and pulse until well combined.

Step 2: Sweetening and Shaping the Energy Balls

Gradually add the maple syrup while pulsing the mixture. Start with a small amount and add more as needed until the mixture reaches a consistency that allows you to easily form balls.
Scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into balls with your hands. If it’s too sticky, you can lightly oil your hands to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Chilling and Setting the Energy Balls

Place the protein energy balls on a tray or plate and refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes to firm up before serving.

Protein Energy Balls – Recipe Card