Crafted for busy holiday schedules, these protein balls use natural, nutrient-dense ingredients like oats, nuts, and coconut, providing sustained energy and aiding weight management. Each recipe is beginner-friendly, high in protein (5-10g per serving), low in carbs (under 10g), and under 150 calories. Aligned with Harvard Nutrition for balanced snacking, they’re ideal for post-Simbang Gabi boosts or Noche Buena prep. Using minimal tools (bowl, fridge), they’re budget-friendly and customizable for Filipino tastes. Let’s whip up these guilt-free energy bites!
Why These Protein Balls Are Perfect
These no-bake snacks are sugar-free (using natural sweeteners like monk fruit or stevia), high in fiber, and packed with healthy fats to keep you full. They’re kid-friendly, gluten-free optional, and store well for meal prep. Perfect for holiday gifting or snacking, they support weight loss by curbing cravings with nutrient-rich ingredients. Prep in bulk for festive gatherings or quick energy during Christmas errands.
1. Peanut Butter Coconut Balls
Nutty, creamy bites with a tropical twist—energy-packed.
Ingredients (Makes 12)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (no sugar added)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 2 tbsp monk fruit sweetener
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl until sticky.
- Roll into 12 balls (1 tbsp each).
- Chill in fridge for 10 minutes.
Tip: Use almond butter for variety. Protein: 6g. Calories: 120. Net Carbs: 6g. Prep time: 15 minutes.
2. Almond Cocoa Energy Balls
Rich chocolatey flavor without the sugar—perfect for cravings.
Ingredients (Makes 12)
- 1 cup almond flour
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 2 tbsp stevia powder
- 2 tbsp unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients until dough forms.
- Roll into 12 balls.
- Chill for 10 minutes.
Tip: Roll in cocoa for extra flair. Protein: 5g. Calories: 110. Net Carbs: 4g. Prep time: 15 minutes.
3. Malunggay Protein Balls
Nutrient-dense with Filipino superfood malunggay—vibrant and healthy.
Ingredients (Makes 12)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup cashew butter
- 2 tbsp dried malunggay powder
- 2 tbsp monk fruit sweetener
- 2 tbsp unsweetened coconut milk
- 1 tsp calamansi zest
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients until well-combined.
- Form into 12 balls.
- Refrigerate for 10 minutes.
Tip: Find malunggay powder at local markets. Protein: 6g. Calories: 115. Net Carbs: 7g. Prep time: 15 minutes.
4. Coconut Chia Seed Balls
Light, fiber-rich bites with a tropical Pinoy vibe.
Ingredients (Makes 12)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1/4 cup coconut butter
- 2 tbsp stevia powder
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients until sticky.
- Roll into 12 balls.
- Chill for 10 minutes.
Tip: Toast coconut for extra flavor. Protein: 5g. Calories: 100. Net Carbs: 3g. Prep time: 15 minutes.
5. Pumpkin Seed Protein Balls
Crunchy, nutrient-packed bites—great for sustained energy.
Ingredients (Makes 12)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds, ground
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 2 tbsp monk fruit sweetener
- 2 tbsp unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
- Roll into 12 balls.
- Refrigerate for 10 minutes.
Tip: Add a pinch of nutmeg for holiday spice. Protein: 7g. Calories: 130. Net Carbs: 6g. Prep time: 15 minutes.
6. Cashew Turmeric Balls
Anti-inflammatory turmeric meets creamy cashews—Pinoy-inspired.
Ingredients (Makes 12)
- 1 cup cashew flour
- 1/2 cup cashew butter
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 2 tbsp stevia powder
- 2 tbsp coconut milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients until dough forms.
- Roll into 12 balls.
- Chill for 10 minutes.
Tip: Add a pinch of black pepper to boost turmeric benefits. Protein: 6g. Calories: 120. Net Carbs: 5g. Prep time: 15 minutes.
7. Chocolate Hemp Seed Balls
Omega-rich hemp seeds with a chocolatey kick—filling and healthy.
Ingredients (Makes 12)
- 1/2 cup hemp seeds
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 2 tbsp monk fruit sweetener
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients until sticky.
- Form into 12 balls.
- Refrigerate for 10 minutes.
Tip: Roll in hemp seeds for crunch. Protein: 7g. Calories: 110. Net Carbs: 4g. Prep time: 15 minutes.
8. Buko Pandan Protein Balls
Filipino-inspired coconut-pandan flavor—low-carb dessert vibes.
Ingredients (Makes 12)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup coconut butter
- 2 tbsp stevia powder
- 1 tsp pandan extract
- 2 tbsp unsweetened coconut milk
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients until dough forms.
- Roll into 12 balls.
- Chill for 10 minutes.
Tip: Find pandan extract at Asian stores. Protein: 5g. Calories: 105. Net Carbs: 3g. Prep time: 15 minutes.
Nutrition Comparison Table
Per ball (approx. values).
Recipe | Protein (g) | Fiber (g) | Calories | Net Carbs (g) | Prep Time (min) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Peanut Butter Coconut | 6 | 3 | 120 | 6 | 15 |
Almond Cocoa | 5 | 2 | 110 | 4 | 15 |
Malunggay Protein | 6 | 3 | 115 | 7 | 15 |
Coconut Chia Seed | 5 | 4 | 100 | 3 | 15 |
Pumpkin Seed | 7 | 3 | 130 | 6 | 15 |
Cashew Turmeric | 6 | 2 | 120 | 5 | 15 |
Chocolate Hemp Seed | 7 | 3 | 110 | 4 | 15 |
Buko Pandan | 5 | 3 | 105 | 3 | 15 |
Prep and Storage Tips
- Prep Ahead: Mix ingredients and store dough in fridge for 3 days or freezer for 2 months (USDA storage).
- Storage: Keep finished balls in airtight containers; fridge for 1 week, freezer for 2 months.
- Portion Control: Make smaller balls (1/2 tbsp) for lower calories; track with MyFitnessPal.
- Gifting: Pack in festive jars ($2-5 at Divisoria) for holiday sharing.
Customizing for Filipino Tastes
Tailor these for your family’s holiday vibe. Swap pandan for ube extract ($2 at SM Supermarket) for a purple twist. Add calamansi zest for tangy Pinoy flair. Use gluten-free oats or almond flour for dietary needs. Roll in crushed pili nuts for local crunch. Make them kid-friendly with milder flavors (less turmeric) or festive with holiday-colored coconut. Perfect for Simbang Gabi snacks or Noche Buena energy boosts!
FAQ
- Are these beginner-friendly? Yes! Just mix, roll, and chill—no baking needed.
- Can I make them vegan? All recipes are vegan-friendly; use plant-based nut butters and milk.
- How do they aid weight loss? High protein and fiber keep you full; low carbs prevent sugar spikes.
- Where can I find ingredients? Wet markets, SM Supermarket, or Lazada; malunggay at veggie stalls.
- How long do they last? Fridge: 1 week; freezer: 2 months.
- Can I reduce calories further? Use less nut butter or smaller portions.
- What tools do I need? Just a mixing bowl and fridge—no fancy equipment.
These 8 sugar-free protein balls bring healthy, energizing joy to your Filipino Christmas. From malunggay to buko pandan, they’re quick, nutritious, and perfect for festive snacking or gifting. Prep ahead and enjoy a guilt-free holiday. Maligayang Pasko!
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