These tahini chocolate chip protein balls are the perfect portable snack option to meal prep for the week. They require only 5 ingredients and one bowl! Nut-free, dairy-free + gluten-free.
Back with another oldie, but goodie: tahini chocolate chip protein balls! As I’m sure you know I love making a batch of protein balls during my weekend meal prep so I have snacks and/or treats on hand throughout the week.
Just like my chocolate peanut butter protein balls these ones call for just 5 simple ingredients and one bowl. Plus, they’re nut-free so are great for anyone with nut allergies!
What is Tahini?
Tahini is a seed butter made from toasted ground sesame seeds. As expected, it has the consistency of other nut and seed butter. It’s rich, creamy and nutty while also being a great source of iron, calcium, fiber as well as healthy fats and amino acids.
You’ll usually see tahini in a lot of Mediterranean savory recipes. It works really well with lemon and garlic (you have to try this garlic tahini dressing!) but is also delicious in baked goods or sweeter recipes like these chocolate chip tahini cookies.
You can find tahini near the peanut butter in your local grocery store. I have tried a ton of different tahinis over the years and my personal favorite brand is the Whole Foods tahini. It’s nutty, flavorful and perfectly creamy without being bitter at all.
Ingredients Needed
old fashioned rolled oats – I always use rolled oats for protein balls because during processing they get steamed and flattened/rolled. This makes the texture way better for no bake recipes! My fave brand is Bob’s Red Mill gluten-free old fashioned rolled oats.
tahini – the star of the show! Tahini is a seed butter that has a nutty taste and creamy consistency similar to other nut butter. My favorite tahini is the organic Whole Foods tahini, but I also regularly buy the Once Again tahini.
honey – honey is the glue that binds these protein balls together.
vanilla protein powder – any brand of vanilla protein powder works, but Sun Warrior and Nuzest are two of my favorite brands. They’re both plant-based, have a minimal, clean ingredient list and taste great!
These tahini chocolate chip protein balls couldn’t get any easier to make! Place oats, tahini, honey, protein powder and chocolate chips in a large bowl and stir to combine.
Getting the mixture to combine takes a little arm muscle and it may seem too thick at first, but it will come together as you keep mixing. I used my hands to knead the dough near the end and that seems to help.
Once combined, use a small cookie scoop to scoop and form the dough into balls. Store in a covered container in the fridge or freezer.
Substitutions & Notes
Honey: Maple syrup will work great as a substitute for honey.
Protein powder: I prefer vanilla protein powder as it pairs nicely with the tahini and chocolate chips, but feel free to use your favorite brand and flavor of protein powder for this recipe! If you’re looking for a recipe without protein powder you can make these no bake energy balls instead!
Chocolate chips: You could always skip the chocolate chips and add a different mix-in. Some great examples include: dried cranberries, raisins, shredded coconut, crushed nuts, cacao nibs, chia seeds or ground flax seeds.
Tips For Success
Use runny tahini. Want to make protein balls that are super moist and delicious, rather than dry and crumbly? The secret is to use runny nut or seed butter. These butters are smoother and more liquid than thicker nut butters which will help bind the mixture together and add moisture to the balls.
Add a splash of liquid if needed. If your protein balls do end up being too dry or crumble you can add a splash of water or milk to the mixture to help bind the ingredients together and make it easier for rolling into balls!
Use a cookie scoop. Shaping the protein balls is a breeze with a cookie scoop! This handy tool will help you portion out the mixture evenly and create balls that are all the same size.
Store in the fridge or freezer. For the freshest and firmest protein balls, store them in the fridge or freezer. This will help them stay fresh and delicious longer.
How to Store
At room temperature: Protein balls can be stored at room temperature for a few days, but they may become softer and less firm over time. To store them at room temperature, place them in an airtight container and keep them in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing them in direct sunlight or in a warm environment.
In the fridge: These protein balls can be stored in the fridge for 1-2 weeks. To store them in the fridge, place them in an airtight container. I like using glass storage containers or Stasher bags for storing protein balls.
In the freezer: Store these balls in the freezer for up to 3 months. To store them in the freezer, place them in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag and seal it tightly. Label the container or bag with the date. When you’re ready to enjoy a protein ball, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for a few minutes before eating.
These tahini chocolate chip protein balls are the perfect portable snack option to meal prep for the week. They require only 5 ingredients and one bowl! Nut-free, dairy-free + gluten-free.
Place oats, tahini, honey, protein powder and chocolate chips in a large bowl and stir to combine.
Getting the mixture to combine takes a little arm muscle and it may seem too thick at first, but it will come together as you keep mixing. I used my hands to knead the dough near the end and that seems to help.
Once combined, use a small cookie scoop to scoop and form the dough into balls.
Store in a covered container in the fridge or freezer.
Notes
Honey: Maple syrup will work great as a substitute for honey.
Protein powder: I prefer vanilla protein powder as it pairs nicely with the tahini and chocolate chips, but feel free to use your favorite brand and flavor of protein powder for this recipe!
Chocolate chips: You could always skip the chocolate chips and add a different mix-in. Some great examples include: dried cranberries, raisins, shredded coconut, crushed nuts, cacao nibs, chia seeds or ground flax seeds.
Hi! Who knew tahini could be so good! Can you please provide the measurement of your ‘small cookie scoop’? I’d like to know, as you provided nutrition info, but no specific measurement for a ‘ball’. Thanks!
Hi, Shannon! I’m so glad you’re loving these cookies. Thanks for coming to leave a review and star rating, it means the world to me! A typical small cookie scoop is about 2 teaspoons. I hope that helps!
My first time making protein balls. I really, really like these! Never thought of tahini and had a jar in the fridge. Was a little dry, so added some water. Made a couple substitutes based on what was in the cupboards: chocolate protein powder instead of vanilla. Didn’t have chocolate chips, so I added finely chopped dates, and mixed chia seeds in for half. These are going to be a game changer for workday snacks!
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I’m confused about the 118kcal. That’s 118,000 calories. Please help me understand.
Hi LP – kcal is the same as calories. For this recipe one ball is 118 calories! Hope you enjoy!
These protein balls sound so good. And I’ll only need five ingredients to make them? Pretty amazing!
I hope you love them, easy and delicious, my favorite, Latoya!
Hi! Can you substitute honey for monk fruit?
Hi Mary – I haven’t tried replacing the honey with monk fruit sweetener, but it should work! Let me know if you try it and how it goes.
Hi! Who knew tahini could be so good! Can you please provide the measurement of your ‘small cookie scoop’? I’d like to know, as you provided nutrition info, but no specific measurement for a ‘ball’. Thanks!
Hi, Shannon! I’m so glad you’re loving these cookies. Thanks for coming to leave a review and star rating, it means the world to me! A typical small cookie scoop is about 2 teaspoons. I hope that helps!
My first time making protein balls. I really, really like these! Never thought of tahini and had a jar in the fridge. Was a little dry, so added some water. Made a couple substitutes based on what was in the cupboards: chocolate protein powder instead of vanilla. Didn’t have chocolate chips, so I added finely chopped dates, and mixed chia seeds in for half. These are going to be a game changer for workday snacks!
Yay!! Love to hear these protein balls were a hit, Steph. So glad these substitutions worked out for you as well. Thanks for the review!