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These 3-ingredient PB2 Protein Balls are the perfect high protein snack. Clocking at 66 calories each, they’re added sugar-free, low fat and perfect for weight loss. 7.8 g protein per ball!
I love my protein balls and peanut butter protein balls. But when I want a snack that’s lower in fats and calories, these powdered peanut butter balls are the solution.
Matteo’s tip – Have these before your workouts. Since they’re low in fat and contain natural sugar from fruit, they’re the perfect pre-workout snack. You’ll get a boost of energy without overloading digestion.
Why protein balls with PB2?
- Quick and easy – You’ll need just 3 ingredients, 10 minutes and a bowl. No baking or cooking.
- High protein and low calorie – Each ball is packed with 7.8 g of protein and has just 66 calories. Plus, they’re gluten-free, added sugar-free and very low in fats.
- Filling and satisfying – You’ll love how delicious they taste. They’re naturally sweet thanks to applesauce or banana, and have a peanut buttery flavor.
- Customizable and versatile – You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or raisins. They are ideal for pre- or post-workout snacks, afternoon pick-me-ups, or macro-friendly desserts.
But let’s be honest. Most likely, the main reason why you may want protein balls with powdered peanut butter is that they’re lower in calories. Especially if you’re cutting or on a weight loss diet. I get you. Here’s a comparison of regular peanut butter vs PB2:
| PB2 (unsweetened) | Peanut butter | |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 60 | 190 |
| Fat | 1.5 | 16 |
| Protein | 6 | 8 |
| Carbs | 2 | 2 |
Ingredients
You’ll need just 3 ingredients, no oats or maple syrup. Here are more details, and you can find the precise quantities in the recipe card at the bottom.
- Ripe banana – It binds the powders and adds natural sweetness, just make sure it’s ripe. You can replace banana with unsweetened applesauce, pumpkin puree, or Greek yogurt.
- Powdered peanut butter – You can use any brand, like PB2 or PBFit. Just ensure it is added sugar-free and, if possible, organic. I find that PB2 has a stronger peanut flavor in comparison to PBFit.
- Protein powder – This recipe works with whey, casein, or plant protein. I like vanilla flavor, but also chocolate or natural (unflavored) works. As a replacement, use more powdered peanut butter, almond flour or oat flour.
Dietary adaptations
- Keto – Swap mashed banana for pumpkin puree or Greek yogurt. To compensate for the sweetness, mix in 1-2 tbsp of monk fruit or stevia.
- Vegan – Use vegan protein powders like pea, brown rice, or soy protein.
- Gluten-free – Powdered peanut butter is already gluten-free, just double check it on the package. Make sure your protein powder is certified gluten-free.
- No protein powder – Replace protein powder with ⅓ cup (30 g) of powdered peanut butter, almond flour, or oat flour.
How to make PB2 protein balls?
Step 1 – Combine ingredients. In a large bowl, combine peanut butter powder and protein powder. Quickly stir until the powders get mixed together. Add mashed banana or applesauce to the dry ingredients.
Step 2 – Mix. Using a fork or spatula, stir the mixture until a smooth dough forms. To facilitate mixing, you can use your hands.
Step 3 – Form protein balls. Scoop equal portions of dough and roll between your palms into smooth, round balls. If sticky, lightly coat your hands with oat flour. Place the balls over a parchment paper lined tray or food container and chill for at least 1 hour to firm up.
Watch the video recipe
Recipe tip
If the dough is too dry, adjust with more mashed banana or applesauce. If too sticky instead, add more peanut butter powder. This depends on the protein powder you are using:
- Whey – It mixes very easily and can make your dough slightly sticky. Should this happen, add more powdered peanut butter.
- Vegan protein and casein – They tend to absorb more moisture. As a consequence, your dough may get a little crumbly. To fix it, stir in more mashed banana or applesauce.
Mix-ins and variations
- Pumpkin protein balls – Mix PB2 with pumpkin puree and protein powder. Since it’s less sweet, you may need 2-3 tbsp of maple syrup or sugar-free sweetener.
- Chocolate chip – Stir in ¼ cup (40 g) of chocolate chips. I recommend extra dark or sugar-free chocolate chips.
- Double chocolate – Mix in 3 tbsp of unsweetened cocoa powder and ¼ cup (40 g) of chocolate chips. Your dough may get dryer, so fix with 1-3 tbsp of mashed banana or applesauce.
- Protein powder flavor – I like vanilla, but you can choose your favorite flavor. My recommendations are French vanilla, chocolate, brownie, peanut butter, or unflavored.
- Oatmeal raisin cookies – Since these are PB2 protein balls without oats, you’ll want to stir in 2 tbsp of rolled oats, 3 tbsp of soaked raisins, and optionally 3 tbsp of chopped walnuts.
- Flavors and spices – Add to the dough ½ tsp ground cinnamon, ½ tsp vanilla extract, ½ tsp pumpkin spice mix, or a pinch of nutmeg.
- Mix-ins – Fold in chopped walnuts, pecans, almonds, peanuts crunch, pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds, chocolate chips, cocoa nibs, or cranberries.
Meal prep and storage
Meal prepping your protein snacks for the week? Here’s how to store and freeze these PB2 protein balls:
- To store – Place the bites in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. You won’t need to heat them up, before serving.
- To freeze – Pack them in zipper bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Before serving, let thaw overnight in the fridge. Do not heat them.
Nutritional values
Here are the approximated nutritional values for one ball. Keep in mind that your macros can change based on the specific ingredients used.
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| 66.5 kcal | 7.8 g | 3.5 g | 1.8 g |
Frequently asked questions
No, you’ll need to mix protein powder with powdered peanut butter and applesauce or banana. If using just protein powder, the dough will get sticky and your balls won’t form.
Swap protein powder for ⅓ cup (30 g) PB2, almond flour, or oat flour. You can also use unsweetened cocoa powder, for a chocolate flavor.
Yes, especially if you choose one with no added sugar and with clean ingredients. PB2 is high in protein, low in fat and calories, and even provides a few grams of fiber. It’s a great way to enjoy the peanut flavor while keeping your macros in check.
More easy protein snacks
- Protein balls
- Chocolate protein balls
- Banana protein balls
- Oatmeal protein balls
- Homemade protein bars
- Powdered peanut butter cookies
- Protein granola bars
PB2 Protein Balls
Ingredients
- ½ cup (120 g) mashed banana, or unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup (96 g) powdered peanut butter, unsweetened
- ⅓ cup (30 g) protein powder, vanilla recommended
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine powdered peanut butter and protein powder. Quickly stir until mixed.
- Add mashed banana or applesauce to the dry ingredients.
- Using a fork or spatula, stir the mixture until a smooth dough forms. To facilitate mixing, you can use your hands.If too dry adjust with more applesauce, if too sticky add more peanut butter powder. This depends on protein powder used.
- Scoop equal portions of dough and roll between your palms into smooth, round balls. If sticky, lightly coat your hands with oat flour. Place the balls over a parchment paper lined tray or food container and chill for at least 1 hour to firm up.
