Are you looking for a delicious and nutritious snack to power you through your day? You have the tasty Lemon Protein Balls. It is made with wholesome ingredients like almonds, oats, and lemon zest.
These delicious bites are packed with protein to keep you full and satisfied. With their bright, zesty flavour, they are the perfect pick-me-up for those mid-afternoon cravings.
In addition to being a great source of protein, the Lemon Protein Balls are also gluten-free and vegan, making them a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
They are easy to make and can be stored in the freezer for a quick and convenient snack whenever you need it. Continue reading this article to learn the amazing recipes to try the Lemon Protein Balls today and experience the energy and taste that only fresh lemons can provide.
Ingredients
The ingredients required to make the yummy lemon protein balls are listed below:
- 1 cup almonds
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup protein powder (vanilla or lemon-flavoured)
- 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional Coating
You can experiment with different coatings to find the one you like the most or mix and match a few to create your unique flavour.
The following are some of the options for optional coatings that can be used to add an extra layer of flavour and texture to your Lemon Protein Balls:
Coconut Flakes: Roll the balls in unsweetened coconut flakes for a tropical twist and added crunch.
Chopped Nuts: Roll the balls in chopped nuts such as almonds, pecans or walnuts for a nutty and crunchy coating.
Sesame Seeds: Roll the balls in sesame seeds for a nutty and slightly savoury coating.
Powdered Sugar: Roll the balls in powdered sugar for a sweet and slightly powdery coating.
Dried Fruit Powder: Roll the balls in dried fruit powder such as dried blueberries, cranberries, or raspberries for a fruity and sweet coating.
Cocoa Powder: Roll the balls in cocoa powder for a rich chocolatey coating.
Matcha Powder: Roll the balls in matcha powder for a green tea and slightly bitter coating.
How to Make Lemon Protein Balls?
The below instructions will help you make the delicious Lemon Protein Balls:
Step 1:
Start by gathering all the ingredients. You will need 1 cup of rolled oats, 1/2 cup of vanilla protein powder, 1/4 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of lemon juice, 1/4 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut, and 1 tsp of lemon zest.
Step 2:
In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, protein powder, honey, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly distributed and form a dough-like consistency.
Step 3:
Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls about 1 inch in diameter.
Step 4:
Place the shredded coconut in a shallow dish and roll the balls in the coconut until they are evenly coated.
Step 5:
Place the balls on a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper.
Step 6:
Refrigerate the balls for at least 30 minutes. This will help the balls to firm up and keep their shape.
Step 7:
After 30 minutes, remove the balls from the refrigerator and enjoy them as a healthy and delicious snack. You can store the remaining balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Substitutions for Lemon Bliss Balls
The following are the few ingredient substitutions you can make for Lemon Bliss Balls:
Oats: If you don’t have rolled oats, you can use quick oats or almond flour.
Protein Powder: Vanilla protein powder can be replaced with any flavour of your choice, such as chocolate, strawberry, or even unflavored protein powder.
Honey: If you don’t have honey, you can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or even a sugar-free sweetener like stevia.
Lemon Juice: You can substitute lemon juice with lime or orange juice to make a different flavour or add more zest if you want a stronger lemon taste.
Shredded Coconut: If you don’t have shredded coconut, you can use chopped nuts, seeds, or even cocoa powder to coat the balls.
Lemon Zest: If you don’t have lemon zest, you can use lemon extract or orange zest to add flavour.
How to Store Lemon Bliss Balls?
Keep Them in an Airtight Container:
After making the Lemon Bliss Balls, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. This will help keep the balls fresh and prevent them from drying.
Avoid Storing Them in Direct Sunlight:
Preserve the container cool and dry, out of direct sunlight. This will help to preserve the freshness of the balls.
Keep Them in The Fridge:
To keep them firm and stop them from spoiling, they should be kept in the refrigerator. If properly preserved, they can last for up to a week.
Freeze Them:
If you want to make them ahead of time or have leftovers, you can also store them in the freezer. The balls should be placed on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper and frozen for about an hour.
Once they are frozen, move them to a freezer-safe bag or container and keep them there for up to three months. Let them thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Label Them:
If you are storing multiple batches of snacks, it’s a good idea to label the container with the date, so you know when you made them.
Freezing Instructions
The step-by-step instructions for freezing lemon bliss balls are given below:
- Start by gathering your Lemon Bliss Balls. Make sure they are completely cooled and firm before freezing.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the Lemon Bliss Balls on the lined baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer and let the balls freeze for about an hour. This will help them to firm up and prevent them from sticking together.
- Once the Lemon Bliss Balls are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or plastic zip-lock bag. Make sure to label the container or bag with the date and the name of the recipe so you know what you’ve stored.
- Store the Lemon Bliss Balls in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- When you are ready to eat the Lemon Bliss Balls, remove the number of balls you want to consume from the freezer and thaw them in the refrigerator. They can be eaten straight from the fridge, or you can let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating.
Are Lemon Protein Balls Healthy?
Lemon protein balls can be considered a healthy snack, depending on the ingredients used. The following are some of the reasons why they are considered healthy:
Protein: The protein powder used in the recipe provides a good source of protein, which is important for building and repairing muscle tissue.
Fibre: Rolled oats, which are one of the main ingredients in the recipe, provide a good source of dietary fibre. Fibre can help to promote feelings of fullness, which can help to prevent overeating.
Healthy Fats: Shredded coconut can provide healthy fats that are important for overall health.
Low in Sugar: Lemon protein balls made with the recipe I provided are sweetened with honey, a natural sweetener, and lower in sugar compared to processed sugar.
Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is a good source of Vitamin C; it can help to boost the immune system and can also help to promote healthy digestion.
Nutrition Facts
The nutritional value of 100 gms of lemon protein balls is given below:
Nutrition Fact | Estimated Value (100g) |
Calories | 292 |
Total Fat | 8g |
Saturated Fat | 4g |
Cholesterol | 0mg |
Sodium | 42mg |
Total Carbohydrates | 42g |
Dietary Fiber | 4g |
Sugar | 17g |
Protein | 12g |
Lemon Protein Balls Recipes
There are different varieties of recipes you can try out to make a tasty yet healthy choice of snack. The following are some of the lemon protein balls recipes you can try and enjoy.
Lemon Turmeric Energy Balls:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (for rolling)
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond butter, honey, lemon juice, turmeric powder, and black pepper. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly distributed and form a dough-like consistency.
- Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the shredded coconut in a shallow dish and roll the balls in the coconut until they are evenly coated.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper.
- Refrigerate the balls for at least 30 minutes. This will help the balls to firm up and keep their shape.
- After 30 minutes, remove the balls from the refrigerator and enjoy them as a healthy and delicious snack. You can store the remaining balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and black pepper helps improve turmeric’s absorption.
The combination of lemon and turmeric makes these energy balls a power-packed snack. You can also add some ginger powder or cinnamon powder to the recipe to give it a more complex flavour.
Lemon Coconut Protein Balls:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
- 1/4 cup coconut butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (for rolling)
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, protein powder, coconut butter, honey, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly distributed and form a dough-like consistency.
- Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the shredded coconut in a shallow dish and roll the balls in the coconut until they are evenly coated.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper.
- Refrigerate the balls for at least 30 minutes. This will help the balls to firm up and keep their shape.
- After 30 minutes, remove the balls from the refrigerator and enjoy them as a healthy and delicious snack. You can store the remaining balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Coconut butter is a great alternative to traditional nut butter, it provides a rich coconut flavour and good source of healthy fats. The combination of lemon and coconut makes these protein balls a delicious and tropical snack.
You can also add some desiccated coconut to the dough or to the coating for more coconut flavour.
Lemon Poppy Seed Protein Balls:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp poppy seeds
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, protein powder, almond butter, honey, lemon juice, lemon zest and poppy seeds. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly distributed and form a dough-like consistency.
- Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls about 1 inch in diameter.
- Roll the balls into extra poppy seeds if desired.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper.
- Refrigerate the balls for at least 30 minutes. This will help the balls to firm up and keep their shape.
- After 30 minutes, remove the balls from the refrigerator and enjoy them as a healthy and delicious snack. You can store the remaining balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Poppy seeds add a nice crunch and nutty flavour to the protein balls. The lemon zest and juice give the balls a nice fresh and tangy taste, adding a subtle citrus note to the overall flavour profile.
The combination of oats, protein powder, and almond butter provides a good source of energy and nutrition, making these protein balls a great option for a post-workout snack or a healthy on-the-go breakfast.
The unsweetened shredded coconut, if added, also provides an extra layer of texture and flavour and some healthy fats.
Lemon Cheesecake Protein Balls:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs (for rolling)
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, protein powder, cream cheese, honey, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly distributed and form a dough-like consistency.
- Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the graham cracker crumbs in a shallow dish and roll the balls in the crumbs until they are evenly coated.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper.
- Refrigerate the balls for at least 30 minutes. This will help the balls to firm up and keep their shape.
- After 30 minutes, remove the balls from the refrigerator and enjoy them as a healthy and delicious snack. You can store the remaining balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- The cream cheese gives the balls a rich and creamy flavour, similar to a cheesecake. The graham cracker crumbs add a nice crunch and give them a classic cheesecake crust flavour.
- The lemon zest and juice give the balls a fresh and tangy flavour.
Are Protein Balls Good for Losing Weight?
Protein balls can be a healthy snack option for those looking to lose weight, but they should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Here are a few reasons why protein balls can be good for weight loss:
Protein: Protein is an important nutrient that can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied. This can help to prevent overeating and to snack on less healthy options.
Fibre: Many ingredients used in protein ball recipes, such as oats and nuts, are high in fibre. It can help to promote feelings of fullness, which can help to prevent overeating.
Low in Calories: Protein balls can be a low-calorie snack option, making them a good choice for those watching their calorie intake.
Better than Processed Snacks: Protein balls are a homemade and natural alternative to processed snacks that are often high in sugar and unhealthy fats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
These balls will last for up to a week in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you’re planning to store them for longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
Lemon protein balls are a convenient and healthy snack option that can boost energy and help curb hunger. They are high in protein and can be a good source of healthy fats, fibre and vitamins. They can also be a good source of antioxidants and help with digestion.
Lemon protein balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.
You can make lemon protein balls without protein powder by using other ingredients such as nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. These ingredients will still provide a source of protein and other nutrients.
It depends on the recipe and the ingredients used. Many recipes for lemon protein balls include ingredients such as nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and lemon juice which are typically vegan-friendly.
However, some recipes may include ingredients such as honey or whey protein powder which are not suitable for vegans.
For the recipe which is provided in this article, a food processor is not necessary. You can easily make the Lemon Protein Balls using just a mixing bowl and spoon.
However, a food processor or a high-speed blender can make the process quicker and easier by mixing the ingredients together more efficiently.
Soaking nuts before using them in recipes is a personal preference and is not necessary for the Lemon Protein Balls recipe that I provided.
Yes, you can make sugar-free keto energy balls.