No-Bake Protein Energy Bites (16g Protein Per 2 Bites)

Forget expensive protein bars. These no-bake energy bites pack 8g of protein EACH, taste like cookie dough, and take 10 minutes to make. Meal prep a batch on Sunday, snack smart all week.

Ingredients

Base:

• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• ½ cup Genepro unflavored protein powder (60g protein)
• ½ cup natural peanut butter (or almond butter)
• ⅓ cup honey
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Mix-ins (Choose Your Favorite):

• ¼ cup mini dark chocolate chips
• 2 tbsp ground flaxseed
• 2 tbsp chia seeds

Optional Toppings:

• Shredded coconut for rolling
• Crushed nuts
• Cocoa powder dust

Instructions

1. Mix dry ingredients: In large mixing bowl, combine oats, protein powder, flaxseed, chia seeds, and salt. Stir well.
2. Add wet ingredients: Add peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly with spoon or clean hands until everything is evenly combined. The mixture should be sticky but moldable. If too dry, add 1 tsp water at a time. If too wet, add more oats.
3. Fold in chocolate chips: Gently fold in mini chocolate chips, distributing evenly throughout mixture.
4. Roll into balls: Using clean hands (slightly damp helps prevent sticking), roll mixture into 16 balls, about 1 inch in diameter each. Press firmly so they hold together.
5. Optional coating: Roll balls in shredded coconut, crushed nuts, or dust with cocoa powder if desired.
6. Chill: Place energy bites on parchment-lined plate or container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
7. Store: Transfer to airtight container. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Why These Beat Store-Bought Protein Bars

Let's be honest about most protein bars:

They're expensive: Quality protein bars cost $2-4 each. This recipe makes 16 bites for about $8 total. That's 50 cents per serving vs $3+ for a bar.

They're full of junk: Read the ingredient list on most bars. Sugar alcohols. Artificial sweeteners. Unpronounceable preservatives. These energy bites have 6 real ingredients you recognize.

They taste like cardboard: Be honest - most protein bars taste "healthy" in that not-delicious way. These taste like cookie dough. Kids eat them willingly. That's the test.

They don't satisfy: Many bars are mostly protein isolate and fiber fillers. Your body needs that protein, yes, but it also needs the healthy fats from nut butter and the sustained energy from oats. These energy bites provide complete nutrition.

You control everything: Nut allergy? Use sunflower seed butter. Vegan? Use maple syrup instead of honey. Low-carb? Reduce honey, increase protein powder. You're in charge.

The Perfect Afternoon Snack Strategy

Here's what most women over 40 don't realize: that 3pm energy crash isn't inevitable. It's often caused by poor snack choices.

When you snack on crackers, pretzels, or even fruit alone, you spike your blood sugar. Quick energy... followed by a hard crash 30 minutes later. Then you're tired, cranky, and reaching for coffee or more snacks.

But when you eat a protein-rich snack like these energy bites (16g protein per serving):

• Your blood sugar stays stable
• You feel satisfied for 2-3 hours
• You're not obsessing about food
• You have sustained energy through dinner
• You're less likely to overeat at dinner because you're not starving

The key is pairing protein with some healthy fat (peanut butter) and complex carbs (oats). That trifecta keeps you full and energized.

Meal Prep Like a Pro

Sunday afternoon, set a timer for 10 minutes. Make a batch of these energy bites. Store them in the fridge in a clear container so you actually see them and remember to eat them.

When that 3pm slump hits, instead of mindlessly grabbing crackers from the pantry, you have a REAL snack ready. One that actually fuels your body.

16g of protein. Tastes indulgent. Takes 30 seconds to grab.

That's the kind of meal prep that actually sticks.