Chocolate Hazelnut Protein Balls

A rich, chocolatey protein snack you can prep in 10 minutes

What makes a good protein ball?

The best protein balls are simple to make, easy to keep on hand and satisfying enough to get you through to your next meal.

These Chocolate Hazelnut Protein Balls tick all three boxes. Medjool dates bring natural sweetness, roasted hazelnuts and hazelnut butter give them that rich, nutty flavour, and protein powder and chia seeds make them a more satisfying snack.

And there's a whole roasted hazelnut hidden in the centre of each one for a little extra crunch.

No baking, no complicated prep. Just blend, roll and pop them in the fridge.

Why these work as an easy snack

When the day gets busy, having something already prepared makes eating well a whole lot easier.

These are made for exactly that.

The combination of hazelnuts, chia seeds and protein powder makes them more substantial than your average sweet snack, while the dates and cacao give you plenty of chocolatey flavour without needing a long list of ingredients.

Make a batch, keep them in the fridge and you've got 12 ready-to-go snacks for whenever you need one.

Ingredients (makes 12)

• 1 cup roasted hazelnuts
• 12 whole roasted hazelnuts, for the centre
• 10 Medjool dates, pitted
• ⅓ cup chocolate or vanilla protein powder
• 3 tbsp cacao powder
• 2 tbsp natural hazelnut butter
• 2 tbsp chia seeds
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of sea salt
• 1–2 tbsp almond milk, if needed

Utensils: Food processor

Method

1. Place the roasted hazelnuts in a food processor and pulse until they form a coarse crumb. Be careful not to over-process them into a paste.
2. Add the dates, protein powder, cacao, hazelnut butter, chia seeds, vanilla and salt. Blend until the mixture comes together into a sticky dough. If it feels too dry, add almond milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach a soft, rollable consistency.
3. Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions. Flatten one portion in your palm, place a whole roasted hazelnut in the centre, then roll the mixture around it to form a ball.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up before serving.

Total time: 10 minutes + setting time | Makes: 12

Your questions, answered

Can I make these ahead?
Absolutely. They're designed for it. Make a batch when you have ten minutes spare, refrigerate them and you've got an easy snack ready to grab during the week.

Why isn't my mixture sticking together?
Dates and protein powders can vary in moisture. If the mixture feels crumbly after blending, add almond milk one tablespoon at a time until it becomes soft enough to roll. You shouldn't need much.

Can I use chocolate or vanilla protein powder?
Either works. Chocolate will give you a richer chocolate flavour, while vanilla lets the cacao and roasted hazelnuts do more of the work.

Do I need to put a whole hazelnut in the middle?
No, but it's worth it. The whole roasted hazelnut gives each ball a crunchy centre that works beautifully against the soft chocolate mixture.

Can I make them without a food processor?
A food processor is the easiest option because the hazelnuts and dates need to be broken down enough to form a sticky dough.

How long should I chill them?
Give them at least 30 minutes in the fridge. This helps the mixture firm up and makes the protein balls easier to eat and store.

Snacks like this make consistency easier

Eating well doesn't need to mean spending hours in the kitchen or skipping the foods you actually enjoy.

Sometimes it's as simple as having a better option ready when you need it.

Quick to make, easy to prep and full of chocolate-hazelnut flavour, these are exactly the kind of snacks you'll find inside the TRANSFORM app — simple recipes designed to fit into real life.

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