Diabetes-Friendly No-Bake Peanut Butter Energy Balls

Need a quick snack to keep you going between meals? These no-bake peanut butter energy balls are made with oats, peanut butter, chia seeds and nuts. They're easy to make, need no baking and are a handy snack for busy days or after exercise.

At a glance

• Makes: About 16 balls
• Difficulty: Easy
• Prep time: 15 minutes, plus 20 minutes to chill

Why these work for people managing diabetes

Healthy fats, fiber and protein help slow the digestion of carbohydrates. Rolled oats provide complex carbs and soluble fiber, while peanut butter, chia seeds and cashews add healthy fats and plant protein. Because they're naturally portion-controlled, they're easy to fit into a balanced eating plan.

Nutrition (per ball, approx.)

Calories 105 · Carbohydrates 8 g · Protein 5 g · Fiber 2.5 g · Total fat 7 g (saturated fat 1.8 g) · Sugars 2 g · Sodium 20 mg

Values vary with the protein powder and chocolate you use.

Ingredients

• ½ cup natural peanut butter (100% peanuts)
• 1 cup rolled oats
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup sugar-free dark chocolate chips (70% cocoa or higher)
• ½ cup raw cashews
• ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1 tablespoon dried cranberries, or chopped walnuts or pepitas for a lower-sugar option
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened protein powder
• Water, as needed

Method

1. Add the peanut butter, cocoa, chia seeds, vanilla, chocolate chips, cashews, coconut, cranberries (or substitute) and protein powder to a food processor.
2. Blend until finely combined.
3. Transfer to a bowl and stir through the oats.
4. Add a little water at a time until the mixture is slightly sticky and easy to roll.
5. Roll into even balls and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.

Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days, or freeze for up to 1 month.

Diabetes-friendly tips

• Choose natural peanut butter with no added sugar or hydrogenated oils.
• Use an unsweetened protein powder to keep added sugar low.
• Swap the cranberries for nuts or seeds for an even lower-sugar snack.
• Stick to one or two balls, depending on your energy and carb needs.
• Prefer almond butter? Swap it in one-for-one. It's slightly higher in fiber, vitamin E and magnesium and lower in saturated fat.

FAQs

Can I make these nut-free? Yes. Use sunflower seed butter and swap the cashews for pumpkin or sunflower seeds.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter? Absolutely. It adds extra texture.

Are these good before or after exercise? Yes. They offer a mix of carbs, protein and healthy fat, which makes them a convenient snack around activity.

Nutrition values are estimates and will vary with the brands and portions you use. A registered dietitian can help you fit recipes into your own eating plan.

Looking for more ideas? Browse our diabetes-friendly recipes.

Glucology is an Australian-owned brand, founded in Sydney in 2016. Trusted by 350,000+ customers worldwide, we design practical everyday accessories for people managing diabetes, including insulin cooling pouches, insulin pump belts and diabetes travel cases.

General information, not medical advice. Always talk to your diabetes care team about your care.