Healthy Granola Balls
These healthy granola balls are the ultimate snack for busy days. They’re quick to make, naturally sweetened, and packed with nourishing ingredients that give you lasting energy without the crash. Think of them as a wholesome twist on a chocolate snack; chewy, slightly crunchy, and dotted with little bursts of chocolate chips, but made with oats, seeds, and peanut butter for a balance of protein, fibre, and healthy fats.
One of the best things about these granola balls is how versatile they are. They’re perfect for meal prep, school lunchboxes, post-gym snacks, or just as an afternoon pick-me-up with a cup of tea. Since there’s no baking required, they come together in minutes; just stir, roll, and chill. That makes them especially great for beginner cooks or kids who want to help out in the kitchen.
Every ingredient plays a role: rolled oats give the base a hearty texture, peanut butter brings creaminess and richness, honey or maple syrup binds everything together, and chia, linseeds, and sesame seeds boost the fibre and nutrition. The coconut adds a subtle sweetness, and the chocolate chips make them just indulgent enough to feel like a treat. You can also easily adjust them to suit your taste, swap peanut butter for almond or cashew, add dried fruit, or coat them in extra coconut for a fun finish.
These balls are also freezer-friendly, meaning you can make a big batch and keep them on hand whenever you need a quick snack. They travel well, don’t need fancy storage, and are endlessly customisable.
Whether you’re after a healthier alternative to packaged snacks, something to fuel you through the afternoon, or a sweet bite that’s still nourishing, these granola balls are a keeper. They’re simple, satisfying, and a recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again.
Healthy Granola Balls
Rate this RecipeEquipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Spoon or Spatula
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- Baking Tray or Plate
- Fridge
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup or rice malt syrup
- 1/2 cup desiccated coconut plus extra for rolling
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tbsp protein powder optional
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp linseeds flaxseeds
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Add the rolled oats, peanut butter, honey, desiccated coconut, chia seeds, protein powder, chocolate chips, linseeds, sesame seeds and vanilla extract to a large mixing bowl.
- Mix everything together until well combined and sticky.
- Roll into small bite-sized balls using your hands or a spoon and roll to extra desiccated coconut to coat.
- Place on a tray or plate and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes, or until firm.
Notes
Practical Cooking Tips & Tricks
- If the mix is too dry, add a touch more peanut butter or honey.
- If too wet, stir in more oats or coconut.
- Wet your hands slightly when rolling to prevent sticking.
- Use a small cookie scoop for evenly sized balls.
- Store balls in mini paper cases for easy lunchbox packing.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy straight from the fridge as a quick snack.
- Pair with fruit for a light breakfast.
- Crumble over yogurt for a crunchy topping.
- Serve as part of a grazing board for healthy nibbles.
- Pop into school or work lunchboxes.
Make Ahead / Prepare Ahead
- Yes — make the mixture and refrigerate for up to 2 days before rolling into balls.
- Roll and freeze for grab-and-go snacks.
Freezer Friendly
- Yes — store in airtight container or zip-lock bag for up to 3 months.
- Thaw in fridge or at room temperature before eating.
Storage Advice
- Fridge: Store in airtight container for 1 week.
- Freezer: Up to 3 months.
- Room temperature: Not recommended — balls will soften too much.
Meal Prep Instructions
- Make 12–24 balls in one batch for the week.
- Store in containers divided into snack portions.
- Rotate add-ins (nuts, dried fruit, spices) for variety.
Substitutions
Vegetables (sneaky add-ins):- Grated carrot — blends with cinnamon.
- Zucchini — grated, water squeezed out.
- Pumpkin purée — adds creaminess.
- Sweet potato purée — pairs with nut butter.
- Beetroot powder — for colour and nutrients.
- Hemp seeds — mixed into the base.
- Extra chia seeds — boosts protein & fibre.
- Skim milk powder — simple pantry addition.
FAQs
- Can I use a different nut butter? Yes — almond, cashew, or even sunflower seed butter work well.
- Do they need to be refrigerated? Yes, chilling helps them set and stay firm.
- Can I make them nut-free? Swap peanut butter for seed butter and skip the nuts in add-ins.
- Are they freezer-friendly? Yes, freeze for up to 3 months and thaw as needed.
- Can I skip the protein powder? Absolutely — it’s optional.
Helpful Hints / Pro Tips
- Make a double batch — they disappear quickly!
- Use mini choc chips for easier rolling.
- Add dried cranberries or apricots for sweetness.
- Toast coconut lightly for extra flavour.
- Keep in airtight containers to prevent drying out.
- Freeze in portions for easy snack prep.
- Swap chocolate for cacao nibs for a lower sugar option.
- Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top for a treat.
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- Chocolate & Coconut Balls
- No Nut Cacao, Oat & Coconut Brownie Balls
- Banana, Dried Cranberry & Oat Cookies
- Triple Decker Chocolate Mint Slice
- Energy Balls
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