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High-Protein, High-Fiber Cranberry Walnut Energy Balls

January 6, 2026

A nourishing snack that fuels energy, digestion, and focus

When you need a snack that actually holds you over, these High-Protein, High-Fiber Cranberry Walnut Energy Ballscheck every box. They’re chewy, lightly sweet, and packed with real, whole-food ingredients that support steady energy, blood-sugar balance, and gut health.

These are the kind of snacks you want on hand for busy days—perfect for afternoon slumps, pre- or post-workout fuel, or a quick bite when you’re on the go.

Why You’ll Love These Energy Balls

These energy balls are nutrient-dense without being heavy. They’re naturally sweetened with dates, rich in fiber from oats, flax, and chia, and balanced with healthy fats and plant-based protein from almond butter, walnuts, and hemp seeds. The result is a snack that satisfies cravings while supporting digestion and sustained energy—no crash, no spike.

They’re also no-bake, freezer-friendly, and incredibly easy to prep in advance.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • ½ cup unsweetened almond butter
  • 1 cup pitted dates, soaked in warm water for 10 minutes and fully drained
  • ¼ cup ground flaxseeds
  • ¼ cup chia seeds
  • ¼ cup hemp hearts (seeds)
  • 1 cup unsweetened dried cranberries
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch sea salt

Directions

  1. Prepare the dates:
    After soaking, drain dates well to avoid excess moisture.
  2. Blend the base:
    In a food processor, add dates, almond butter, and vanilla. Pulse until a sticky paste forms.
  3. Add dry ingredients:
    Add oats, flaxseeds, chia seeds, hemp hearts, cranberries, walnuts, and sea salt.
  4. Pulse to combine:
    Pulse until the mixture is well incorporated but still has texture.
  5. Roll:
    Scoop about 1–2 tablespoons of mixture and roll into balls.
  6. Chill:
    Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up before serving.

Storage

  • Refrigerator: Up to 1 week
  • Freezer: Up to 3 months (great for meal prep!)

Nutrition Highlights

These energy balls are designed to work with your body, not against it:

  • High fiber supports digestion and gut health
  • Plant-based protein helps with satiety and muscle recovery
  • Healthy fats support hormone balance and brain function
  • Naturally sweetened for stable blood sugar
  • Omega-3s from flax and chia help reduce inflammation

✨ Tips & Variations

  • Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth
  • Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds if preferred
  • Roll balls in shredded coconut for extra texture
  • For a softer texture, add 1–2 tablespoons warm water or almond milk

These High-Protein, High-Fiber Cranberry Walnut Energy Balls are proof that snacks can be both delicious andfunctional. They’re satisfying, nutrient-rich, and easy to keep on hand—making healthy choices simpler, even on your busiest days.

Make a batch, stash them in the fridge, and enjoy the peace of knowing you always have a nourishing snack ready to go.

A Final Note

Here at Nutrient Rich Life we believe that variety is the spice of life! We encourage everyone to make all foods fit as much as possible and that includes eating more plants and cooking in a way that adds fun and flavor to your life! 

Hi, I’m Amanda!

Functional weight loss coach, registered dietitian nutritionist and mom of one picky eater with multiple food allergies! I’m a big believer that if you can learn to fish — you can eat for life! So this blog is dedicated to helping you learn to toss out the food myths that result in unnecessary food stress so that you can become a confident, healthy eater!

More About Me –>

  1. Denise Viano says:

    These energy balls have some of my favorites. Almond butter, dates and walnuts. The flavor is really good and they make a great grab and go snack.

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