Collagen Protein Balls

Collagen protein balls are a nutrient packed snack that boast of protein, fat, and fiber while keeping total sugar low. I love to make these ahead of time to store in my fridge. Having these on hand, I know I’ll always be reaching for a healthy snack rather than a poorer choice. And they are so delicious that they double as a healthy dessert! Collagen protein balls make a great snack choice because they balance your metabolism without any blood sugar spikes.

What is Collagen Powder Made Of?

Just one batch of collagen protein balls uses 1/2 cup of collagen powder. Collagen powder is an extract and dried form of collagen protein peptides in animals. Collagen peptides are the chains of amino acids that make up the collagen protein.

Did you know that collagen is the most abundant protein in the body?

It aids in the structure and integrity of connective tissues within our body. These tissues include your skin, bones, gut, and all joints.

Sources of Collagen Protein in Foods

We get collagen naturally from some animal foods like bone broth, fish, beef, and the skin of chicken and pork. Getting a sufficient amount of collagen to reach therapeutic effects seen in research is likely easier to do through supplements than through foods. If you are looking to increase your collagen intake, then finding a collagen powder is a great addition.

How to Choose the Best Collagen Powder

When shopping for collagen powder, look for Collagen (also referred to as peptides) Hydrolysate powder for your collagen protein balls. “Hydrolysate” means that the collagen is already broken down through a process called hydrolysis. This is actually considered to be better absorbed than collagen from foods.

Note: the label may or may not state that it is hydrolyzed. Be sure to check the labels for added ingredients. Powders can come flavored or unflavored. Often, the flavored powders contain a source of sweetness. Keep this in mind if you have a preference for a certain type of sweetener.

My go-to collagen powder is Orgain Collagen Peptides, unflavored (note: this is an affiliate link). The collagen derives from grass fed and pasture-raised cows and contains no additional ingredients. So this powder is free of all major allergens and sensitive foods. I like this particular brand variety because it is incredibly high quality yet tends to have one of the lowest prices for collagen that I’ve seen.

Nutrition in Collagen Protein Balls

Alternative to RXBar

I love RXBars as a great on-the-go option with pretty good PFF balance. But if you’re looking for a homemade option for less money, these Collagen Protein Balls are your newest fave.

I am happy to say that my original recipe for these collagen protein balls boasts of an excellent nutrition profile. Each serving of 2 protein calls contains 10g protein and 4g fiber at just 208 calories total. This is fairly comparable to the nutrition of RXBars. But my collagen protein balls only contain 7g sugar per serving! That’s about HALF the sugar in an RXBar.

Collagen Protein Balls As A Balanced PFF Snack

As mentioned earlier, collagen protein balls are well-balanced with protein, fat, and fiber (PFF). Why is that important? Check out my free downloadable guide about PFF to see more great information. In a nutshell, it’s a simple framework for building meals and snacks to promote blood sugar balance; the fundamental process involved in weight management and an overall healthy metabolism.

Find more of my healthy and easy snack recipes here!
Follow me on Instagram @wonderfullymade.rd where you can find tons of tips for healthy eating to heal your metabolism!

Recipe blog written by Jennifer Franzen, RDN | reviewed by Victoria Peck-Gray, RDN