Name: Lemon Poppy Seed Energy Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup plant-based vanilla protein powder; 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats; 1 tbsp poppy seeds; 2 tbsp Truvia or other granulated sweetener; Zest of 1 lemon (or more for stronger flavor); 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice; 2–4 tbsp water (adjust as needed for consistency)

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These no-bake lemon poppy seed energy bites are my go-to for a healthy, protein-packed snack that reminds me of a fresh lemon muffin. Each bite is soft, zesty, lightly sweet, and incredibly satisfying — plus, it only takes a few minutes to whip them up. They’re perfect for meal prep, snack breaks, or breakfast on the go.

Lemon Poppy Seed Energy Bites

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these energy bites give me that bright, refreshing lemon flavor without needing any added sugar, dairy, gluten, or even nut butters. With over 17 grams of protein per serving, they keep me energized and full throughout the day. And since they’re no-bake, I can make them without turning on the oven — a total win, especially during warmer months.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Plant-based vanilla protein powder
Old-fashioned rolled oats
Poppy seeds
Truvia (or another granulated sweetener)
Fresh lemon zest
Fresh lemon juice
Water

Directions

I start by mixing the dry ingredients in a large bowl — protein powder, oats, poppy seeds, sweetener, and lemon zest. Once that’s combined, I pour in the lemon juice and water. The dough comes together quickly, though it’s a little sticky, so instead of rolling, I gently press and shape the mixture into bite-sized balls. Once shaped, I store them in the fridge in an airtight container. They’re ready to go whenever I need a little boost!

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 28 energy bites, each about ¾ inch in diameter. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare and shape them — no baking or chilling required before eating. I like to keep them in the fridge so they stay fresh and firm.

Variations

Sometimes I switch things up by using Meyer lemons for a slightly sweeter and floral lemon flavor. If I’m out of poppy seeds, I just skip them — the bites still taste amazing. For a stronger lemon punch, I add zest from a second lemon. I’ve also tried different granulated sweeteners depending on what I have on hand, and they all work just fine.

storage/reheating

I store these bites in an airtight container in the fridge, and they stay fresh for up to 6 days. Since they’re no-bake and contain no perishable dairy or eggs, there’s no need to reheat — they’re delicious straight from the fridge. If I want to pack them in a lunchbox, they hold up great at room temperature for a few hours too.

FAQs

How much protein is in each bite?

Each serving contains over 17 grams of protein, depending on your protein powder. I always recommend checking the nutrition facts based on your exact ingredients.

Can I use a different protein powder?

This recipe was designed for PlantFusion vanilla bean protein powder. If I use another brand, I usually need to adjust the liquid slightly. Some powders absorb more moisture than others.

What can I use instead of Truvia?

Any granulated sweetener works. I’ve even used a bit of honey before — in that case, I reduce the amount of water slightly to keep the texture right.

Do I need to use poppy seeds?

Not at all. I’ve made these bites without poppy seeds when I was out, and they turned out just as delicious.

Can I freeze them?

Yes, I can freeze these energy bites! I just lay them on a tray to freeze individually first, then store them in a zip-top bag. They thaw quickly at room temperature or in the fridge.

Conclusion

These lemon poppy seed energy bites have become one of my favorite healthy snacks. They’re zesty, satisfying, and full of protein — all without any refined sugar or complicated ingredients. Whether I need a quick breakfast, a midday boost, or a pre-game treat, I always feel good reaching for one of these.