Chai tea is one of my favorite teas this time of year, and I love adding chai spice to baked goods. The scent of cinnamon, clove, and cardamom warms your kitchen like a warm hug. These tonic chai spice protein balls capture the same cozy taste with the benefits of tonic.
It’s slightly sweet, warmly spicy, and nutritious, while its soft and chewy texture makes you feel full. Each protein ball is packed with ingredients to help support energy, focus and immune health. It’s especially helpful during the colder (and often chaotic) months when our bodies could use an extra boost.
These are great to make ahead as a snack and freeze well for later. Protein balls provide healthy fats, protein and adaptogens to help your body handle stress more effectively. The added collagen also supports gut health, healthier skin, and stronger hair and nails.
warm chai spice
Cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and ginger not only taste great but also provide powerful immune system support. Cinnamon helps balance blood sugar and adds natural sweetness without adding too much sugar. Cloves are rich in antioxidants and antibacterial properties, which help support cellular health.
Cardamom is a soothing and energizing ingredient known for its ability to soothe digestion while stimulating blood circulation. And ginger provides unique mild thermal and anti-inflammatory benefits to support immune and digestive health.
Pairing these cozy chai spices together adds delicious flavor and powerful health benefits! I included the spices separately in the recipe, but you could use 2 teaspoons plus ½ teaspoon of my pumpkin pie spice mix. The taste is similar and it’s easy to use if you already have it mixed up.
a powerful tonic
Adaptogens are plants and mushrooms that help the body become more resilient to stressors. Whether it be physical, emotional or environmental. Unlike powerful pharmaceuticals, it helps restore balance by strengthening the body’s cellular health and defenses.
There are many different true tonics, and some work better for different situations. Here I decided to use a functional mushroom blend. Because it helps provide broader support than just picking one thing.
Adaptogenic mushrooms help support focus, sleep, energy and calmness, depending on the combination chosen. I love Four Sigmatic’s adaptogenic mushroom blend, which includes varieties like reishi, lion’s mane, and cordyceps.
- Lacey It is also called the “Queen of Mushrooms” due to its soothing properties. Helps you sleep comfortably and supports your immune system.
- lion’s mane Supports mental clarity and focus. Perfect for that mid-afternoon slump.
- Cordyceps sinensis It helps increase stamina and energy naturally without caffeine.
Whichever blend you choose, make sure it’s a high-quality blend that isn’t overly earthy or bitter so the flavor is well balanced with the chai spice.
Healthier Ingredients (and Alternatives)
Collagen is one of my favorite additives to mix into drinks or baked goods. It’s an easy way to add clean protein to support gut health, joint health, and vibrant skin. Collagen is tasteless, so it mixes perfectly with almond butter and spices.
Almond butter (or cashew butter) adds a hearty dose of nuts and healthy fats that help keep you full. They also make protein balls perfectly soft and chewy. If you’re avoiding nuts, sunflower seed butter also works. Peanut butter is not recommended here. That’s because the strong flavor of peanut butter tends to overpower the delicate chai spice.
Hemp seeds add a pleasant crunch, an extra boost of omega-3s, and a complete amino acid profile. Great for energy, muscle recovery, healthy hair and skin. Honey binds ingredients together and adds sweetness, enzymes, and minerals. Pure maple syrup also works well, if desired.
How to enjoy
These Chai Spice Protein Balls are great as a quick snack for an afternoon boost or as a post-workout snack. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about a week, and you can easily double the recipe to freeze for later.
It feels like eating dessert, but it is full of nutrients. Warmth, grounding, and a little sweetness. It’s a great snack to help you stay focused and calm while keeping your immune system strong as the seasons change.
Chai Spice Protein Balls
These delicious, bite-sized protein balls are naturally sweetened with honey and feature chai flavor. It also contains functional mushrooms for better focus, sleep, and more.
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
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Place all ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer. To thicken, start with 1 teaspoon of coconut flour and increase if necessary. You can also use a hand mixer.
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Mix thoroughly, taste and adjust spices, if desired.
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Using a tablespoon, scoop out the mixture and roll it into a ball. Roll a ball into the hemp seeds.
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Place the rolled balls on parchment paper and store in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Facts
Chai Spice Protein Balls
Per serving (1 ball)
calorie 145
calories from fat 108
% Daily Value*
province 12g18%
1g saturated fat6%
5g polyunsaturated fat
5g monounsaturated fat
sodium 5mg0%
potassium 112mg3%
carbohydrate 5g2%
2g fiber8%
2g sugar2%
protein 7g14%
Vitamin A 39IU1%
Vitamin C 0.04mg0%
calcium 63mg6%
steel 2mg11%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
- Coconut flour helps thicken the batter, but don’t use too much! If there are too many, they become brittle.
- Choose mushroom powder with a mild taste. Start with 1 teaspoon and gradually increase to 3 teaspoons if you’re not sure how strong the flavor is.
More Adaptogen Recipes
We could all use a little more stress relief and resilience! Here are a few more recipes featuring tonics to boost your health.
Have you used adaptogens before? What is your favorite way to spend? Let us know by leaving a comment!
