About This Video

In this cooking video, Tia and Dustin help make protein balls that can be eaten as a snack, quick breakfast, or pre-workout bite.

The recipe uses oats, almond butter, honey, chocolate protein powder, cocoa powder, chia seeds, and unsweetened coconut. Participants help measure ingredients, add them to a bowl, mix everything together, form the mixture into small balls, and refrigerate them before tasting.

The video also talks about flexible ingredients and portioning. Peanut butter can be used instead of almond butter, vanilla protein powder can be used instead of chocolate, and coconut can be skipped if someone does not like it. After the protein balls are chilled, Tia and Dustin portion them into bags with two protein balls each for an easy grab-and-go snack.

This video gives participants a practical cooking activity focused on measuring, mixing, food preparation, kitchen participation, snack planning, portioning, and growing independence.

Supplies Needed

• Oats

• Almond butter or peanut butter

• Honey

• Chocolate or vanilla protein powder

• Unsweetened cocoa powder

• Chia seeds

• Unsweetened coconut, optional

• Almond milk or water, optional if the mixture needs more moisture

• Mixing bowl

• Measuring cups

• Measuring spoons

• Wooden spoon or mixing spoon

• Refrigerator

• Small bags or containers for portioning

Good For

• Adults with IDD who enjoy cooking, snacks, measuring ingredients, mixing, or helping prepare food.

• Caregivers looking for a practical snack recipe that supports kitchen participation and flexible ingredient choices.

• Adult day programs, home routines, or group activities about cooking, measuring, snack planning, portioning, food preparation, and daily living skills.

• Participants who benefit from visual modeling, repeated steps, hands-on participation, and support with building independence in the kitchen.

How to Use This Video

Use this video as a guided cooking activity for a home routine, day program, small group, or supported kitchen activity.

Caregivers can gather the ingredients and supplies ahead of time, then support participants with measuring, adding ingredients, mixing, forming the protein balls, refrigerating them, and portioning them into bags or containers.

This recipe is flexible. Caregivers can adjust ingredients based on food preferences, allergies, texture needs, or nutrition goals. Participants can help choose whether to use almond butter or peanut butter, chocolate or vanilla protein powder, coconut or no coconut, and how many protein balls to portion for later.

Because this activity involves sticky ingredients, measuring, mixing, refrigeration, portioning, and possible food allergies, caregivers can provide support with setup, hygiene, safe ingredients, cleanup, handwashing, portion size, and storage.

At the end, participants can taste the protein balls, help portion them into bags or containers, and practice using them as a planned snack or quick breakfast.