Hemp protein powder is one of the cleanest, most whole food sources of protein powder you can use in any of your recipes. Made of only includes raw, whole milled hemp seeds, it retains all of the essential fatty acids found in hemp and contains no other ingredients, such as highly processed fillers. Hemp protein is also very versatile in the kitchen, health benefits aside. It’s well-known for being high in amino acids, which makes it a complete protein source, but it’s also fiber-rich, so it can be used in multiple ways and recipes aside from smoothies. Of course hemp protein is the best grain-free, gluten-free protein powder for smoothies but don’t limit the almighty hemp seed to smoothies alone. Check out all the ways this economical, delicious, and healthful protein powder can be used in your plant-based kitchen and try out some of the recipe ideas below to see which ones you enjoy the most.

1. Brownies

Hemp is one of the best substitutes for flour you can use in a recipe because it will bulk up the dish due to the fiber hemp contains. Hemp is also a dense protein and has a really rich, nutty flavor. Though hemp seeds tend to taste a bit earthy, the protein powder has a much different flavor that can easily be blended with other ingredients for a delicious dessert such as brownies. All you’ll need to do is replace the regular flour in your brownie recipe with hemp protein and cocoa powder (use equal amounts of both). Use whatever other ingredients you normally use in your brownies, such as your choice of sweetener and egg alternatives. This is one of the best 10 Vegan Hacks to Make Your Sweet Treats Healthier, so definitely try it out when you can.

You can also make raw brownies with hemp protein powder instead of cooked brownies, following the same suit. It’s very easy to do with only three or four ingredients. Blend hemp protein with some dried fruit, such as soaked dates or figs, some coconut or nut butter of  your choice, cocoa or cacao powder, and a little vanilla extract. Shape into brownies, freeze for 10 minutes and remove to serve for a delicious, raw dessert! For more brownie recipes, check out our amazing brownie recipe list and try using hemp in your next batch!

2. Grain-Free Cereal

One of my favorite things to do with hemp protein powder is to eat it for breakfast in a grain-free cereal recipe. I enjoy that it’s easy to digest, very filling, and doesn’t leave me with a stomachache the rest of the morning like some cereals do. All you need to do is stir one scoop of hemp protein powder (about 3 tablespoons) with a little coconut flour (which is high in protein and fiber, and adds a thickening power), some sweetener of your choosing, non-dairy milk, and any spices you like such as cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, etc. You can also add chia and flax for more omega 3’s if you like. Stir to make a thick, pudding-like cereal and enjoy the filling benefits of this amazing breakfast!

3. Muffins

There’s just nothing that says breakfast the way a delicious, homemade vegan muffin does. Those sugary muffins you buy at the store may taste good but they’re just going to send your blood sugar crashing later, and possibly leave you more hungry. No good! Opt for a protein-rich option instead. Bake your own muffins using hemp protein powder and some coconut, oats, or almond flour to replace the refined white or wheat flour called for in a recipe. The healthy fats from hemp, coconut, and almond will help keep you fuller much longer than refined and wheat-based flours will. Hemp is also richer in fiber than white or wheat flours are. Just be sure to add a little baking soda to your muffins (about a teaspoon) so they’ll be sure to rise nice and pretty like regular vegan muffins. Not sure how to convert a regular muffin recipe to a vegan version? Check out these simple tips for How to Bake Healthy Muffins, Vegan  Style. 

4. Raw Energy Bites

Hemp seeds are a common ingredient in raw energy bites, and hemp protein is also another great choice, yet with one extra benefit: it’s a better binder than plain hemp seeds are themselves due to the flour-like consistency of hemp protein powder. You can easily mix it with some non-dairy milk or water, some sweetener of your choice, a little almond or cashew butter, some raw coconut shreds, perhaps some cacao, and whatever spices you enjoy. Then, just stir it all up, roll into small bite-sized balls with your hands and there you go- easy protein-filled energy bites without the need for dried fruit as a binder (though you can use that if you like.) You could also use hemp protein powder in place of hemp seeds in these Raw Hemp Chia Bars if you like.

5. Protein Porridge

This is a bit different than the grain-free cereal mentioned above, though both will make an awesome breakfast. You can mix hemp protein in with your normal grains (such as oats or seed-like grains such as millet or quinoa), or you can opt for a grain-free porridge instead. Warm a half cup of almond milk (or whatever other non-dairy milk you enjoy) on the stove on medium heat, just until it’s warm to the touch. Then pour into your favorite cereal bowl and stir in 2 tablespoons of coconut flour, 3 tablespoons of hemp protein powder, 2 tablespoons of chia seeds, cinnamon, vanilla, and some shredded coconut. Keep stirring until you get a thick porridge consistency and top with your favorite fruit or some sunflower or pumpkin seeds. This makes a delightful warm, grain-free porridge in the winter. You can also use oats if you’re an oatmeal lover, as it will turn out just as nice. Using coconut flour in your oatmeal, along with hemp protein, is also one of the best ways to make it super thick and creamy!

Helpful Hemp Notes:

Hemp protein may turn your recipes slightly green in color, but don’t be alarmed. That doesn’t negate from the delicious taste your goodies will have, nor does it make your breakfast too “green” to enjoy. Hemp protein’s green color comes from it’s natural chlorophyll content. Hemp protein is also cholesterol-free,  rich in magnesium, which will gives you energy for the day, assist in healthy nervous system function, and even keep you regular. Can’t argue with those benefits now can we? Check out more hemp protein inspiration, along with all of our hemp recipes. 

What’s your most creative way to use hemp protein?

Image Source: Triple Chocolate Pumpkin Swirl Vegan Brownies