When searching for plant-based protein powders, you're bound to come across hemp protein powder. Packed full of protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals, hemp protein powder, isn't just good for you; it's excellent for you. Most often used by vegans, vegetarians and gym-goers to supplement their protein intake, it's an allergy-friendly protein source that tastes great when mixed with anything. Curious to learn more about hemp protein powder and all of its benefits? Continue scrolling as we answer questions like 'what is hemp protein powder?' and how it can be an excellent addition to a healthy diet.

What Is Hemp Protein Powder Made From?

Before diving into the benefits of this plant-based powder, let's start at the core: What is hemp protein powder? A tasty plant-based supplement, hemp protein powder is one of the few powders that is a complete source of protein. This means that while it contains nearly 20 amino acids, it also includes the nine essential amino acids: histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine. The body cannot produce these amino acids, and therefore they must be consumed through the foods we eat. Consuming this quality protein source helps support many functions in the body, including muscle growth, muscle recovery and enhanced performance. Additionally, when making hemp protein powder, the oil from the seeds is separated from the protein, resulting in a product that contains less fat than whole hemp seeds.

How Is Hemp Protein Powder Made?

Typically featuring a nutty flavor, hemp protein is directly derived from the hemp plant, one of the most versatile plants on earth. With literally thousands of uses, hemp protein powder remains one of the most popular. Here's how hemp protein powder is most commonly made.

Step 1:

Farmers harvest hemp seeds and clean them thoroughly. After harvesting, the seeds are stored and cleaned again before the hulls are removed.

Step 2:

The hemp hulls are then cracked and separated from the hemp hearts through a mechanical process. Though the hulls of hemp seeds are healthy and edible, hemp hearts are much easier to digest and contain most of the protein.

Step 3:

The hemp seeds are cold-pressed to remove all of the oil to make hemp protein powder. This is done by machine and creates two different products: hemp protein and hemp oil. While hemp oil may not be used to make hemp protein powder, it is widely used in cooking recipes and features a rich nutritional profile.

Step 4:

Once the hemp seeds are cold-pressed, a solid hemp "cake" is created. This cake is then finely milled into a protein-packed powder ideal for adding to shakes, smoothies and baked goods. The powder is then packaged and sold commercially.

How Much Protein Do Hemp Seeds Contain?

Hemp seeds are an excellent protein source and directly comparable to beef regarding protein content. In fact, hemp seeds contain just as much protein per gram as beef, making them an excellent source of protein for individuals who don't consume animal products. While the amount of protein per ounce of powder may vary slightly from brand to brand, typically, about 2-3 tablespoons of hemp contain 11 grams of complete protein. Though often labeled as a seed, hemp is technically a nut, as you'll notice by its nutty flavor. When cold-pressed to remove the oil, hemp protein powder contains more protein per gram than whole hemp seeds.

Hemp Nutritional Value

Now, let's talk amino acids. First, we mentioned that hemp protein powder is considered a complete protein because it contains all nine essential amino acids. These specific ones are the building blocks of protein and hemp is one of the only few complete plant-based protein sources, featuring a similar amino acid profile to soy and egg whites. Hemp also contains high levels of all amino acids aside from lysine. The ratio of essential amino acids found in hemp protein is considerably higher than soy, making it the preferred choice for individuals explicitly looking to boost their amino acid intake. Through the many nutrients it offers, hemp protein powder supplies your body with the fuel it needs to build muscle, recover from strenuous workouts and produce healthy hormones. Our Bob's Red Mill Hemp Protein Powder dissolves easily and has a mild taste making it a fantastic addition to your homemade recipes. Use it to create a tasty shake or smoothie, or add it to a baked good like browns and cookies for a quick boost of protein, fiber and iron.

Hemp Protein Powder Benefits

Now that you know that hemp is loaded with good-for-you nutrients, you're probably wondering what the health benefits are. Hemp is considered a superfood and boasts many benefits to help you achieve a healthy lifestyle. The ideal plant-based protein supplement, here are just a few of the many ways hemp boosts health.

Its Loaded With Vitamins and Minerals

A diet rich in whole foods is essential to ensuring that you receive all of the vitamins and minerals your body needs to remain healthy and strong. Hemp protein powder is loaded with nutrients like vitamin E, potassium, magnesium, sulfur, calcium, zinc, iron, copper and phosphorus.

A Great Source of Fiber

Hemp protein powder is an excellent source of fiber which helps keep your digestive systems healthy and regular. Fiber can help prevent uncomfortable digestive issues like constipation and diarrhea by adding bulk to your stools. Fiber also provides long-lasting energy, helping you remain fuller for longer. In addition, consuming foods high in fiber can help keep you satisfied until your next meal, making sweet snacks less tempting.

Hemp Is a Lean Source of Protein

By now, you know that hemp is loaded with protein. However, in addition to its high protein levels, it also has a low fat content, thus making it a highly lean source of protein. Hemp also contains more protein than beef, chicken and porksome of the most recognized animal protein sources. Consuming lean protein is an excellent way to hit your health goals, and when paired with exercise, can help you achieve a toned and defined physique.

Can Help Boost Your Immune System

Consuming protein regularly is a great way to boost your immune system. Hemp seeds contain the globular proteins edestin and albumin, which make up essential parts of the immune system. In addition, enzymes, hormones and antibodies are all formed from globular proteins and are critical to a healthy immune system.

Increased Energy Levels

If you've noticed your energy levels a bit lower than usual, try adding a scoop or two of protein to your breakfast. Hemp protein powder contains all of the essential fatty acids. When consumed, fatty acids produce twice as much energy as carbohydrates do. Additionally, the proteins found in hemp take much longer to break down in the body, allowing the energy to be released slower. The result? Long-lasting and sustained energy levels that will leave you feeling like your best, most energized self.

Repairs Muscle

When it comes to repairing and building muscle, most gym-goers invest in a great protein powder. The key to building healthy muscle, protein powders can also help speed up the recovery process after a challenging workout. Because hemp protein powder is a complete source of protein, it helps your body repair the muscle and tissue better than other sources of protein would. Additionally, hemp is an entirely plant-based protein source. It's also suitable for individuals with sensitivities to common food allergies like soy, gluten, egg and dairy.

How to Incorporate Hemp Protein Into Your Diet

Unflavored and unsweetened, our Hemp Protein Powder makes it easy to work this supplement into your diet. While the most common way to consume hemp protein is by adding it to a shake or smoothie like this Berry Peachy Hemp Smoothie, it can also be added to several baked goods to boost their nutritional content. For example, add hemp protein powder to baked treats like these Chocolate Amaranth Protein Bars or sprinkle it into a sweet dessert, like these Hemp Protein Truffles. A convenient and quick way to enjoy on-the-go nutrition, especially when you don't have time to prepare a home-cooked meal, hemp protein powder offers a versatile way to fuel your muscles and body throughout the day. While several types of protein powders are available, hemp protein powder tops our list of favorites. Its many benefits and agreeable taste make it uncomplicated to add to savory and sweet recipes to create protein-packed dishes that everyone will love. Not sure where to start? Visit our online recipe book to find dozens of incredible protein powder recipes just waiting for you to try them. From everyone at Bob's Red Mill, we hope you have a day full of great food and protein! Do you use protein powder in your at-home recipes? We'd love to hear about the different ways you've worked hemp protein into your diet. Share your favorite hemp-based treats with us in the comments below.