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I’ve created plenty of hemp hearts recipes at Simple Green Smoothies, yet today I’m sharing the best of the best to show you how to use hemp hearts.
Hemp seeds have incredible health benefits and are 100% plant-based, making them a staple superfood. Despite rumors, they won’t get you high (I’ll talk more about that below).
Whether you want to increase your protein, add more healthy fats, or enjoy a meatless Mondays recipe, these hemp heart recipes have you covered!
These tiny seeds have a nutty flavor yet are nut-free. They are great for adding to smoothies like my brain food smoothie or sprinkling over a coconut joy vegan smoothie bowl.
You can mix them into all kinds of baked oatmeal or overnight oats or bump up the protein in your next kale caesar salad. They aren’t just a fad. This amazing ingredient will be a staple in a plant-based diet.
Table of Contents
Hemp Hearts Recipes
I’m including the top eight hemp heart recipes from my plant-powered blog. This is such a versatile ingredient that you can easily add to almost any meal or smoothie!
I’ve got recipes for how to make hemp milk, perfect for those seeking a dairy-free and nut-free option. I have fiber smoothie cubes for a quick boost and a homemade hemp protein powder recipe to make your green apple smoothie a meal.
If you love the sauce from the hemp hearts veggie bowl then try it on some pasta! The texture and creaminess are like alfredo sauce, and the taste is incredible.
Health Benefits of Hemp Hearts
Here is a look at the unique nutrition inside this superfood that makes it a winner:
- ALL essential amino acids: Our bodies need protein, but can’t make it on its own. Hemp seeds have every single essential amino acid that your body needs, which is the foundation of protein. This also makes them a complete protein!
- B vitamins: They benefit your heart, nerves, brain, muscles and blood cells because of all the B vitamins inside. The highest is vitamin B1 (thiamine), boasting 32% of the daily recommended value.
- Omega fatty acids:
Hemp seeds (hemp hearts are at the center of the seed) have an ideal ratio of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. The National Institutes of Health state that these are necessary for overall health. This 3:1 ratio may reduce inflammation, potentially helping with chronic illnesses like heart disease and cancer. - One serving (2-3 tablespoons) contains 11 grams of protein!
- Eating hemp hearts can keep your bones strong. They are rich in important nutrients such as magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, copper, iron, and zinc. These nutrients are essential for maintaining good bone health.
If you like using chia seeds, try swapping them for these and see how you like it. They have different nutritional profiles yet are both full of protein, healthy fat and a wide variety of nutrients.
As you can see, these are great for your overall health!
Hemp Seeds vs. Hemp Hearts
Are hemp seeds the same thing as hemp hearts? Yes and no. The heart is the raw, soft, nutty-flavored center of the seed. You can eat the hearts raw, cooked, toasted and even baked.
People often use the words alternatively, but for a specific kind, be sure to check your labels!
Hemp seeds are just as good for you as hemp hearts. One main difference is the outer shell. In some recipes, you can use hemp hearts and hemp seeds alternatively. One reason I prefer hearts more than seeds is that they keep smoothies from becoming too gritty.
Where to buy hemp hearts
I typically buy hemp hearts from Thrive Market or Costco, because they have the best prices in my area.
Shop around before buying if this is your first time. Some specialty food stores have four-ounce bags for $10, while the companies mentioned above offer much larger sizes for the same price!
Are There Side Effects to Consuming Hemp Hearts?
Wondering if hemp hearts can cause side effects similar to marijuana is natural. However, the overwhelming majority of research shows that hemp hearts cannot get you high.
The plant that produces hemp hearts is remarkably similar to, but not the same as the marijuana plant. The hemp plant contains 0.3 percent of tetrahydrocannabinol (also known as THC), whereas the marijuana plant contains anywhere from 5%-30%.
Jolene Formene, a lawyer at Drug Policy Alliance, says that hemp seeds won’t make you high. This is because they are non-psychoactive. ”A study found that eating hemp hearts minimally affects THC levels. This makes it nearly impossible for levels to be high enough to raise concerns in federal drug testing.
One thing to keep in mind is that hemp hearts are naturally “fatty,” but it’s the good kind of fat (healthy fat). Eating too many hemp hearts can increase your caloric intake. Consume these hemp heart recipes in moderation, just like all other delicious foods I recommend!
Are Hemp Hearts Good for Weight Loss?
Yes, hemp hearts are good for weight loss! As mentioned above, they contain healthy fats and protein, which are essential for keeping our bodies functioning optimally. Hemp hearts can help curb sugar cravings and act as a nutritious meal replacement in green smoothies.
It helps skin stay moisturized and the digestive system to run smoothly, and it helps the body absorb certain nutrients.
Hemp hearts are protein-rich, and the body uses protein for energy. This awesome plant-based ingredient keeps the body going and can help curb sugar cravings.
Green smoothies boosted with hemp hearts can act as meal replacements. This can help shed some extra pounds, making these some of the best hemp hearts recipes for weight loss.
Hemp Heart FAQs
You can buy hemp hearts from various health food stores, online retailers like Amazon, and supermarkets. Popular options include Thrive Market and Costco.
Store hemp hearts in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Store in the refrigerator for prolonged freshness.
Hemp hearts are the shelled version of hemp seeds. People often use them interchangeably, but hemp hearts have a softer texture and milder taste.
Hemp hearts contain trace amounts of THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana, but not enough to appear on a standard drug test.
You can store hemp hearts in the refrigerator for prolonged freshness, but they can be stored at room temperature for up to a year, even after opening the container, without the need for refrigeration. Vitamin E acts as a natural preservative, preventing them from going rancid and ensuring they remain fresh at normal room temperatures.
Yes, you can freeze hemp hearts to extend their shelf life. Simply place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer. When properly stored, hemp hearts can last up to 2 years or more, helping to maintain their nutritional quality, flavor, and texture. This makes it convenient to keep this superfood on hand for all your favorite recipes.
The better question is what can’t you do? I love tossing hemp seeds in smoothies to increase protein and healthy fats, blending them into salad dressings, dips and more for creaminess, as well as using them as salad or smoothie bowl topper. Try adding a serving to your next batch of hummus or pesto.
You can eat hemp hearts raw or cooked so you don’t need to do any prep in order to use them. Straight from the bag into whatever you are making! It’s as easy to add them in as cashews or almonds
Hemp hearts and chia seeds are both considered superfoods for their incredibly dense nutritional profiles. Hemp hearts have more protein than chia seeds, yet they aren’t necessarily “healthier,” just different nutritionally. If your body has a hard time digesting chia seeds, try hemp seeds to see if they might work better for you!
Whichever hemp hearts recipe you make, know that you’re using whole foods and plant-based ingredients to fuel your incredible life. Which one of these recipes has you checking your pantry for ingredients?
Don’t forget to leave a comment below to let me know what you think of these recipes!
Hi Jen, thank you for the meal replacement smoothie recipes. I have one question: are hemp hearts (ones from Costco) as good to use in the smoothie recipes as the one that is shown on this particular website feed? The one shown is “Just” brand with finer added? Thanks again! Marjorie
Hi Marjorie! You can definitely use hemp hearts from costco!
Veggie bowl is my favorite! Looking forward to including hemp hearts in other ways. I appreciated that you explained the difference between hemp hearts and hemp seed. 🙂
I had no clue I could make dressing with hemp hearts. How come sometimes my hemp hearts are bitter? Does that mean they’re old?
Cool question! Hemp hearts are good for up to a year, even in an opened container, due to the natural Vitamin E they contain which acts as a preservative. If your hemp hearts taste rancid, then they’ve def gone bad. But nutty to bitter is totally fine. 🙂
I love the apple donuts. They’re the perfect snack and my kids love them! 🙂
I like to call hemp hearts “protein confetti” when I sprinkle it on top of my smoothie!
I love the brain fuel smoothie.
When I saw the ingredients ,I thought ,I wonder where I’d be able to find hemp hearts and how much they would cost.
But since it was optional, I figure I could do without.
And then I find them at Marshals. For s great price.
When I made the smoothie ,those hemp hearts gave it a punch, I love the flavor and it’s benefist.
I can’t wait to try the other recipes here.
.
Love the nutty taste from those hemp hearts! Thanks for the tip on where you found them. Awesome job keeping an eye out in out-of-the-box places! 🙂
You introduced me to hemp hearts years ago, and now I use them on a regular basis! I also buy them at Costco, and love how I can toss them onto a variety of recipes.
Hi there! Do you know if there is a difference in the health benefits of hemp hearts VS hemp protein powder? I like using 100% hemp protein powder in my smoothies to boost my protein… yet now I’m wondering if I should use hemp hearts. What are your thoughts?
The hemp hearts added once the smoothie is done , gives the smoothies a delicious texture and flavor.