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Homemade protein powder isn’t just a “crunchy” trend; it’s a smart move for those who want to age gracefully, balance hormones, and keep their energy high without the crash. With just three organic ingredients—hemp hearts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds—you can create a complete plant-based protein source that supports muscle maintenance, digestion, and heart health.
Best of all? It takes less than 5 minutes to make, saves you money, and tastes infinitely better than the chalky stuff you find on store shelves. Add to my protein shakes for a wholesome boost of nutrients.
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Why Switch to Homemade Protein Powder?
I’ve been there—standing in the supplement aisle, overwhelmed by flashy labels promising the world but delivering a stomach ache. Between the artificial sweeteners, gums, fillers, and heavy metals often found in commercial powders, finding a “clean” source can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.
Here is why making the switch to a DIY blend is a game-changer for your health:
- Hormone balancing: The healthy fats and fiber in flax and chia seeds are fantastic for metabolizing excess hormones, which is a huge win for those navigating perimenopause or menopause.
- Zero junk: You get 100% control. No gums, no artificial flavors, no stevia aftertaste, and definitely no hidden fillers.
- Cost-effective: High-quality organic protein powders can cost upwards of $3.00 per serving. This homemade version clocks in at around $1.00 – $1.44 per serving, depending on where you buy your seeds.
- Digestive support: Unlike whey or soy isolates which can cause bloating, the seeds in this mix are naturally rich in fiber, aiding digestion rather than stalling it.
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Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on three seed superstars. When combined, they form a complete protein, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids your body needs but can’t produce on its own.
Organic Hemp Protein Powder
This high-protein superfood contains all nine essential amino acids we need in our diet to build muscle. It has a hint of oregano that will grow on you over time.
Organic Chia Seeds
Don’t let their size fool you. Chia seeds are a nutritional powerhouse loaded with antioxidants, calcium, and fiber. Just two tablespoons contain about 4.7 grams of protein and a massive amount of fiber, which helps stabilize blood sugar and keeps you feeling full until lunch.
Organic Whole Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds are famous for their lignans, which have estrogen-balancing properties. They are also excellent for heart health. Note: We use whole flaxseeds and grind them ourselves. Pre-ground flax can go rancid quickly, losing its nutritional value. Grinding them fresh ensures you get the maximum benefit.
What Does It Taste Like?
Since there are no added flavors or sweeteners, the taste is very neutral overall. Hemp powder does add a mild, naturally nutty flavor, but it’s subtle. When blended into a smoothie, it may slightly shift the flavor profile, yet the fruit still shines through, making the smoothie taste fresh and balanced.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you know the ingredients needed to make this super simple homemade protein powder recipe, let’s talk about how to make protein powder:
- Prep your equipment: you need a high-speed blender (check out my blenders for smoothies) or a dedicated spice/coffee grinder. Ensure the container is completely dry. Any moisture will cause the chia seeds to gel and stick, creating a paste instead of a powder.
- Combine and pulse: Add the hemp, chia, and flaxseeds to your blender.
- Technique is key: Do not just turn it on high and walk away. Pulse the blender for 10-15 seconds, stop, and shake the jar or scrape down the sides.
- Watch the texture: You want a fine powder, but if you over-blend, the oils will release, and you’ll end up with seed butter. You want it to look like almond flour, not peanut butter.
- Store properly: Transfer your fresh powder into an airtight container. A wide-mouth mason jar works best for easy scooping.
Storage Tips for Maximum Freshness
Because this powder contains natural oils (those healthy Omega-3s!), it can go rancid if left out in the heat.
- Pantry: Good for 2 weeks in a cool, dark place.
- Fridge: Stays fresh for up to 2 months.
- Freezer: Lasts up to 6 months. (This is my favorite method—I make a triple batch and freeze it!)
How to Use Homemade Protein Powder
Since this blend has a neutral, slightly nutty flavor, it’s incredibly versatile.
- The daily smoothie: Add 2-3 tablespoons to my collection of green smoothies. You can also use it with my weight loss smoothies to boost protein even more.
- Oatmeal upgrade: Stir a scoop into your morning oats or overnight oats for a protein boost that won’t clump.
- Baking: Swap out 1/4 cup of flour for this powder in banana muffins, pumpkin pancakes, or vegan waffles for a hidden nutrient kick.
- Yogurt bowls: Sprinkle over coconut yogurt with some fresh fruit.
Recipe Tip
If your blender is having trouble blending this amount, double or triple the recipe to give the blender container some more volume to work with. You can also make smaller batches in a spice grinder.
If you make this homemade protein powder recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comment box below. Your feedback helps me and all the readers in this community. And if you’re interested in more plant-based recipes (and exclusive content), sign up for my weekly recipe newsletter.
Ingredient Substitutions
Need to swap an ingredient or accommodate a food allergy? Click the button below for tailored suggestions just for you:
Homemade Protein Powder
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cup hemp protein powder
- 5 tbsp chia seeds
- 5 tbsp flaxseed
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender.
- Blend on high until ingredients are a fine powder consistency. Stop blending occasionally to prevent ingredients from getting warm and scrap the bottom of the blender with a thin spatula if it starts caking.
- Transfer to an airtight container with a wide opening so you can scoop out the right measurement.
- When you're ready to use, scoop out 1/4 cup (30g) per serving.
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Notes
- If the texture isn’t smooth, you’ll need to grind the seeds even more. You can double or triple the recipe to get a good amount in your blender, which will make it easier to blend.
- Look for a hemp powder where the only ingredient is hemp, like Just Hemp or Hemp Yeah.
- Store in cool, dry place or in the fridge for up to one month for best quality.
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?
Leave a review for a chance to win signed copies of my cookbooks!Common Questions
Yes! It’s super easy to combine hemp protein, chia seeds and flaxseed in a high-speed blender to create a fine powder. Store in an airtight container and you’ve got a scoop-able powder that can be added to any smoothie, protein shake or baked good you want.
If you’re looking for a high-quality protein powder, making it yourself is going to be the most affordable way to go. When I make this homemade protein powder recipe, it costs me just under $1.00 per serving, which is definitely cheaper than any organic high-quality blend that I’ve bought from the store.
It’s super easy when the recipe is just three easy-to-find ingredients. I blend the hemp protein, chia seeds and flaxseed in a high-speed blender until a fine powder forms. Then I store it in an airtight container until I’m ready to use. If you follow my recipe, you will get 15 servings per blend. If you want to double the batch and have a whole month on hand at a time, then go for it!
Plant-based protein powder can be a great addition to your morning smoothie. Not all powders are good for you. Read your labels. Make sure that option isn’t loaded with sweeteners, gums, and artificial ingredients found in many powders. Look for a protein powder with few ingredients that are all identifiable and grown from the earth (not made in a factory). That’s plant-based at its finest.
Generally, yes! Unlike soy protein, which can sometimes interfere with thyroid medication, these seeds are usually well-tolerated. However, flaxseeds do contain compounds that should be consumed in moderation, so sticking to the serving size is smart. Always chat with your doctor if you’re unsure.
Absolutely. If you miss the vanilla or chocolate vibe of store-bought powders, you can blend in:
1 tbsp of raw cacao powder
1 tsp of cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla bean powder
Commercial powders are “isolates,” meaning they have stripped away everything but the protein. This recipe is “whole food,” meaning you get the protein plus the fiber, healthy fats, and vitamins. It’s a complete nutritional package rather than just a macro-nutrient spike.
Hey, this looks so good! I have a quick question: Can I just blend up hemp hearts instead of buying hemp protein powder? If so, how much for this recipe please? Thanks!!
Hi Natasha! Thanks so much! To create hemp powder the hemp hearts have to have the oil removed to turn into hemp protein powder, so I’m unsure it would turn out the same way. May be worth a try. Let me know if you do!
Hi does this cause you to break wind more?
Hi Dean! It certainly could mostly due to the fiber increase in your diet. I’d give it a try and if it does, simple decrease the amount to see if it helps!
At one pint you had the brands you liked to use for chia seeds and flax seed, but I can’t locate. Are you able to give me that info?
Is there an alternative to the hemp powder? Unfortunately due to being in the military we are banded from ingesting ANY hemp product.
Hi Brit, we completely understand not wanting to use the hemp powder. You could try a soy powder or chia powder in place of the hemp!
I noticed that it’s hemp protein and not hemp seeds. Would I be able to use shelled hemp seeds instead of a hemp protein? Does one over the other make enough of a difference nutrition wise?
Hi Michael, being shelled hemp seeds you may be able to make it work! The ones with the shells are definitely a no-go.
Can i use hemp seeds instead of the help protein powder. If so how much??
Hi Emily! I would probably not use hemp seeds because most of the time when store-bought they come in a shell!
Thank you for sharing your recipe Jen! Your homemade protein powder is really the only protein powder I’ve ever liked and I’m so excited to have the recipe!
Kavli- You are so welcome! I hope we will be able to bring it back one day but until then I’m glad to share the recipe with folks!
Thank you for sharing your recipe! I’m glad to have been able to order and enjoy your protein boost powder. Simple really is best. I have been adding varying amounts of chia seeds, ground flax and hemp hearts to my smoothies. I didn’t realize the hemp protein powder was such a larger amount proportionate to the other two ingredients. Lately I’ve been using just chia and flax, about a tablespoon of each in 2-4 smoothies, and sometimes a tablespoon of spirulina too. Thanks again for making me healthier with your smoothies and so much more!
Hey Grace- Thanks so much for the rawesome feedback! I am so glad to help you on your journey to #fuelyourpassion!
Couldn’t print had to do screen shots
Hi Bern- looks like you’re having trouble printing. I just tested it myself and it is working properly on my end. Try updating your browser / printer settings. Hope that helps. Rawk on!
I’ve been adding these 3 to my smoothies and oatmeal for a few years. One important thing I read is that flax should be refrigerated after opened (not after a month, but right after). But more important, flax is best when ground and eaten fairly quickly, not stored. So I stopped buying ground flaxseed years ago and only buy the seeds and grind them in my coffee grinder that morning to use that day. It’s not a time saver, but if it’s better for me, it’s worth it.
Thanks for sharing your recipe. We use all three ingredients in our smoothies (your recipes) but not blended to a powder and not these amounts. Excited to try it!!
I got hemp seed hearts but is that different than hemp protein! I blended just them and they felt moist so do not want to put with ground flax and chia
Hey Linda – great question! I would skip blending the hemp hearts, as they are the shelled version of hemp seed protein. So, basically the same, just without the outer shell and they have a little less fiber. I would blend the chia and flaxseed, then add the hemp hearts to that. 🙂
Is the serving size 1/4 cup? In the nutrition breakdown, it’s listed as 25g. Thanks!
Yes! 1/4 cup of this recipe should weigh out to about 25g, but not everyone has a food scale, so we wanted to make it as easy as possible. 🙂
Can you use ground flax seeds?
Sure! 🙂
How would it be w/o chia and maybe doubling up on the flax? I do not digest chia well.
Thanks!
Give it a shot – I don’t see why not. Do what works best for you. You’ll still be getting a great protein boost! 🙂
Hi
I’m excited to try this as I have always detested the taste and gritty chalky taste of bought powders
So can I just use pure hemp seeds with flax and chia instead of buying more hemp plus fibre?
So generous to share your recipe thank you
You absolutely can, Leanne! 🙂
Makes sense. I will definitely try it. I am sensitive to many additives. This will help me to stay away from commercially packed products.
Thanks for all you Do!!!
I’m interested in how you came up with the proportions. I’m surprised that the Hemp is so much more than the Chia and the Flax? Thanks for all you offer – you are incredibly generous and I appreciate it!
I can’t wait to try this recipe. I assume it needs to be refrigerated. How long will it last?
You can store in the cupboard for up to one month, Judy. If you want it to last even longer, you could store in the refrigerator. Just make sure it’s an airtight container either way to limit the amount of moisture that can get into it.
So excited to have this recipe! homemade protein powder is the only powder I’ve actually liked in my smoothies, so I’m glad to be able to keep using it.