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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.
I’m excited to try this! I have hemp hearts that I would like to use instead of the powder. Could you include weights in the recipe so I can make that conversion more accurately? Thanks!
Hi Alberta! We will definitely pass that idea along.
For the protein can I just grind hemp seed in the recipe?
Hi James! You can if they’re already shelled. If not, it won’t work out into a powder!
Thank You for this useful information.
I heard about protein powder and how much they charge and thought Sof That. Not Bothering.
And I have flax/linseed, from trying Rachel Koos Danish gluten free dairy free chocolate cake and chia seeds that my helper swears by OK we will live forever and look like Prince Charles. No Thanks
So I just had to order Hemp powder online.
Helper swore i would have to invest in a Bullet grinder.
I didn’t, it all broke down to a powder in my normal blender.
It adds a nice nutty taste to smoothies and without the tummy ache of eating too much nuts.
So Thanks
I actually use all the suggested smoothie ingredients except banana which I am allergic too. But I just leave it out or add a bit of avocado
You are a complete gem for this thank you
Made another batch of this and used ground flaxseed this time. Still worked out great! My biggest tip is, be patient. I blend it as long as I think it needs, then I go an extra 30 seconds to ensure it is as ground as it can be. This helps with any graininess (is that even a word?!).
Great idea using ground flaxseed, Erin! Your tip on blending longer than you think is great, that’s key to getting it well mixed!
Do you have another recipe by chance or a plant-based protein powder that you recommend, as I do not do well with Hemp seeds. I tried Help before, and it made me feel very weird.
Hi RT! I completely understand. You could try a pea powder or even a soy powder in place of the hemp!
I will be trying this in the morning. Sounds delicious and as a senior I need healthy and weight loss.
I’m glad you’re giving this a shot, Ann! Let me know how you like it when you do!
Hello why can’t I just use the hemp powder you recommend? Why add all the chia and flax seeds?
Hi Nicole! The Flaxseed and chia add much needed nutrients and protein to give it an added boost of benefits!
Since I have SHELLED hemp seeds that are organic hemp hearts would I use the same 2&3/4 cups of the shelled hemp seeds in your recipe along with the flax & chia seeds?
I have a vitamix blender so would I need to blend these 3 ingredients together first to make the recipe??
And lastly, would this recipe Need to be refrigerated or can I leave on the counter??
Thank you so much. Excited to make this instead of always purchasing protein powder.
Hi! You could definitely try it this way. The hemp seeds vs the hemp hearts are going to change it slightly. You could try it in the blender or food processor for sure to make sure it’s nice and blended. To store you can leave it out but make sure it’s in an air tight container so it will last longer. Enjoy!
Is the protein powder supposed to be grainy in my smoothie? I don’t mind it too much, but would rather it not be. How can I fix/solve this? Thank!!
Hi Claudia! If you want it less grainy, I would blend it more or even put it in the food processor!
How much do you consider as a serving of the homemade protein powder. I have made it and used a1/4 cup, but I get hungry quicker, thought I might not be using enough. Thanks.
Hi Wanda, a 1/4 cup sounds like a great amount. You can definitely add more if needed though!
Thank you for this! I’m going through radiation for cancer and it’s kicking my butt. All protein powders I can find online and at stores have some ingredient that I’m not crazy about
Hi Jenn! So glad that you find this useful, we love that it’s not full of stuff, just a few simple ingredients! I wish you healing during your journey with radiation!
where do you get hemp protein?
Hi Bari! We typically use Just Hemp Foods Hemp Protein + Fiber!
When looking on the internet to find a store near me that sells hemp protein powder, I came across pea protein. What are your thoughts on the two? I would really like to try making my own protein powder.
Hi! Pea Protein is great, it actually contains more protein than hemp, though hemp contains more healthy fat and fiber. You could definitely give it a try in the recipe and see how it turns out!
Hi Jen, I hope you and your wonderful family are doing well. I am wondering what brand of hemp protein powder you recommend for making the Homemade Protein Powder. I am certain your recipe is great.
Blessings,
Jeanette
Hi Jeanette! This is the hemp protein we typically use!
Hey,
Super happy to find the recepie. Trying to move to cleaner eating (from store bought powders) :). Any tips to make it taste better (the hemp give it a „special“ taste:)). I drink it with soy milk which is ok and have added some cocoa powder which make it better. Just wondering if you had some other flavor tips:)?
Hi Anders! I completely understand that the hemp does give it a special taste. Typically I would use this in a smoothie so the taste is super hidden! We have a ton of great smoothie recipes on the blog!
Can I use ground flaxseed?
Hi Stephanie! I’ve only tried it with flaxseed but you can certainly try it out! It may be easier to blend that way but some of the potential benefits may not be as strong due to it being ground longer.
Can I just use this with water in a shaker cup?
Hi Feeny! That could work but the taste wouldn’t be the best taste due to the chia seeds, flax etc!
Hi, do you have the Omega 6 and Omega 3 nutritional amounts for this recipe? Thank you!
Hi Pamela! I don’t, largely because that would depend on what brands you were using!
Can I add this to smoothie for my 8 year old ?
Is this protein recipe recommended for kids ?
Hi Angie! I’ve used for my own children, but as with anything, be sure to ask your pediatrician if protein powder is okay for your own kiddos!