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Plant-based protein powder is on the rise, and for good reason. People are looking into the ingredients they put in their bodies and turning to cleaner options. That’s why I created my own homemade protein powder recipe to use in smoothies, shakes, oats and baked goods. I was tired of the artificial additives and just wanted a wholesome, energizing powder to boost meals and keep me feeling vibrant and strong.
This easy protein powder recipe can turn any green smoothie, fruit smoothie or chocolate smoothie into a nourishing and filling meal replacement with 10+ grams of protein. It’s full of high-quality ingredients packed with nutrients to create a clean protein powder you’ll feel good about using.
Why I Make My Own Protein Powder
I’ve been obsessed with smoothies since 2011. I started blending a daily green smoothie for breakfast as a way to boost my immune system and increase the amount of nutrients I was putting in my body. I lost weight, gained energy and started craving healthy foods throughout the day.
I experimented with a ton of recipes and learned that when I added protein to a smoothie, I stayed full longer and had more energy throughout the day. Yet the protein powders on the market had so many fillers, gums, flavorings and cheap proteins. I didn’t want that stuff in my smoothie or in my body.
So I set out to create my own homemade protein powder that is clean, plant-based and works in a variety of smoothie recipes, baked goods and workout shakes. You can use this powder in any of my smoothie recipes to make it a meal replacement smoothie, which can help with weight loss and energy levels.
Protein Powder Recipe Ingredients
I did a deep dive into plant-based proteins when creating this recipe. I came up with an incredibly simple homemade protein powder that’s unsweetened and unflavored. When you blend these three ingredients together, it creates a clean, homemade protein powder that’s slightly nutty and protein-rich powder to mix seamlessly into smoothies.
Hemp Protein is a complete protein
Yes, this is the same hemp protein that comes from the cannabis plant. No, it does not have psychedelic side effects. Instead, it is a superfood that can easily be sustainably farmed and is a complete protein source, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids we need in our diet to build muscle.
▸ Just Hemp + Fiber Powder | Organic Hemp Yeah Max Protein
Chia seeds contain protein and omega-3
This ancient seed has been used for centuries to regulate blood sugar, promote heart health and provides several antioxidants. Plus, it’s high in fiber and tasteless, making it a great addition to your favorite smoothie.
Flaxseed helps metabolize energy
Just like its seed friends above, flaxseed provides both protein and healthy fat as well as thiamine, which is a B vitamin responsible for metabolizing energy. I suggest using whole flax seeds because pre-ground flaxseed has been exposed to oxygen longer; oxygen causes polyunsaturated fats to break down.
▸ TerraSoul Organic Whole Flax Seeds
Protein Smoothie Boost
Adding a scoop of this homemade protein powder is my favorite way to increase protein in a smoothie. Yet if you run out, here’s some other quick clean protein options I’ve also used in smoothies: raw almonds (or other raw nuts), raw pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, unflavored greek yogurt, almond milk and rolled oats.
How to Make Homemade Protein Powder
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:
- Add your hemp protein, chia seeds and flaxseeds to a high-speed blender container. Make sure the container is completely dry before adding these ingredients, as any moisture causes the chia seeds to start to gel.
- Blend on high speed until a fine powder has formed. Feel free to stop the blender and scoop out the bottom of the container to make sure all the seeds are getting blended together. Be careful to not overblend and create a heat that will actually begin to bake the powder.
- Transfer the powder to an airtight storage container with a wide mouth. I like to use wide-mouth mason jars so that it’s easy to scoop out what I need.
- When you’re ready to use your powder, scoop out 1/4 cup for one serving of protein powder, about 10-15 grams of protein depending on which hemp powder you buy. This recipe makes 15 servings and can be stored at room temperature in a dark place, like a cabinet.
Tip When Blending Protein Powder
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.
Benefits of Homemade Protein Powder
Let me be clear: bodybuilders don’t own the rights to protein powders (vegan or otherwise). Any active person looking for an easier way to increase their protein intake should consider using a simple, clean protein powder. Those who regularly work out need double the amount of protein over those with a more sedate lifestyle. Research shows that protein powder in smoothies can help you:
- Gain Muscle: This is probably the most widely known benefit of protein powders. Added protein helps muscles rebuild faster after a workout. Because of the direct ways protein affects the muscles, the best time to consume protein powder is after a workout.
- Lose weight: Protein is also a great way to stop any unwanted snacking. You stay full longer after that green smoothie when you boost it with organic plant-based protein powder. It also boosts metabolism, burns fat, and keeps cholesterol and blood pressure levels low. Try replacing 1-2 meals each day with a green smoothie boosted with my homemade protein powder to create a great meal replacement smoothie.
- Protect the immune system: Protein doesn’t just strengthen muscles, it also strengthens every cell in the body. This makes them less likely to be infected, keeping you strong and healthy.
- Commit to a healthy diet: Using a protein powder that contains healthy fats can turn a daily smoothie into a meal replacement. This is truly the healthiest “fast food” there is as well as an easy habit to embrace daily.
Shakes and smoothies are the best way to consume protein powders. I love making smoothies with homemade protein powder, workout or not. It helps me stay full longer and be more productive with my day.
Is this Protein Powder Recipe Plant-Based?
Yes, my homemade protein powder recipe is entirely plant-based. It uses only hemp protein, chia seeds, and flax seeds, which are all derived from plants. When powders are made from plants, rather than animal products, they’re considered plant-based. Examples of this are powders that consist of brown rice, soy, hemp, pea, flax, chia and/or even spirulina.
The minute you add an animal product, like whey, casein or collagen, it is no longer plant-based. Why? Whey protein as well as casein comes from dairy (which comes from cows). If you have any kind of dairy intolerance, then be sure to check the label on your protein powder and avoid any with casein or dairy.
Soy Protein Isolate Powder
Soy-based powders are the number one vegan protein powder option. Soy is a complete protein, yet is much more processed when turned into a protein powder and has a strange texture. I prefer using my hemp-based protein recipe.
Heavy Metals in Protein Powders
Protein powders made from plants typically contain heavy metals like arsenic, lead and cadmium as with any plant that comes out of the ground. These elements are naturally found in the soil and water, and absorbed by plants regardless of whether they are grown under conventional or organic farming practices. These known carcinogens are harmful to the immune system when consumed in large amounts.
You cannot completely avoid heavy metals, yet you can be aware and use brands that test their levels and make sure they are low.
Oftentimes, heavy metals go unnoticed because many protein powders are considered a supplement and do not need to be approved by the FDA. If you choose to buy a protein powder, choose a brand that pays for “heavy metal testing.” They should also be able to easily disclose the results to you when asked. Look for a powder with a nutrition label as opposed to a supplement label so you know they have been approved by the FDA.
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.
What to Add Protein Powder to
I created this homemade protein powder recipe for smoothies, yet it’s easy to replace 1/4 cup of flour in recipes to give your baked goods a nice protein boost as well. Here are just a few of my recipes you can do this with:
I hope you’re excited to ditch the store-bought powder and make your own. Don’t forget to rate this recipe and leave a review about how you used it. I can’t wait to read about all your creations! I hope you fall in love with this homemade protein powder as I have.
Homemade Protein Powder
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups hemp protein
- 5 tbsp chia seeds
- 5 tbsp flax seeds
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender.
- Blend on high until ingredients are a fine powder consistency. Stop blending as necessary and scrap the bottom of the blender with a thin spatula in case it starts caking or gets stuck.
- 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 per serving.
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.
- Feel free to use a spice grinder for the blending process as well. I wasn’t able to create as fine a powder as I wanted with a coffee grinder.
- Look for a hemp powder where the only ingredient is hemp, like Just Hemp or Hemp Yeah.
- One serving of this homemade protein powder can turn any smoothie recipe into a meal replacement smoothie.
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!
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.