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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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Helpful Tools
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’ve been wrestling with using the ‘vanilla’ protein powder that I have for my smoothies, so I googled protein powder and am so happy to have found this homemade recipe!
Yeahh! So glad you found me, Norma!
Hi, thanks for this recipe! My question is, can you just add the hemp seeds instead of the hemp protein? What is the difference between both products?
Hi Pilar! You’ll need to use Hemp Protein, not the seeds. It won’t turn out the same unfortunately.
Thanks for helping out!
Came out like peanut butter. Yuck.
Hi Denny! Did you use hemp seeds or hemp protein? If you use hemp seeds it could definitely turn out thick like peanut butter.
Hello, how much protein is in 1/4 cup?
Hi Destiny! It will be about 10 grams of protein in 1/4 cup serving.
Please tell me how much chia seeds, hemp and flaxseeds to use. The recipe does not state the amount.
Thanks!
Scroll down to recipe:
Ingredients
2 ¾ cups hemp protein
5 tbsp chia seeds
5 tbsp flax seeds
Thanks for the sharing the info.
Hi Evelyn! The ingredients are 2 ¾ cups hemp protein, 5 tbsp chia seeds and 5 tbsp flax seeds. I hope this helps!
Doesn’t flax have to stay refrigerated/frozen after grinding to keep it from going rancid really quickly?
Hi Amy! It will last longer if refrigerated, yet doesn’t have to be.
What can I sub the hemp with? I don’t think it’s legal in my country
Hi Shoaib! You can definitely do a 1:1 swap for pea protein. I haven’t used it, so I can’t recommend a good brand based on my experience. Yet I’ve heard good things about Ka’Chava and Naked Pea!
Absolutely I’m gonna try making my own Protein Powder
Hi Mairead! So glad you’re going to give this one a try.
Okay I tried the Homemade Protein Powder with the sugar free Vanilla syrup and it tastes better so I will continue my test for 30 days to see how it affects my body vs the other pre-mix protein 30 gram per serving powder.
Hi Randy! I’m happy to hear you’re going to give it a try for 30 days. Hope it goes well!
My Dietitian wanted me to try this recipe because I was using another pre-mix protein powder that had 1 gram of sugar per serving but it had 30 grams of protein per serving which is why I liked using it. Anyway I bought a high capacity spice grinder and made your recipe of the Homemade Protein powder. I bought the same ingredients that you show in the picture and instructions. The costs making the Homemade Protein powder and the Pre-made Protein mix costs about the same. I didn’t include the cost of the high capacity spice grinder. There are two drawbacks so far with this recipe one is the taste in the instructions you stated that it has an earthy taste that it does. I don’t like it. It may be an acquired taste, I went to the store and bought a sugar free vanilla syrup to help cover the taste and the second I only get 9 grams of protein per serving. Now I have to find another quick source of protein. but hopefully it will help with my digestion process. Plant based it is. I made enough for 30 servings so I will give it a fair teat and let you know in 30 days whether I will continue to use and what the benefits I have received
Hi Randy! The Spice Grinder can definitely be an investment, yet hopefully you can use it for other things. I hope this recipe works out well for you over the 30 days!
I used the 1st batch of Homemade Protein Powder. I don’t like the amount of protein it has but I like the amount of fiber it provides. So, I just made a 2nd batch today. I do have a question. I bought a large spice grinder to accommodate the amount of hemp powder, Chia seeds and Flax seeds. I grid 1/2 recipe each time. the question is how many secs total do you grind each batch to get the correct consistency. I did 3 – 10 secs grind then opened up the top and stirred the contents, then did 2 more 10 sec grinds. So, I did a total of 50 secs in the grinder. It looks okay but did I do too much, just right or not enough.
Thank you for the recipe and the answer to my question. My Nutritionist is very happy I am using this recipe.
I’m glad you’re using the recipe and your nutritionist is happy about it too! I would grind as long as possible to get it as fine as possible (that will help with the grittiness). I’m not sure in seconds how long that would take, but I know in a high-speed blended you want to be careful about not blending (and actually heating up the ingredients). With a handheld spice grinder, I would just make sure it’s not heating up everything either.
Hi with the flax & Chia in this protein powder you then have probiotics or this fibre will feed your prebiotics? I love that these are in your powder. What is the % of protein in each serving and 2 TBLS is a serving? Thanks for sharing this and thanks for your help.
Hi Kimberly! This recipe has 10 grams of protein per 1/4 cup serving.
Kimberly there are 4 TBSP in a quarter cup ( a serving size of this home made powder.
Thanks for sharing the measurements, Nina.
Great recipe. Added it to my smoothie with blueberries, banana, cacao and plain yogurt.
Sounds like a great addition to your smoothie, Dana!
I tried to make the homemade protein powder as per your recipe with a Vitamix 2500i Ascent. It turned into a moist clump instead of powder. Please can you tell me what I’m doing wrong. Thank you for your trouble.
Hi Nina! What did you use for hemp? I’ve heard some people using hemp seeds and hemp hearts instead of powder and it turning out this way.
Can you sub hemp seeds instead of hemp powder? Add 3 or 4 tablespoons when ready to blend, along with chia and flax.
Hi Mary! You could give this a try and blend it when ready, yet with hemp seeds it will be more of a paste than a powder.
I followed the instructions. Why did mine become paste, not powder?
Hi Ivy! If it turned into paste, then you probably used hemp seeds, not hemp protein powder! If you ever have questions, for a faster response reach out to hello@simplegreensmoothies.com
Hi. If I swap pea protein for the hemp, do I use the same amount? Do you have a suggestion for a good brand of pea protein? Thanks
Hi! You can definitely do a 1:1 swap for pea protein. I haven’t used it, so I can’t recommend a good brand based on my experience. Yet I’ve heard good things about Ka’Chava and Naked Pea!
Why do you place the hemp powder in the blender? It’s already super fine. So with the chia & flax seeds added they aren’t getting ground up as the hemp powder is in the way. Perhaps grind the chia & flax on their own then add the hemp powder would make more sense. I bought the exact hemp powder in your recipe.
Hi Kelly! I add it in there so it can all get mixed together.
This was turning into a paste very quickly in my Vitamix on the lowest setting. 🙁 Is it because the hemp hearts have to be refrigerated to stay fresh? I already had them on hand, so didn’t think (after ready many reviews) that I would have to buy the hemp protein powder separately. Any ideas on how to make this work?
Hi Ronnie! To create hemp powder the hemp hearts have to have the oil removed to turn into hemp protein powder, that’s why it turned into a paste vs a powder. For this recipe, you’ll need a hemp protein powder vs hemp hearts.
Can you use ground flaxseed and chia seed powder instead?
Hi Stephanie! You can definitely use ground flaxseed and chia seed powder instead. It’ll turn out a little different, yet should turn out fine!
Love love love this recipe. I use it in about 99% of my mostly daily smoothies. Love the flavor and the benefits. Easy to make with a blender or food processor. Thanks!
Yeahh!!! You’re definitely rawkin’ your smoothies with this homemade protein powder, Suzanne!