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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.
Table of Contents
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.
Video
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.
Can you use Hemp
Seeds instead of hemp
Protein powder?
Good question, Vicky, You can use hemp hearts—it will still be nutritious, but it won’t be a true protein “powder” recipe anymore. Hemp hearts are higher in fat and make the smoothie creamier, while hemp powder has most of the fat removed and keeps the protein and fiber. You’ll also get less protein per serving with hemp hearts.
After making this powder for the thrid time and dealing with the clumping and caking, I wonder if it be easier to just add a scoop of the protein powder with 1 tsp ea of the seeds to my smoothies?
I think it’s time I made a video demo showing how I do it. If you have it blending at high speed for very long, it will cause clumping because it’s “baking” the seeds. You can def just add each to your smoothies in the morning— just make sure you can get the flaxseed blended well so you get the nutrients from it.
I am always so pleased to have new recipes from you to try. Living in country Australia I have difficulty sourcing ingredients even getting them posted from USA is difficult due to currency exchange rate and Customs rules and regulations. For the make it yourself protein powder, can I use Hemp Hearts into the blender with Chia and Flaxseeds? Or can I just include a quantity of each of the three ingredients into my smoothie? Thanks for any help and thank you for sharing so freely all of the information that you have. Bless you abundantly.
Hi Jennifer! If you substitute for hemp hearts your powder will be a paste so I wouldn’t suggest it. You could substitute for a different plant-based protein powder of your choice.
The best protein powder that doesn’t affect the taste of your smoothies!!!
Amen, sister! Thrilled you like it.
How much is a serving in grams?
I have made this often and LOVE the results!!
Hi Virginia! According to google, I’m thinking 1/4 cup would be approx 85 grams.
Different conversion calculator are giving me various readings. I think the issue is liquid or dry, and also what. Looking on the label of Just Hemp, it says 4 Tbsp, which is a 1/4 cup, is 30g. Don’t know how much the seeds will add.
If you’re weighing the amount, it’s about 30g. Which is in between 3-4 Tbsp. I recommend shaking the powder before getting 1/4 cup since it’s not meant to be a compact amount.
I have only just inspired to get this powder to boost my health
I think it will be a good protein source. Thanks for sharing
It’s a great way to add protein to smoothies, Delrita!
Can I use a food processor instead of a blender to make this recipe?
Hi Jessicah! Yes! That would probably work as well as, if not better than a blender.
I like the idea of this homemade protein powder very much as I worry about the added ingredients in pre-made protein powders. I purchased the Hemp Yeah Max Protein powder that was linked on Amazon in the 16 oz container. Since the recipe called for 2 3/4 cups, and 16 oz. is only 2 cups, I decided to decrease the chia and flax seeds called for in the recipe from 5 tbsp each to 4 tbsp each. Hopefully that is about right! I was concerned when I first read this recipe that my high-speed blender would not be strong enough to properly blend these three ingredients into a fine enough powder, and sadly this was the case. I have a 1,000 watt Professional Ninja Blender. The flax seeds pretty much were not chopped up at ALL. It should probably be stated somewhere in the recipe “notes” that you must have a Vitamix blender or something equally as strong.
So glad you gave this one a try, Stacey! I hate to hear your blender didn’t blend it up nicely though. I’d try a food proccessor as well, if you’ve got one!
Hello. I’m allergic to hemp. Is there something I can use to sub for the hemp? I already put spiraling, chia, and flax into my smoothies.
Thanks
Hi Jennifer! You could substitute with another plant-based protein powder of your choice!
Does this have a shelf life? How long does this recipe last? And should it be refrigerated or can it just sit on your counter?
Hi Deatrice! This homemade protein powder can be stored at room temperature in a dark place, like a cabinet or in the fridge. The recipe makes 15 servings so it doesn’t last that long in my house, yet as long as you’re storing it properly it should last a few months!
If I wanted to drink a serving of this powder with water – how much should I use. I can’t stand really thick smoothies so I thought I would drink both separately unless you have some advice. I need liquid nutrition because of food taste and smell issues that can’t be cured…If I can drink it I can hold my nose so not to taste it….
Hi Nina! This one isn’t the best on it’s own in water, yet you could mix with a cup and see how it goes!
Going to make this to add to my smoothies. I typically like to get more grams of protein in my meal replacements. Could I had a scoop of collagen or gelatin for an extra 10 g of protein?
Hi Tawny! You could definitely add collagen to your smoothies for extra protein as well. Great idea!
Hello planning on making this for myself and my husband. He currently uses a store protein and since he works out often I think this recipe is a much better option. Question is there anything that can be substituted for the chia seeds? I know the benefits but I don’t like the texture of them normally, it could be different as a powder. Thanks!!!
Hi Daphne! In this recipe, you’ll grind them down to a powder so there shouldn’t be a texture issue. Hope this helps!
What can I add to this to make it salted caramel flavoured?
Hi Cat! The recipe is a great add in for smoothies, not so much on it’s own. I’d suggest blending it in a smoothie!
Can I substitute hemp hearts in this recipe somehow?
Hi Carolyn! I wouldn’t use hemp hearts in this recipe, as your powder will turn out to be a paste.
So good the powder its self doesn’t have a taste to me. But with milk and pancake syrup omg tasty I even have cacao powder to mix in it too. I feel like I can do a different taste every time and that what I love about this. I hate have the same drink taste every time. Ty so much for this. ✌️
I think you’re definitely on to something, Tiffany! Sounds delish!
Are some hemp seeds “wetter” than others? What I’ve got is listed on the label as “organic shelled hemp seed” and nothing else. My result is more of a paste than a powder. I can make balls out of it.
Hi Cindy! For this recipe you’ll need hemp protein powder instead of hemp seeds. The seeds have an oil that make them wet, hence the paste. Hope this helps!
I love this recipe! It’s so nice to have a simple clean recipe to make my own protein powder. 100x better than commercial products.
Thanks!
You’re welcome Valerie! Thanks for using it and being a rawkstar all these years with me!
Can I take this powder with simple milk or can I use it only in smoothies and what else can I mix in the powder for flavour.??
If you don’t want to use it in a smoothie, you could mix it into milk with maple syrup to create some sweetness and flavor. I would still blend it to create a better texture. You could also blend it with a date and some cinnamon— that would be real good!
can you specify quantities in weight please.
If I can get my hands on a food scale I’ll try and update the recipe. Yet when measuring everything in cups, you should be okay.