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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.
โธ 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.
โธ 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 donโt 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 doesnโt 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 ยพ 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.
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 cinnamonโ 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.
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.
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 ยพ cups hemp protein
5 tbsp chia seeds
5 tbsp flax seeds
Hi Evelyn! The ingredients are 2 ยพ cups hemp protein, 5 tbsp chia seeds and 5 tbsp flax seeds. I hope this helps!
Doesnโt 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 havenโt used it, so I canโt recommend a good brand based on my experience. Yet Iโve heard good things about KaโChava 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.
Great recipe. Added it to my smoothie with blueberries, banana, cacao and plain yogurt.
Sounds like a great addition to your smoothie, Dana!