How To Make Hemp Milk (Easy Recipe) - Elavegan (2024)

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5 from 2 votes

How to make hemp milk with just 4 ingredients (2 of those are optional) and in several minutes. The result is a creamy, protein-dense, highly nutritional, plant-based milk alternative!

How To Make Hemp Milk (Easy Recipe) - Elavegan (1)

Dairy-free, Nut-free, Creamy, Protein-dense Hemp Milk

Whether you’re dairy-free or 100% vegan, you’re probably familiar with the ever-growing choices for milk alternatives that are available in stores these days. However, while incredibly ‘convenient,’ those store-bought options also often contain unnecessary additives, thickeners, and stabilizers. If they don’t, you certainly pay for the privilege.

However, when learning how to make hemp milk at home (or most milk substitutes, in fact), it requires just two base ingredients, with optional sweetener and vanilla for a sweet treat. There are absolutely no unnecessary add-ins involved, and the entire process takes just minutes. The resulting milk is packed with nutrients and perfect for use in smoothies, over cereal (like granola), in teas and coffees (it won’t split!), and more!

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What is Hemp Milk?

Hemp milk (also called hemp seed milk) is a plant-based milk made by combining hemp seeds and water and grinding (or in this case, blending) them, until milky white and creamy.

As non-dairy milk alternatives go, hemp milk is also fairly impressive! Not only is it impressive nutritionally, but hemp seed milk contains similar levels of calcium as regular dairy, and it works wonderfully in hot drinks, too – no curdling!

More so, this hemp milk recipe contains no GMO ingredients (unlike many soy milk brands), is naturally gluten-free (which not all oat milk is), is more sustainable than almond milk (especially when looking at the water usage needed to grow almonds), and is low in natural sugars (unlike oat and rice milk)!

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What are the Hemp Milk Benefits?

As hemp milk is simply a combination of hemp seeds (in this case hemp hearts) and water at its most basic, the majority of health benefits come from the seeds, including:

  • A significant source of plant-based protein: Not only are hemp seeds 25% protein, but in a weight-by-weight comparison, they offer similar amounts of protein as particular meat. In fact, just one tablespoon contains around 3 g of protein.
  • It’s also a complete protein source: Aside from quinoa, hemp seeds are the only other complete plant-based protein sources. This means it provides all the essential amino acids needed through diet.
  • Highly nutritious: Along with the high protein content, hemp seeds also contain 30% heart-healthy fats, good levels of vitamin E, and several minerals, including potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc!
  • Hearthealthy benefits: Thanks to the amino acids, these tiny seeds are packed with beneficial properties, including lowering blood pressure and reduced inflammation. In fact, just one glass of this vegan milk can contain up to 50% of the RDI of omega 3!
  • May reduce PMS symptoms: Thanks to the gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), hemp seeds may help regulate hormone imbalances and the inflammation associated with PMS and menopause.

More so, thanks to the combination of nutrients found within the seeds, this vegan milk also contains neuro-beneficial properties, may help improve skin conditions, and help with other inflammation-related issues. You can read more about the lengthy list of hemp milk benefits here, too!

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The Ingredients

  • Hemp seeds: You need hulled hemp seeds (also called hemp hearts), which are soft and nutty. Not whole hemp seeds- which have a hard outer shell.
  • Water: Use filtered if needed – tap water will work, too, if you can drink it where you live.
  • Sweetener: I used maple syrup, but you can use the sweetener of your choice or omit it entirely for unsweetened hemp milk. You could even use dates to sweeten (use 2 Medjool dates per 1 tbsp syrup that would be used).
  • Vanilla (optional): A little natural vanilla extract does wonders for flavor. However, feel free to omit it if you want a neutral milk substitute for sweet and savory recipes.

Optional add-ins and recipe variations:

  • Cacao/Cocoa: You can add a little cacao/cocoa powder to make chocolate hemp milk. Adjust the amount to personal taste.
  • Berries: In particular, strawberries (but you can experiment), added to the non-dairy milk, will make for delicious berry milk. I recommend adding around ¼ cup berries with 1/2 tsp vanilla and the sweetener of your choice. Strain the mixture afterward to remove any extra pulp and seeds.
  • Salt: A tiny pinch of salt can help enhance any flavors in this plant-based milk. Especially when adding cocoa or berries.
  • Spices: Another simple way to adjust the flavor of this hemp milk recipe is with spices like cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, etc.

Read the recipe card below for the full ingredients list, measurements, complete recipe method, and nutritional information.

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How to Make Hemp Milk?

The process for making this plant-based milk is incredibly simple and requires just two steps!

  • First, add all the ingredients to a high-speed blender. Then blend for 1-2 minutes, or until the hemp milk is white and creamy.
  • Then (optionally) strain the mixture through a nut milk bag (or cheesecloth), or you can use it as is – with the extra fiber. Make sure to transfer the vegan milk to a sealable container to store.

How to Store

Store: Store the homemade hemp milk in the fridge for up to 5 days. Shake well between each use!

Freeze: Alternatively, you can freeze it for longer-term storage (1-2 months). I recommend doing so in a silicone ice cube tray. That way, you can remove the cubes as needed.

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Recipe Notes and FAQs

  • Adjust the amount of water: Based on how creamy you want the milk to be, you can adjust the ratio of water to seeds.
  • Don’t waste the pulp: If you decide to strain the hemp seed milk, you can add the pulp (though it’s just a little) to porridge, smoothies, or even baked goods like cookies.
  • What does hemp milk taste like? Hemp seeds have a slightly earthy, nutty flavor.
  • Do you need to soak the hemp seeds before blending? Not at all. These little hemp hearts are already tender and buttery, meaning there’s no need to soak (unlike cashews or almonds). However, if you leave them soaking for 24 hrs, this seems to reduce the amount of leftover ‘pulp’.

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More Vegan Drink Recipes

  • Vegan Banana Milkshake
  • Creamy Mango Lassi
  • Watermelon Margarita
  • Immune-Boosting Beetroot Ginger Juice
  • Homemade Coconut Milk
  • Mulled Wine

If you try this homemade hemp milk recipe, I’d love a comment and★★★★★recipe ratingbelow. Also, please don’t forget totag me in re-creations on Instagram or Facebookwith@elavegan #elavegan – I love seeing them.

How To Make Hemp Milk (Easy Recipe) - Elavegan (9)

Homemade Hemp Milk

How to make hemp milk with just 4 ingredients (2 of those are optional) and in several minutes. The result is a creamy, protein-dense, highly nutritional, plant-based milk alternative!

5 from 2 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 0 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Drinks

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 80 kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender.

  • Blend for about 1-2 minutes, or until the hemp milk is white and creamy.

  • You can strain it into a mixing bowl through a nut milk bag or transfer it directly to a sealable container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Omit the vanilla extract if you want to use the hemp milk for savory recipes.
  • Use less water for a creamier, richer dairy-free milk and more for thinner milk.
  • Store the homemade hemp milk in the fridge for up to 5 days. Shake well between each use!

Nutrition Facts

Homemade Hemp Milk

Serving Size

120 ml

Amount per Serving

Calories

80

% Daily Value*

Fat

6

g

9

%

Saturated Fat

1

g

5

%

Carbohydrates

3

g

1

%

Fiber

1

g

4

%

Sugar

2

g

2

%

Protein

4

g

8

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutrition information is an estimate and has been calculated automatically

How To Make Hemp Milk (Easy Recipe) - Elavegan (10) Simple and Delicious Vegan Cookbook by ElaVeganCLICK HERE to order!

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How To Make Hemp Milk (Easy Recipe) - Elavegan (2024)

FAQs

Is hemp milk anti-inflammatory? ›

Gluten, soy, and lactose are not present in hemp milk. It's perfect for vegans and anyone who doesn't eat or cannot tolerate dairy. It contains a lot of omega-rich fatty acids, which can lessen inflammation and cholesterol levels in the body.

Can hemp milk be frothed? ›

Can you froth hemp milk? Yes, the high protein content means you can make a decent froth for a coffee from hemp milk. It's most similar to soy in terms of how it behaves but as it's a relatively new entrant to the market it's not as widely used yet.

Why is hemp milk the healthiest milk? ›

Hemp milk offers 3 or more grams of plant-based protein in every serving. Plus, hemp milk is an excellent source of omega-3 ALA and calcium and a good source of magnesium, and Vitamin D. The exact nutritional profiles of hemp milk will vary by brand and even by varieties within the same brand.

Does hemp milk have estrogen? ›

No, hemp protein does not contain estrogen. As hemp foods have no phytoestrogen properties, hemp products don't have an impact on estrogen levels one way or the other.

What are the disadvantages of hemp milk? ›

Some brands of hemp milk have added sugars. Too many added sugars may increase your risk of diabetes. Some hemp milk also contains thickeners like carrageenan, guar gum, or xanthan gum. These gelling agents may cause stomach aches, bloating, inflammation of the digestive system, and more adverse reactions.

Does hemp milk affect hormones? ›

Hemp milk is hormone- and dairy-free and, as its name implies, is derived from hemp seeds. "It's packed with Omega-3s and is good for joint health and rich in fiber, which is beneficial for digestive and heart health," Dr.

Is hemp milk good for gut health? ›

Also, hemp milk is a great example of a beneficial dietary addition that diversifies your gut microbiome and the types of heart-healthy fats in your current diet!

Does hemp milk taste like milk? ›

The flavor of unsweetened hemp milk could be likened to nut milk. Often compared to the taste of sunflower seeds, its flavor is nutty, earthy and slightly sweet. The texture of hemp milk is creamy and smooth without being too dense or rich. While similar to dairy milk, it's thicker than 2% milk.

How long does hemp milk last in the fridge? ›

Pour into a bottle or container with a lid and store in the fridge until ready to use. It should keep fresh for up to 5 - 7 days or you can freeze it. Shake well before using as the milk can settle and separate. Use the hemp milk on cereal, in baking, in coffee or tea, anywhere you like!

What's the creamiest non-dairy milk? ›

Perhaps the most distinct of all the plant milks is coconut milk. The creamy alternative has a higher fat content than a lot of plant-based milks making it popular with baking and thickening up dishes like curries. Coconuts do not require any deforestation to produce, in the contrary, they require more trees.

Why is hemp milk so expensive? ›

The cost of production rises dramatically as a result of the requirement to adhere to strict guidelines and an inspection process. As a result, the price of organic hemp milk is significantly higher than that of conventional hemp milk. Customize your report by selecting specific countries or regions and save 30%!

Does hemp milk need to be refrigerated? ›

Hemp is reactive to oxygen and hemp milk spoils fast if left out. Boxed hemp milk does not have to be refrigerated until after opening. Homemade hemp milk should be refrigerated in a sealed container and consumed within one week.

How long does hemp milk last once opened? ›

Hemp milk is usually sold in shelf-stable containers that remain fresh when stored in a cool, dark cupboard until the expiration date or until they are opened. Once opened, hemp milk should be kept in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 7 to 10 days if kept refrigerated.

Can newborn babies drink hemp milk? ›

It is best to wait until after your baby's first birthday, however, to offer hemp seed milk as a drink (cooking with it is fine) as it is important that cow milk and milk alternatives do not displace breast milk or formula in the first year of life.

Is hemp seed milk good for babies? ›

Yes! Hemp seeds and hemp seed oil are terrific ingredients to add nutritional value to your baby's diet and to help with that ever-present challenge: constipation. Nutritionally, hemp seeds are a complete protein, which means that they have all the essential amino acids that your baby's body needs to thrive.

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