Hemp protein is the perfect ingredient for making healthy, vegan and gluten-free smoothies which can be enjoyed by anyone. Whether you are on a health boost or looking to make your diet more plant-based, adding hemp protein into your diet is a great starting point.
Hemp protein powder is created at the very end stage when hemp seeds are being processed. The seeds are pressed for oil, and the remainder of the seed left behind is then ground down into a kind of hemp flour.
This flour is then processed further to create hemp protein powder. Hemp seeds contain virtually all the amino acids which are found in meat and dairy making them a pure source of protein and a really good addition to any vegetarian or vegan diet.
The protein found in hemp seeds is also really easy to digest and for our bodies to absorb, making hemp protein powders a really great beneficial ingredient for any diet.
Hemp protein powder is perfect for adding to smoothies because it tastes good and can come in a number of different flavoured versions as well. Check out this one from Focus Performance for a very good flavoured option https://www.focusperformance.co.uk/products/hemp-protein
You can try them in a number of different types of smoothies so try out these five great recipes as a starting point:
Hemp Protein with Peanut Butter Smoothie
If you love chocolate and peanut butter then this is the perfect smoothie for you, with a combination of nutty and sweet flavours. Packed with goodness, flavours and energy, this smoothie makes a great breakfast, providing a powerful and energising start to the day.
Ingredients
- Eight tbsps. of chocolate flavoured hemp protein powder
- Two tbsps. of peanut butter
- Two chopped, frozen bananas
- Two cups of almond milk
- Ice
Directions
Put all of the ingredients apart from the ice, into your blender and blend well. If required, add more ice and blend again. If you want to reduce the amount of sugar, then you can remove the bananas and increase the ice content. It will be a more watery consistency but still tastes good.
Hemp Protein with Pear Smoothie
If you are a fan of green smoothies you will love this combination with the bitter flavours of spinach sweetened up by the pear and banana. Packed with vitamins and healthy nutrients, this smoothie will set you up for the day.
Ingredients
- One frozen banana
- One chopped pear
- One cupful of spinach
- One tbsp. of ground almonds
- Two scoops of hemp protein powder
- One cup of water
Directions
Add all of the ingredients into the blender –as a quick tip put the spinach in last so it doesn’t get tangled around the blades. Blend until smooth and then serve.
Hemp Protein with Spirulina Smoothie
Renowned for its health benefits, spirulina works perfectly with hemp protein powder to create a tasty and incredibly healthy nutritious drink, for an extra boost.
Ingredients
- One and a half cups of almond milk
- One banana
- One tbsp. of spirulina powder
- Three tbsps. of hemp protein powder
- One tsp. of maca powder
Directions
Combine all of the ingredients into a blender and blend well until smooth. Serve immediately over ice to taste.
Hemp Protein with Cacao Smoothie
Perfect for chocolate lovers, this smoothie combines cacao powder with the nutty flavor of almond milk and all the goodness of hemp protein powder, providing a sweet tasting energising smoothie.
Ingredients
- One and a half cups of almond milk
- One chopped pear
- Two to four tbsps. of organic raw cacao powder
- Three tbsps. of hemp protein powder
Directions
Combine all of the ingredients together in a blender and blend until smooth. Serve immediately over ice to taste.
- Hemp Protein with Blueberry and Mango smoothie
For fruity fans, this smoothie recipe is perfect, with the unusual combination of mango and blueberries providing a tangy, tasty experience.
Ingredients
- One and a half cups of almond milk
- One cup of frozen blueberries
- Half a cup of frozen mango
- Three tbsps. of hemp protein powder
- One tbsp. of coconut oil
- One tbsp. of ground flax seeds
Directions
Combine all of the ingredients in your blender and blend until smooth. Serve immediately over ice to taste.
Hemp protein powder is packed full of goodness and is particularly beneficial for those on a vegan or vegetarian diet, as a great source of almost pure protein. Including it into tasty smoothie recipes is an easy and delicious way to include it into your daily diet.
Whether you opt for a peanut and chocolate rich smoothie or a lighter, fruitier version, you are sure to find a recipe to suit your taste buds. We have selected five classic choices here but you can combine any ingredients. Why not experiment and see what kinds of combinations you can come up with by trying out different fruit, vegetables and other flavours?
Scott is a sports and fitness writer and writes full time for Focus Performance. When not in front of his computer or spending time in the gym you can see him hanging out in his favorite coffee shop devouring the latest Stephen King novel.
Photo credit: Kitchen Nutiva // The Healthy Family & Home
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