This article has been written and fact-checked by Emily Kyle MS, RDN, CLT, HCP, a Certified Holistic Cannabis Practitioner and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Click here to learn more.
Learn everything you need to know about how to make your own naturally vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, Paleo, Keto, and Whole30 approved Homemade Hemp Seed Milk easily at home in under 30-minutes.
How to Make Homemade Hemp Seed Milk
If you’re new to the world of culinary cannabis, hemp seeds are a great ingredient to start cooking with. Hemp seeds are the seed of the hemp, or Cannabis sativa, plant and have a subtle, slightly nutty flavor and an impressive amount of health benefits.
As a Holistic Cannabis Practitioner, I am fascinated with all parts of the cannabis plant, both hemp plants
Hemp seeds, also known as hulled hemp hearts, contain no psychoactive cannabinoids like THC, but they do have an impressive nutrient profile, making them a healthy choice for many different diets.
While hulled hemp hearts are great to enjoy in their raw form, they also have the ability to make the easiest, most creamy and delicious hemp seed milk that is naturally vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, Paleo, Keto, and Whole30 approved.
In this article, we will cover:
- What You Need to Make Homemade Hemp Seed Milk
- What Are Hemp Seeds?
- Are Hemp Seeds Legal?
- The Health Benefits of Hemp Seeds
- Hemp Seed Milk by Diet – Vegan, Paleo, AIP, Keto, Whole30
- CBD Infused Hemp Seed Milk
- Homemade Hemp Seed Milk Recipe Variations
What You Need to Make Homemade Hemp Seed Milk
You really only need two things to make delicious Homemade Hemp Seed Milk, everything else is just extra.
To make Homemade Hemp Seed Milk you need:
What Are Hemp Seeds?
Industrial hemp is an agricultural crop grown for many different purposes, including the culinary use of hulled hemp hearts and the creation of the very popular CBD Hemp Oil.
The seeds and the fibers of the hemp plant contain little to no cannabinoids and do not contain the cannabinoid THC, which often is associated with a negative stigma due to its psychoactive properties.
Hemp by-products have traditionally been imported from other countries, like Canada, due to the 100-year ban on hemp agriculture by the US Government. Now that growing Industrial Hemp is legal in the United States, it is likely that you will see more hemp production arising across the country.
At this time there are currently 21 licensed hemp growers and 7 licensed hemp processors in New York State. The hemp market in New York is currently strongest for seeds for use in food products, but some researchers say the strongest market potential lies in medicine.
How Do You Eat Hemp Seeds?
Hemp seeds are delicious straight out of the bag, but many popular uses include hemp seeds served on top of salads, popcorn, yogurt, eggs, vegetables and more.
The naturally mild, but nutty taste make them great to pair with just about anything. You will find many recipes featuring hemp seeds in this post and
You can also use hemp seeds to make a creamy and delicious homemade hemp seed milk as featured in this post.
What is Hemp Seed Oil?
The hemp seeds mentioned above are used to make a nutritive Hemp Seed Oil which is a popular option used in modern-day cooking. Hemp seed oil is a nutty tasting, nutrient-rich oil extracted from the hemp seed that is used as an alternative to olive oil or coconut oil.
It is important not to confuse the culinary Hemp Seed Oil with the medicinal CBD Hemp Oil found on the market today. You can learn more about the difference in hemp oil options here.
What Do Hemp Seeds Look Like?
Hemp seeds are tiny with an unusually soft texture compared to other seeds. They have an almost buttery consistency, making them enjoyable in a variety of different applications.
Hemp seeds have a very mild flavor and may offer some of the characteristic ‘hemp taste’ due to their low terpene content.
It is important to note that this flavor is extremely mild in comparison to the higher terpene content of the marijuana plant, which gives the plant the classic, strong and pungent odor typically associated with cannabis.
Hemp Hearts vs Hemp Seeds – is There a Difference?
No, there is no difference between hemp hearts vs hemp seeds. The terms hulled hemp hearts and hemp seeds are used interchangeably and both represent the same hemp food product pictured below.
Are Hemp Seeds Nut-Free?
Some of the most popular plant-based milk products on the market today, like Almond Milk or Cashew Milk, are not suitable for those living with a nut allergy.
One popular draw for hemp seeds and homemade hemp seed milk is that hemp seeds are naturally nut-free and tree-nut free.
Hemp milk is a great alternative for anyone who is living with a nut-allergy because it offers a new option for a plant-based milk product alternative.
Are Hemp Seeds Allergen Friendly?
Hemp seeds and homemade hemp seed milk are not only nut and/or tree-nut free, but they are also free of the Top-8 major allergens found in food, which account for nearly 90% of all food allergies in the United States.
A group of the eight major allergenic
Hemp seeds and homemade hemp seed milk are naturally free from milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nut, peanut, wheat and soybean allergens.
Be sure to check the ingredients label on the hemp product you are purchasing to ensure no cross contamination has occurred during processing.
Is Consuming Hemp Seeds During Pregnancy Safe?
One important question is in regards to hemp seeds and hemp products, is it safe to consume hemp or homemade hemp milk when it comes to pregnancy and breastfeeding?
I asked my colleague Liz Shaw, a fellow dietitian Food & Fertility expert, for her professional opinion:
Hemp seeds are a great way to get some healthy fats and quality protein in your diet, especially if you’ve been battling morning sickness during your first trimester (or heaven forbid even longer than that)! Not only do they contain important vitamins and minerals that can provide you and your growing baby the nutrition you both need, but they’re also convenient and easy to toss on a salad or mix in a smoothie.
However, since they are from a particular variety of marijuana plants, it’s recommended you do speak to your physician if you are concerned about the potential risks to your baby. Though research is non-existent at this time in humans as to the amount and effect hemp seed intake will have on your pregnancy, as a nutrition professional and mother, I see no harm in incorporating a small serving (1 tablespoon) a few times a week!
Elizabeth Ann Shaw, MS, RDN, CLT, CPTOwner , Shaw’s Simple Swaps Consulting
Author, Fertility Foods Cookbook+: 100 Recipes to Nourish Your Body
In short, yes, hemp seeds and homemade hemp seed milk are safe to consume during pregnancy, but talk to your doctor first if you are unsure or uneasy.
Are Hemp Seeds Legal?
Yes, hemp seeds and homemade hemp seed milk is legal to consume in the United States.
Industrial hemp has been recently legalized by the Federal Government with the passage of The Farm Bill in December of 2018 after a nearly 100-year prohibition.
Are Hemp Seeds Safe to Consume?
Culinary uses of hulled hemp seeds and hemp oil have been overseen by the FDA, who on December 20th, 2018 stated:
We are announcing that the agency has completed our evaluation of three Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS)
FDA Press Announcementrelated to hulled hemp seeds, hemp seed protein notices hemp seed oil and that the agency had no questions regarding the company’s conclusion that the use of such products as described in the notices is safe. and
Are Hemp Seeds Cannabis or Marijuana?
Hemp seeds are the seed of the hemp, or Cannabis sativa, plant. Both marijuana and hemp are derived from the Cannabis sativa plant, but each
Hulled hemp hearts are derived from the federally legal industrial hemp plant.
Industrial hemp is grown for its many industrial uses and is not considered to be marijuana until the THC content exceeds 0.3%. THC is the pain psychoactive cannabinoid found in marijuana.
Is there CBD in Hemp Seeds?
Hemp seeds and nutritive hemp seed oil, extracted from hemp seeds, contain only trace amounts of any cannabinoid, including CBD, also known as cannabidiol.
There is no quantitive amount of CBD present in hemp seeds or homemade hemp seed milk.
These trace amounts are negligible, and would not produce any noticeable effect that can be typically associated with the use of CBD Oil.
There are instructions later on in this post for infusing your own homemade hemp seed milk with CBD oil if desired.
Do Hemp Seeds Contain THC?
No, hemp seeds, hemp seed oil, and homemade hemp seed milk does not contain any THC.
THC, a cannabinoid known for its psychoactive properties, is not naturally present in industrial farmed hemp. Remember, in order to be classified as hemp, a hemp plant must contain 0.3% or less THC content.
Hemp seeds themselves do not contain cannabinoids, therefore hemp seeds do not contain THC.
Can Hemp Seeds Get You High?
Theoretically, consuming large amounts of hemp seeds could technically introduce enough THC into the body to cause a failed drug test, but the likelihood that someone would consume enough hemp seed products to do so is dismal.
Because hemp seeds have negligible, trace amounts of THC, hemp seeds cannot get you high.
The Health Benefits of Hemp Seeds
Hemp seeds are a nutritious addition to most any diet. They
Hemp Seed Nutrition Facts
A serving of Hemp Seeds is considered to be 3-tablespoons, approximately 1-ounce, or 30 grams. This serving size nutritional breakdown is:
- Calories: 170
- Total Fat: 13 grams
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 grams
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 10 grams (this includes 8 grams of Omega-6 fatty acids and 2.5 grams of Omega-3 fatty acids).
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.5 grams
- Carbohydrates: 3 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 3 grams
- Sugars: 1 gram
- Protein: 10 grams
Are Hemp Seeds A Good Source of Protein?
Hemp seeds are what I consider to be a great source of plant-based protein for those who are adopting a more plant-based diet.
Unfortunately, protein has no percent daily value, so it is important to use the amount of protein in grams on the nutrition facts label as a guide.
Are Hemp Seeds Nutrient Dense?
Nutrient-dense foods and beverages contain vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and other beneficial substances that may have positive health effects.
They are also naturally lean or low in saturated fat and have little or no added saturated fat, sugars, refined starches, and sodium.
This definition places hemp seeds in the nutrient-dense category because they have positive health effects due to the nutrient composition.
The Health Benefits of Hemp Seed Milk
Aside from the obvious beneficial macronutrient breakdown of hemp seeds, they also
One serving, or three tablespoons, of hemp seeds contains:
- 100% daily value of Manganese
- 70% daily value of Magnesium
- 40% daily value of Phosphorus
- 30% daily value of Iron
- 30% daily value Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
- 30% daily value of Zinc
- 15% daily value of Folate
- 10% daily value of Vitamin B6
- 6% daily value of Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
- 2% daily value of Calcium
Aside from offering many important nutrients, studies have shown that hemp seeds may help to protect the brain, boost heart health, reduce inflammation and improve skin conditions.
Hemp Seed Milk By Diet
Is Homemade Hemp Milk Vegan, Vegetarian, or Plant-Based?
Yes, homemade hemp seed milk is naturally vegan, vegetarian, and plant-based.
This makes hemp seeds and homemade hemp milk an excellent addition to any plant-based diet.
Vegan, Plant-Based Hemp Recipe: CBD Hemp Oil Infused Pumpkin Spice Latte
Is Homemade Hemp Seed Milk Paleo Friendly?
Yes, hemp seeds and homemade hemp seed milk is paleo friendly. Many people who follow the paleo diet enjoy hemp seeds in a variety of different ways to replace common, non-compliant foods, like whole grains.
Paleo Friendly Hemp Seed Recipe: Hemp Infused Kombuhca
Is Homemade Hemp Seed Milk Autoimmune Paleo Protocol Friendly?
No, hemp seeds and homemade hemp seed milk is not Autoimmune Paleo Protocol friendly during the first phase.
However, with that being said, homemade hemp seed milk may be a great non-dairy or non-nut alternative milk to try when reintroducing foods back into the diet during the protocol.
Is Homemade Hemp Seed Milk Keto Friendly?
Yes, hemp seeds themselves are high in healthy fat and protein, while being lower in carbohydrates, making them keto friendly.
When making your own homemade hemp seed milk to be Keto friendly, just ensure you are not adding too much sweetener, or opt for a non-nutritive sweetener of choice, like stevia.
Keto Friendly Hemp Seed Recipe: Hemp & Avocado Mayo-Free Deviled Eggs
Is Homemade Hemp Seed Milk Whole30 Compliant?
Yes, hemp seeds and homemade hemp seed milk is Whole30 complaint.
All-Natural Hemp Seed Drink
Should You Add CBD To Your Hemp Milk?
It is a personal decision as to whether or not you want to add CBD Hemp Oil to your homemade hemp seed milk and it should be an educated decision made together with your healthcare provider.
Click here to learn more about the health benefits of CBD Hemp Oil.
Homemade Hemp Seed Milk
Ingredients
- 1 cup hulled hemp hearts (hemp seeds)
- 4 cups filtered water
- 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
- Optional:
- 1mL - VivaOil 500mg CBD Hemp Oil
Instructions
- In a high-speed blender, combine the hemp hearts and water. Let sit for 20 minutes.
- Turn the blender on high speed for 60-seconds.
- Add the maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt.
- Add the CBD oil, if using.
- Run the blender on high for another 30 seconds.
- Strain through a fine-mesh sieve if desired.
Notes
*If you strain the remaining contents of the milk, you will lose some of the nutritional benefits. I recommend to simply shake or stir your hemp seed milk well before consuming.
Recommended Products
-
VivaOil 500mg CBD Hemp Oil - Hemp Hearts - 100% Pure Hemp Hearts - Raw Shelled Hemp Seeds (2 pounds)
- Organic Grade A Maple Syrup
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1 cupAmount Per Serving:Calories: 230 Total Fat: 17g Saturated Fat: 2g Trans Fat: 0g Cholesterol: 0mg Sodium: 170mg Carbohydrates: 5g Fiber: 4g Sugar: 3g Protein: 13g
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Continue ReadingDON’T FORGET YOUR MEAL PLAN
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Welcome! I’m Emily Kyle, a nationally recognized media registered dietitian nutritionist & holistic cannabis practitioner providing holistic health care for those living with autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. To help you, I offer food sensitivity testing, cannabis education, and this blog which provides free resources including anti-inflammatory recipes, holistic health, wellness and nutrition related articles, and evidence-based cannabis education.
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