This DIY 5-seed vegan protein blend is the perfect recipe for plant-based foodies that want a clean, cheaper way to add protein to your diet without having to shell out big bucks for a good quality, healthy protein powder. Plus it’s gluten free, nut free and grain free!
Vegan protein powders have definitely become more readily available in the last few years. Honestly, I know there are some great options out there. However, they can be hard to find at an affordable price, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed in the process. So here is my recipe for an easy 5-seed DIY Vegan protein powder/blend and a list of the benefits of each seed.
Honestly, I love being able to make my own protein blend that is full of clean ingredients. This protein blend contains no additives or unnecessary ingredients. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve spotted protein powders in stores and have been blown away by how many additives there are in what is meant to be ‘all natural’ and ‘healthy’ for our bodies. Plus, it works out SO much cheaper than store bought versions, in the long run. Especially if you have most of the ingredients in the your kitchen anyway (which I do).
This protein is made up of a 5-seed blend: Hemp seeds, chia seeds, linseed, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds. Each seed has its own health benefits to give you a nutritional boost along with a protein punch.
The Benefits of this 5-seed Vegan protein powder
All the health benefits of this powder really come down to the individual ingredients used within the recipe. Below are some of my favourite benefits of each seed.
The Benefits of Hemp Seeds
Hemp seeds are not only a great source of protein, but they are also a great source of magnesium, high fibre and low salt. In just one tablespoon of hemp seeds, there is over 3g protein too. With the seeds being one of the only Vegan ‘complete sources of protein’. This basically means that they provide all nine essential amino acids that make up protein, which can’t be produced naturally by our bodies.
Hemp seeds also apparently reduce the risk of heart disease, due to its high amounts of an amino acid. This helps to lower blood pressure and inflammation. As well as being a good source for healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for your immune system. They and also used to help skin conditions, including eczema and dry, itchy skin.
The Benefits of Chia seeds
Chia seeds are an absolute favourite ingredient of mine. So much so that I add them to SO many of my recipes including The Best 5 healthy Dessert Inspired Overnight Oats. They are also incredibly nutritious, yet relatively low calorie.
A single tablespoon is not only loaded with healthy fiber, omega-3 fatty acids and other micronutrients. It also contains only 68kcal and 2g protein. Plus, they are a low-carb food because the majority of the carbs within them are fiber that isn’t digested. In fact, chia seeds are 40% fiber and great for your gut health.
Chia seeds also contain high levels of antioxidants, which fight free radicals, thus contributing to the prevention of cancer and signs of ageing. Plus, due to their gel-like consistency when mixed with liquids, chia seeds often expand in the stomach, thus keeping you feeling fuller for longer.
Benefits of Linseed (also known as flaxseed)
Linseed is a particularly good source for protein, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids like the other seeds used for this blend (thus also having the same health benefits). However, they are also a rich source for various vitamins and minerals. Just one tablespoon of linseed contains 1.3g protein and is only 37kcal.
They also contain a nutrient known as lignans. These include potent antioxidants and help prevent cancerous cells. They have also been known to help improve cholesterol, lower blood pressure, control blood sugar as well as decrease hunger pangs due to its viscous nature when mixed with liquids (much like chia seeds).
Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds contain 1g protein and around 38kcal per tablespoon and are a rich source of magnesium, iron & zinc as well as antioxidants and many other nutrients, meaning there are lots of health benefits to including these in your diet.
For example, pumpkin seeds are great for heart & bone health, blood pressure and regulating blood sugar levels due to the high magnesium content.
They are also known as a preventative for many cancers, including stomach, lung and breast cancer. As well as improved heart health and healthy cholesterol, to lower blood sugar levels and even to improve sleep. Just to name a few…
Benefits of Sunflower seeds
Last but not least is sunflower seeds. This small but mighty seed is filled to the brim with nutrients. A healthy dose of magnesium, potassium, zinc, iron, folate as well as essential fats and Vitamins A, B and E. They also contain 2g protein per tablespoon and ZERO cholesterol.
Because of all the excellent nutrients inside these little seeds, they come with all sorts of health benefits. These include lowering blood sugar levels, blood pressure and cholesterol as well as being heart-healthy, and a natural anti-inflammatory.
How to make this 5-seed Vegan protein powder/blend
The best part about making your own protein poweder is how ridiculously simple the process is. Simply blend up each of your seeds individually, into a fairly fine powder, mix these with some homemade vanilla powder and then deposit into a large airtight container. Voila!
How to use this 5-seed vegan protein powder
Personally, I love to use this protein blend as a ‘topper’ first and foremost. Topping smoothie bowls, with yogurt and fruit, over salads etc. I also use it as a filler for sauces (if you omit the vanilla then this can be added to pasta sauces and soups), smoothies, a tablespoon within any overnight oats recipe and within baked goods. You can even try to incorporate it into the crust of my tart recipes, for a little protein boost to your dessert.
In fact, if you give this recipe a go, then let me know your favourite ways to use it in the comments below!
If you’re looking for any other DIY inspiration, then I have lots to choose from. From How to make Coconut Butter, to Homemade Oat Milk (that isn’t slimy) or even DIY Homemade Vegan Nutella. In fact, I have quite a few homemade milks, cheeses, baking ingredients and more. PLUS, I’m making it a mission to try to upload one new DIY every single day!
If you give this DIY a go, then please let me know in the comments below! Also, I love to see your creations, so feel free to tag me @AlphaFoodie.
DIY 5-Seed Vegan Protein Powder / Blend
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup hemp seeds
- 1/2 cup chia seeds
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup flaxseed
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla powder optional
Instructions
- Grind each ingredient separately in a spice grinder/ food processor until a fine flour. Be careful not to over grind.
- Mix all ingredients together and add the vanilla to the mixture
- Store in an air-tight container in a dry dark place to use for up to four weeks or it can be stored in the refrigerator to allow it to last longer. (I prefer to store mine in the fridge)
Video
Notes
- Do not grind all ingredients together at once in the food processor, as the hemp seeds and linseeds can be difficult to get a fine flour texture and may take longer.
- I use 1 tablespoon in smoothies or sprinkle in salads or cookies or oatmeal
Nutrition
Silvia
Hi! Why is the shelf life only 4 weeks ? The seeds and linseed meal usually last years?
Thank you
Support @ Alphafoodie
Hi Silvia,
When you blend them, the seeds oxidize faster. That’s why I recommend using them within a few weeks. Of course, they could still be good after 4 weeks – you should be able to tell by the smell if they have gone off. I hope this helps!
Brenda Manning
Hi there,
Thank you for this, I’m anxious to try it. However, I think it’s important to tell us why we should not overgrind the seeds, or how we are supposed to even know when they are overground… does that make sense? What will happen that we are trying to avoid?
Support @ Alphafoodie
Hi Brenda,
When over grinding the seeds, you risk them turning into butter, like hemp butter or sunflower butter. They just need to be blended into small pieces, almost flour/powder-like. But if you keep on blending, their natural oils will be released causing the mix to turn into paste and butter. I hope this helps.
Amanda Barnhart
Where can I find the processor you use in the video ?
Support @ Alphafoodie
Hi Amanda,
It’s a handheld blender – it’s linked on the shop page if you want to check it out – https://www.alphafoodie.com/shop/
Robin
Thank you for sharing this information. I can’t wait to try it. Iplan to use as a base for smoothies, will it work fpr that?
Robin
Please excuse the typos in the previous message. Also, I was wondering if I could use Cacao powder to switch up the flavors a bit.
Support @ Alphafoodie
Yes, of course, if wanted, add some cacao powder. Maybe first test with a small amount so you can adjust to taste – adding first a bit of cacao powder and increasing as needed.
Support @ Alphafoodie
Hi Robin,
Yes, you can add it to smoothies – use 1-2 Tbsp.
Rosalie
Could I blend in some yellow split peas, too?
Support @ Alphafoodie
Hi Rosalie,
The yellow split peas need to be cooked to be consumed safely. This 5-seed mix relies on seeds that can be consumed raw.
Izzy
Hi.
I want to make a batch for after training.
I’m not good at quantities/measurements.
How do I know how much protein per scoop if I make a batch?
I thought it would be better rather than buying some as it’s expensive.
Support @ Alphafoodie
Hi Izzy,
One serving of 20g is 5g of protein. I hope this helps. 🙂
Esparanza Standing Bear
Thank you so much for this helpful information and recipe! I would like to confirm that 1 tablespoon has 5 grams of protein correct?
Support @ Alphafoodie
Hi there,
The nutrition shown is an estimate for the suggested serving of 20 g – so it’s 5 g of protein in 20 g of powder (about 2.5 Tbsp of this blend). I hope this helps.
Brad
I love this idea! I’m tweaking each time I make a batch. I have a problem grinding hemp seeds though. They end up coming out of the thermomix as a moist batter. Any tips on how to stop this happening?
Support @ Alphafoodie
Hi Brad,
Glad you like it! Perhaps try to blend it for shorter periods or pulse it until you get a powder consistency. Give your blender breaks in between as the heat can also play a role. Let me know if this helps.
Kurt
Hi
I already have protein powder that I buy regularly. Can I add this blend to it?
Support @ Alphafoodie
Hi Kurt,
If you feel like you need more protein, I don’t see why not. Please keep in mind that this homemade blend doesn’t dissolve in water.
JANET E WILLIAMSON
What does this taste like? Can I add it something sweet or sour?
Support @ Alphafoodie
Hi Janet,
It tastes like a seed mix and you can add it to any food of your preference.
Abrar
Thank you for sharing this amazing blog. It is easy to learn and understand. It’s a truly useful blog.
Support @ Alphafoodie
Thank you for your comment, Abrar!
shirley
Hi would like to know if your mix is soluble in water/milk
Thank you
Shirley
Support @ Alphafoodie
Hi Shirley,
No, unfortunately not.
Manisha
Hi, can we mix this powder in roti dough?
Support @ Alphafoodie
Hi Manisha,
Yes, you should be able to add the powder to the dough.
Amanda
Hi i am looking at the nutrition
Serving: 20g | Calories: 119kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 92mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 35IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 57mg | Iron: 2mg
Is it that the protein is 5g per serving? Or 20g pr tbsp?
Support @ Alphafoodie
Hi Amanda,
The nutrition shown is for the suggested serving of 20 g – so it’s 5 g of protein in 20 g of powder (about 2.5 Tbsp of this blend). But please keep in mind that the nutritional information is calculated with an online database and, even though accurate metrics for the ingredients are provided, these figures should be considered only as an estimate.
I hope this helps.
Todd C
Do you think i could make a protein powder blend could then be processed into a butter?
Support @ Alphafoodie
Hi Todd,
Yes, you could – if you blend the seeds with a food processor or a blender, after a while the powder will start to turn into a paste and then will become more runny (like a nut or seed butter). There is an Omega Seed butter recipe here on the blog if you want to check for more details – https://www.alphafoodie.com/super-omega-seed-butter/ (the ingredients are essentially the same).