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 tbsp 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 tsp 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 Tbsp in smoothies or sprinkle in salads or cookies or oatmeal
Nutrition
Angela
I’m SO excited to find this recipe and can’t wait to try it along with the vanilla flavored powder. After my unsuccessful search for a clean, pre-packaged protein powder I realized I’d be hard pressed to find one without all the preservative junk. Thanks BUNCHES!
Support @ Alphafoodie
Thank you so much for your comment, Angela. I hope you like the results. You can also customize the mix depending on what seeds you have.
Cheryl
I have been making this exact five seed mix for about a year (using flax meal rather than the seeds) but never thought to make it into a powder. I just sprinkle it on my yogurt or oatmeal as is and enjoy the crunch. Hemp seeds can be hard to find. My recent purchase was at Trader Joes.
Support @ Alphafoodie
Thank you for your comment, Cheryl.
Yes, you can enjoy the seed mix both as a powder and as whole seeds. And you can mix and match the seeds depending on what you have available.
Bob Hanson
I’ve been making this powder for quite some time now but I wasn’t using pumpkin or sunflower seeds which I will do in my next patch clearly making it even more nutritious and tasty! Thank you for the great information, very well researched.
Support @ Alphafoodie
Thank you for your comment, Bob.
Emma
Hi I’m wondering how long this lasts in the fridge, I’m wanting to make protein balls
Support @ Alphafoodie
Hi Emma,
If you keep it in an air-tight container in the fridge, it will last at least a month. I hope this helps and you get to make the protein balls soon 🙂
Andrew Mackintosh
Hi been looking at making seed milk, would you be able to use the protein blend to make milk, thank you, by the way love the protein powder mix.
Support @ Alphafoodie
Hi Andrew,
I have some seed milk recipes here on the blog. Check out my Guide for seed and nut milk for more information – https://www.alphafoodie.com/a-comprehensive-guide-to-vegan-dairy-free-milk/
So yes, you can definitely make milk with flaxseeds, hemp seeds, etc. I’ve never tried it myself, but you could probably make milk with this protein seed mix. I hope this helps.
Priyanka
Hello,
I really liked your recipe, but what can be used in place of hemp seeds as they are not so easily available. Could you please share a link to buy hemp seeds online?
Support @ Alphafoodie
Hi Priyanka,
You can just omit the hemp seeds and stick with the other 4 seeds. If you really want to add an extra, you could add some pine nuts as they are considered a seed (if you are worried about any nut/food allergies thought, please consult with your doctor).
BK
Hiya!
I used white sesame seeds instead of Hemp seeds because I do not have them readily available but I wanted to have a ‘5 seed’ mix.
@alphafoodie does that work the same way?
Support @ Alphafoodie
Hi,
Sesame seeds are also a good source of nutrition so they will complement the other seeds in the mix.
Nikil
Is it vegan paleo friendly reciepe
Samira
Hi Nikil,
Yes, this 5-seed protein powder is both vegan and paleo friendly. 🙂
I hope you give it a try.
De Dee
May I place in water and drink
Support @ Alphafoodie
HI De Dee,
While it is possible to drink this with water, please note that this homemade powder will not dissolve in water. I hope this helps.
Lakshitha
Can you add nuts like almonds or cashews? Does that the blend too sticky?
AlphaFoodie
You can do! I suggest freezing the nuts beforehand and that will reduce the risk of them turning to butter when you blend them. Blend them separately from the other ingredients, into a crumb consistency or flour and then combine with the other powders 🙂 Just be aware that the nuts will affect the shelf life, and I’d suggest keeping it stored in the fridge or freezer for optimal shelf-life 🙂
Eugene
Hmmm…when I put my hemp seeds in my Electric grinder, it turn the hemp into a hemp butter (like peanut butter texture). Any Suggestions?
AlphaFoodie
Hi Eugene, Did you use shelled or unshelled hemp seeds? I used unshelled hemp in order to keep the high fiber in there and I didn’t grind them for long so they stayed dry. If you are using shelled hemp hearts, I would certainly dry them first so they can become flour when grinding them. The one you have now is great high protein spread (which I talked about in the hemp butter blog post).
John Sanders
I have a few questions about the seeds: first, I assumed they are raw and not toasted? Second, I assume the pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds are shelled, the hemp seeds are hulled, and the flax and chia seeds are whole? I look forward to your answers and especially to trying out this recipe! Many thanks for posting this.
AlphaFoodie
Yes to all apart from the hemp seeds – I did use whole seeds 🙂 I hope you enjoy the recipe!
Sushmita
How can I use this recipe for weight loss? Is it equivalent of the protein powder in the market?
Btw love love love your blogs❤️
Support @ Alphafoodie
Hi Sushmita,
Thank you for your comment.
This homemade seed powder is quite different from the protein powders available on the market. The seeds are indeed very high in protein but they also bring in a lot of other nutrition.
Klara
Very simple and easy to make! I add this to almost everything; salad, bread, smoothies etc. I loooove all of your amazing and inspiring recipes
AlphaFoodie
Thank you so much! So glad you’re enjoying it 🙂
Marc
Hello, Could you give me an estimate as to how many grams of protein would be in one Tbsp!
Thank you
AlphaFoodie
Hi Marc, I added the nutrition information to the recipe card above! Hope that helps!
Ishika
Can I add milk powder to this recipe for extra protein
AlphaFoodie
I haven’t tried that personally, but you could do. just make sure to keep it stored in a moisture-free zone so that the milk powder doesn’t reduce the self-life 🙂
Amanda
Hi I was reading through the comments, and I saw that your seeds are shelled? Can they be unshelled?
Support @ Alphafoodie
Hi Amanda,
Yes, you can use unshelled hemp seeds. I used unshelled hemp in order to keep the high fiber in there and I didn’t grind them for long. I hope this helps 🙂
Diana
So is the nutrition info you have posted for 1 tbsp?
If not, what is the amount ?
Support @ Alphafoodie
Hi Diana,
Yes, the nutrition info is for 1 Tbsp (about 20 g). Please note that the nutritional information is calculated with an online database and, even though accurate metrics are provided, these figures should be considered only as estimates.
Iris
Is this safe for children? If so, what is the recommended quantity for them? I have a 6 year old super energized roller skater who is really bad at consuming protein. This sounded like a good alternative.
Support @ Alphafoodie
Hi Iris,
This seed powder should be safe for childer but I would still recommend checking in with your doctor to make sure what the daily serving would be. 🙂
Vicki
I’d like to try this, how long do you think it will last if kept in the fridge?
Support @ Alphafoodie
Hi Vicki,
If you keep it in an air-tight container in the fridge, it will last at least a month. I hope this helps. 🙂
Samira
Hello
You are a good person and I love your recipe
AlphaFoodie
Thank you – I’m glad you’re enjoying my recipes!
Kristy
Hi I really love this blend but I’m trying to find out how you calculated the calories & nutritional facts.. Because I would like to leave out the hemp seeds & powder milk
Support @ Alphafoodie
Hi Kristy,
The nutritional information is calculated with an online database. Even though I have provided accurate metrics, these figures should be considered estimates.
Feel free to omit the hemp seeds (there is no milk in this recipe ;)) but please note that the nutritional values will change. You can use an online calculator to check the exact values for the amounts and ingredients you use. I hope this helps.
Mireille
Hello
I’m making protein muffins and recipe calls for 2.5 cups of flour . Can I sub 1 of those cups using this mix ?
Thanks in advance
Support @ Alphafoodie
Hi Mireille,
I’d recommend substituting less (maybe max 1/2 cup) as the seed powder doesn’t have the same properties as the flour which is also needed to bind the rest of the ingredients together. I hope this helps.
Sakshi Gupta
Could we take this water directly? This looks really interesting and I would love to try it!
Support @ Alphafoodie
Hi Sakshi,
While it is possible to drink this with water, please note that this homemade powder will not dissolve in water. I hope this helps.
Sudha
Hi im sudha, from India. I love all your recipes. Can you tell me if we can use roasted seeds or it has to be the raw seeds for the power.
Thank you
Support @ Alphafoodie
Hi Sudha,
For this recipe, the seeds are raw.