Simple Homemade Protein Powder 

4.86 from 78 votes
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This 5-ingredient homemade protein powder is made from wholesome seeds with no chemicals or fillers, is easy to customize, loaded with nutrients, versatile, and naturally vegan & gluten-free!

A scoop with homemade protein powder

This homemade protein powder uses a blend of 5 high-protein seeds for a cheaper (especially if they’re already in your pantry), cleaner way to boost your protein with no chemicals, fillers, or gums. Just clean, high-quality ingredients, easy to customize to your dietary and flavor preferences.

Combined, this DIY vegan protein powder recipe will help keep you feeling full for longer, aid with muscle growth and tissue repair, provide a vitamin/mineral and omega boost, and several other benefits. These may include reduced inflammation and blood pressure, regulating blood sugar levels, and improved skin, brain, and heart health.

A jar with homemade five seed protein powder

While it’s not 100% comparable to store-bought versions, this DIY protein powder is quick and simple to make and customize, will save you money, and is great to add to smoothies, post-workout shakes, baked goods, oatmeal, salads, and more!

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Ingredients for homemade protein powder

  • Hemp Seeds: Make sure to use shelled hemp seeds/ hemp hearts (the ones photographed aren’t shelled). The shells are too hard to digest. These seeds contain an optimal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3, several minerals, 30g protein per 100 grams, and are a high-quality complete source of plant-based protein.
  • Chia Seeds: These tiny seeds contain 18g of protein per 100 grams, gut-healthy fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and plenty of antioxidants.
  • Flax Seeds: (aka linseed) You can use golden or brown linseed, which contain healthy omega-3s, lignans (a potent antioxidant), and about 18 g protein per 100 grams.
  • Pumpkin seeds: (pepitas) These rich, green seeds contain 19g of protein per 100 grams and are a rich source of magnesium, iron, zinc, and plenty of antioxidants.
  • Sunflower Seeds: Last but not least, this small but mighty seed is filled with nutrients, including a healthy dose of magnesium, potassium, zinc, iron, folate, and vitamins A, B, and E. They also contain 21-23g protein per 100g and ZERO cholesterol
  • Vanilla powder: (Optional) If you plan to serve the homemade protein powder in sweet formats only, a small amount of vanilla powder is a great way to boost flavor.

Alternatively, add 2-3 tbsp cacao powder for homemade chocolate protein powder or freeze-dried berries for a berry flavor.

Ingredients for homemade protein powder

What else could I add for a protein boost?

There are several ways to customize this DIY protein powder with additional high-protein ingredients, such as:

  • Peanut powder (which contains 48-49 grams of protein per 100 grams)
  • Pistachios (which contain 20 g protein per 100 grams) – or cashews, walnuts, almonds
  • Pea protein isolate (which contains a whopping 80-84 g protein per 100 grams)
  • Whey protein isolate (dairy-based, 90 g protein per 100 grams!)
  • Whey protein concentrate (usually between 70-80g protein per 100 grams)

How to make your own protein powder

Grind each seed individually in a high-speed blender or coffee/spice grinder. As a general rule:

  • Hard seeds/nuts: Grind for 10-15 seconds or until you achieve a fine, powdery consistency. Pause and check the consistency to avoid over-processing them, as they can start turning into seed butter.
  • Soft seeds: Grind for 5-10 seconds, and be cautious not to over-process them, or they can become gummy.

Then, transfer the protein blend to an airtight jar/container and shake/stir to combine.

Steps for preparing homemade protein powder

Why it’s important to grind each seed separately

  • For the best consistency: Just like when making nut and seed butter, different seeds have different hardness and oil levels. That means they’ll take a different amount of time to achieve the same powdery consistency. Grinding them individually allows you to ensure that you have the most consistent and even texture throughout.
  • To avoid over-processing: As certain seeds, like chia and flax seeds, become gummy if over-processed – which is likely when blending everything together.
  • For maximum nutrients: The longer you grind ingredients, the hotter the machine becomes, which can lead to nutrient degradation. Individual grinding ensures this is kept to a minimum. Likewise, some seeds, like flax seeds, are best if ground just before using them to preserve nutrients (their Omega-3 fatty acids) and keep them from becoming bitter too soon.
  • To customize the blend: For example, the ratio within the blend, thus overall flavor and texture. That way, you can more easily experiment with various combinations and proportions. If you aren’t keen on any of the ingredients, just leave it out or swap it for something similar.
Homemade protein powder in a jar

Best ways to use protein powder

This homemade vegan protein powder is great as a ‘topper’ or ‘add-in’ to boost protein content in:

Storage instructions

Ground flaxseed/ chia seeds have the shortest shelf life due to their high oil content, which can quickly turn them rancid once ground. Combat this by only grinding them fresh or storing them separately in an airtight container in the fridge for 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

The remaining seed blend can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 months or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

A scoop and jar with five-seed powder

More protein-rich recipes

If you try this recipe, let me know how it goes in the comments below. I’d appreciate a recipe card rating and would love to see your recipe recreations – tag me on Instagram @Alphafoodie!

Simple Homemade Protein Powder

4.86 from 78 votes
By: Samira
This 5-ingredient homemade protein powder is made from wholesome seeds with no chemicals or fillers, is easy to customize, loaded with nutrients, versatile, and naturally vegan & gluten-free!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 15

Ingredients 
 

  • 1/2 cup shelled hemp seeds also called hemp hearts (note un-shelled hemp seeds are photographed above)
  • 1/2 cup chia seeds
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
  • 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
  • 1/4 cup flax seeds
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla powder optional OR 2-3 tsp cacao powder of freeze-dried berry powder.

Instructions 

  • Grind each seed individually in a high-speed blender or coffee/spice grinder. As a general rule:
    Hard seeds: Grind for 10-15 seconds or until you achieve a fine, powdery consistency. Pause and check the consistency to avoid over-processing them, as they can start turning into seed butter.
    Soft seeds: Grind for 5-10 seconds, and be cautious not to over-process them, or they can become gummy.
  • Mix all ingredients and add the vanilla to the mixture. Store in an air-tight container.

Video

Notes

What else could I add for a protein boost? There are several ways to customize this DIY protein powder with additional high-protein ingredients:
  • Peanut powder (which contains 48-49 grams of protein per 100 grams)
  • Pistachios (which contain 20 g protein per 100 grams)
  • Pea protein isolate (which contains 80-84 g protein per 100 grams)
  • Whey protein isolate (dairy-based, 90 g protein per 100 grams!)
  • Whey protein concentrate (usually between 70-80g protein per 100 grams)
Storage Instructions: Ground flaxseed/chia seeds have the shortest shelf life due to their high oil content, which can quickly turn them rancid once ground. Combat this by only grinding them fresh or storing them separately in an airtight container in the fridge for 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
The remaining seed blend can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 months or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Course: DIYs
Cuisine: American, Global
Freezer friendly: 6 Months
Shelf life: 1-2 Months

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

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Recipe Rating




98 Comments

  1. 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?

    1. 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).

    2. 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?

      1. Hi,
        Sesame seeds are also a good source of nutrition so they will complement the other seeds in the mix.

      1. 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.

    1. 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 🙂

      1. Thanks for your comment, Carol.
        This blend includes different seeds, so the overall nutritional values change.

  2. 5 stars
    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?

    1. 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).

  3. 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.

    1. Yes to all apart from the hemp seeds – I did use whole seeds 🙂 I hope you enjoy the recipe!

      1. 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❤️

      2. 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.

  4. 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

    1. Hi

      I brought a vegan protein powder first time, during having it I felt coarseness & itchy throat, after having it I feel some throat irritation so i stumbled on your recipe. I have 2 questions

      1. How will we remove phytic acid from seeds without soaking then since we need to make a powder
      2. will toasted seed taste better then raw seeds
      3. Is it safe to use chia seeds unsoaked?

      1. Hi Pooja,
        You remove the phytic acid without soaking the seeds, you can lightly toast or roast them at a low temperature before blending.
        Toasted seeds will have a more enhanced flavor profile and one might like that better.
        It’s safe to use chia seeds unsoaked.
        I hope this helps.

      1. 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 🙂

      2. Hi I was reading through the comments, and I saw that your seeds are shelled? Can they be unshelled?

      3. 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 🙂

      4. 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.

  5. 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.

    1. 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. 🙂

    1. 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. 🙂

      1. 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

      2. 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.

      3. 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

      4. 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.

      5. 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.

      6. 5 stars
        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