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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!
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.
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 healthy smoothies, post-workout shakes, baked goods, stovetop 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.
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.
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.
Best ways to use protein powder
This homemade vegan protein powder is great as a ‘topper’ or ‘add-in’ to boost protein content in:
- Hot oatmeal and cold overnight oats
- Healthy smoothies, protein shakes, and smoothie bowls
- A yogurt parfait
- Over salads and soups, or in sauces (minus the vanilla)
- Sprinkled over a bagel or avocado toast
- As a topper for pancakes, waffles, and more (with berries and maple syrup)
- As a flour substitute (in small quantities) in pancakes, cookies, and quick breads
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.
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
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 raw pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 cup raw 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
- 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)
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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?
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).
Been getting mine at Amazon.
Thanks for the tip, Pam.
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?
Hi,
Sesame seeds are also a good source of nutrition so they will complement the other seeds in the mix.
Is it vegan paleo friendly reciepe
Hi Nikil,
Yes, this 5-seed protein powder is both vegan and paleo friendly. 🙂
I hope you give it a try.
May I place in water and drink
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.
Can you add nuts like almonds or cashews? Does that the blend too sticky?
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 🙂
A serving of hemp seeds has more protien than this recipe
Thanks for your comment, Carol.
This blend includes different seeds, so the overall nutritional values change.
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?
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).
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.
Yes to all apart from the hemp seeds – I did use whole seeds 🙂 I hope you enjoy the recipe!
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❤️
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.
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
Thank you so much! So glad you’re enjoying it 🙂
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?
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.
Hello, Could you give me an estimate as to how many grams of protein would be in one Tbsp!
Thank you
Hi Marc, I added the nutrition information to the recipe card above! Hope that helps!
Can I add milk powder to this recipe for extra protein
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 🙂
Hi I was reading through the comments, and I saw that your seeds are shelled? Can they be unshelled?
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 🙂
So is the nutrition info you have posted for 1 tbsp?
If not, what is the amount ?
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.
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.
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. 🙂
I’d like to try this, how long do you think it will last if kept in the fridge?
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. 🙂
Hello
You are a good person and I love your recipe
Thank you – I’m glad you’re enjoying my recipes!
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
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.
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
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.
Could we take this water directly? This looks really interesting and I would love to try it!
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.
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
Hi Sudha,
For this recipe, the seeds are raw.