Need a dairy-free milk alternative that doesn’t contain any harmful ingredients? Try this homemade hemp milk! This homemade milk is made with only two ingredients, is filled with essential nutrients, and contains none of the bad stuff!
Whether on a vegan diet or need to be dairy-free, hemp milk is a great way to enjoy “milk” on a plant-based diet.
Hemp has many benefits including protein and minerals that our bodies need. The downside is store-bought hemp milk is NOT cheap.
And if you’re trying to avoid unwanted additives like carrageenan, it’s going to be much pricier.
Fortunately, there’s a healthier and more frugal option. Make homemade hemp milk!
What is Hemp Milk?
Hemp milk is non-dairy and made from hemp seeds and water with optional additions of vanilla and cinnamon for flavor.
Hemp seeds come from a breed of the cannabis plant that has low or non-existent concentrations of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The same plant used for hemp seeds is also used for hemp oil, wax, resin, rope, cloth, pulp, paper, and even fuel.
The seeds themselves have a definite nutty flavor and look much like cooked quinoa, except they’re raw. They’re great on salads, in granola bars, as a gluten-free breading on Pork Chops, and can even be made into hemp butter for those allergic to nuts.
Nutrition Benefits
Hemp seeds are an excellent source of high-quality plant protein – two tablespoons offer nearly 7 grams of protein! That’s one reason why I included them in several of my homemade protein bar recipes in my book, High Protein No Powder.
Hemp seeds also contain magnesium, phytosterols (plant-based, similar to cholesterol, but shown to help reduce cholesterol in humans), ascorbic acid (vitamin C), beta-carotene (half of vitamin A that provides the orange color in carrots and pumpkins), calcium, fiber, iron, potassium, phosphorus, riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3) and thiamine (vitamin B1).
Finally, hemp seeds contain essential fatty acids and healthy fats, making them a complete protein.
Dangers of Hemp Milk
Since this milk contains all of the nutrients I just talked about, there aren’t any dangers in consuming it. There are, however, problems with commercial hemp milk.
Similar to store-bought coconut and almond milk, you will find additives like carrageenan and synthetic vitamin A. Neither are great for you and are included in the list of ingredients I avoid in food.
Another downside to commercial hemp milk is that we don’t know the complete process involved at the manufacturing facility. High temperatures and modern-day processes often damage food, causing those amazing nutrients to be lost in the final product.
Homemade Hemp Milk Ingredients
- Hemp seeds
- Filtered water
- Vanilla extract (optional)
- Cinnamon (optional)
Where to Buy Hemp Hearts or Seeds
Making this milk recipe is a very similar process to coconut milk. I’ve seen hemp hearts at Costco and Whole Foods carries them too, but they’re DEFINITELY pricier there. As of this posting, I’ve found hemp hearts at…
- Amazon – Manitoba brand is affordable, and if you have Prime, it has free 2-day free shipping. (Here’s a link to try Amazon Prime FREE for 30 days!) To sign up for the Prime free trial, go to Amazon Prime. Then, select Start your free trial and follow the on-screen instructions if prompted. While you won’t be charged for your free trial, you’ll be upgraded to a paid membership plan automatically at the end of the trial period.
- Thrive Market – Manitoba is the best deal, but it’s slightly more than Amazon. Thrive Market also requires a yearly membership. Click here to see the Exclusive Offer for Crumbs readers!
How to Make Hemp Milk Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Add hemp and filtered water in a blender. Add vanilla extract and cinnamon if desired. (Maple syrup too if you want it sweet!)
Step 2: Blend for 45 seconds to 1 minute, then repeat until the desired consistency is reached.
Step 3: Store in a sealed container or mason jar in the fridge. Shake well before using.
For easy pouring out of a mason jar, try one of these reCAP mason jar lids! The pour-spout one is perfect for homemade dairy-free milk!
Recipe Notes
- If the flavor is too bold, feel free to use a different hemp-to-water ratio. I thought the ratio of 1:4 with hemp seeds to water was perfect, but feel free to use more or use less water, depending on what you prefer.
- Add maple syrup or Medjool dates to sweeten the milk. The vanilla and cinnamon act as sweeteners in this recipe. A pinch of sea salt can also draw out some sweetness as well.
- Strain the hemp pulp if desired. A fine mesh sieve, cheesecloth, or nut milk bag works great.
- Add cacao powder or cocoa powder for chocolate plant milk!
How to Use Hemp Milk
This homemade milk is perfect for Smoothies, adding to Overnight Oats, using in recipes as a substitute for other plant-based milk, and even just drinking on its own!
Hemp Milk FAQs
Is hemp milk healthier than other nut milk?
Unlike other nut milk, soy, or oat milk, hemp milk is a complete protein. However, most nut and soy milk contain similar nutrients to hemp milk. It all depends on the flavor profile you like and if you’re trying to avoid nuts or soy.
Is hemp milk good for people with gut issues?
Yes! Because this milk is a non-dairy beverage, it can reduce the typical symptoms associated with lactose intolerance, making it a great alternative for people with gut issues.
Is hemp milk a good option for weight loss?
While this milk won’t make you magically lose weight, it does contain fiber which can help you feel fuller. As a result, you may feel less hungry throughout the day, reducing your overall calorie intake.
How do I make unsweetened hemp milk?
If you prefer the hemp milk taste, you can omit the vanilla and cinnamon!
How long does homemade hemp milk last in the refrigerator?
When kept in an airtight container or jar, it can be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days!
Hemp Seed Milk
This homemade milk recipe is the perfect way to enjoy the creaminess of cow’s milk without consuming dairy products! Since hemp milk provides nutrients like protein and minerals, this plant-based beverage will make you wonder why you ever drank regular dairy in the first place! Whip up a batch of this homemade milk recipe, and let me know how it goes!
Dairy-Free Milk Recipes:
We’ve been experimenting with a variety of dairy-free milks lately, with homemade hemp milk being just one of them. If you don’t have the ingredients to make this milk recipe, I suggest looking at one of these other options:
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How to Make Hemp Milk
Need a dairy-free milk alternative that doesn’t contain any harmful ingredients? Try this homemade hemp milk! This homemade hemp seed milk is made with only two ingredients, is filled with essential nutrients, and contains none of the bad stuff!
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 2 minutes
- Yield: 1 quart 1x
- Category: Beverages
- Method: Blend
- Cuisine: American
Instructions
Notes
- For two cups: ½ cup hemp seeds, 2 cups water
- For one cup: ¼ cup hemp seeds, 1 cup hot water
Nutrition
- Calories: 94
Big caution that once I switched to homemade hemp milk I realized I was not getting enough calcium in my diet (I am a vegan, as I imagine many fellow readers are). The store-brand milks are fortified with calcium, which is KEY. Unfortunately I had to switch back (or at least do half/half).
Do you cook the hemp seeds first then blend it? Thank you for this recipe
Nope – keep them raw Kaye!
Hi,
I have both hemp hearts (shelled hemp) and whole unshelled hemp seeds which are hard. Which kind are you using. I can’t tell from the recipe (link doesn’t hemp me unfortunately).
Thanks
Helen
I’m using shelled hemp seeds Helen. 🙂
Do you know where I can buy raw whole hemp seeds? I can only find roasted with the shell, otherwise it’s bird food with nothing on whether or not it’s safe for human consumption. Willing to buy bulk.
Hello Isaiah,
There are links for different places to purchase hemp seeds. Check out the Amazon and Thrive Market section of the article. Hope this helps!
1 cup hemp seeds = how many grams ?
I’m not sure your cost projections for making hemp milk stand any more….at least by doing the math based on amazon’s current prices.
I was wondering…don’t you strain the hemp seeds off before you drink it? And if you do, can you suggest some uses for the leftover residue? Tks very much:)
You can if you’re a texture type person May, and my default for anything small leftover like this is granola or granola bars. 🙂
I think prices have gone up since you wrote this! Whew!
Hi Tiffany,
We really like the taste of Pacific Brand Hemp milk; I know it’s really processed and expensive. However, my son refuses to drink the kind we make at home. I think it’s because there’s a bitter after taste to it that I cannot get rid of by rinsing, soaking, adding sugar, etc… Do you know of any solutions to getting rid of the bitter taste? If I could get past this road block, I would definitely make it from scratch.
thanks
Gail
Hi Gail! I think the bitterness you’re tasting is the hemp seed itself, which makes it difficult to get rid of. I’m not sure how Pacific can make hemp milk w/o the bitterness, but some of those companies have special food powers that we just don’t have in our own kitchens. 😉 My suggestion would be to counteract the taste with spices, which is why I suggest the vanilla and cinnamon. You might want to play around with the levels of those, possibly adding more cinnamon and even a pinch of nutmeg would be good. Can he do coconut milk? A splash or two of that (or a tablespoon of flaked coconut) would likely help as well.
Good ideas – thanks. I might introduce it like a different spiced milk such as chai flavored milk (not hemp milk) and also take out some of the bitterness with coconut milk… Then try to gradually wean him off the store bought stuff. Yes, he can do coconut milk.
Hi –
I know I’m a little late to the party, but wanted to share what I encountered. I really enjoy the taste of hemp seeds and have found many ways to put them to good use. It seemed like a logical next step to make hemp milk, so away I went. Um, hard to believe it’s the same seed! I wanted to find a way to like it – pronto. I got the idea on another blog (wish I could give credit, can’t remember now who it was) to add dates. For a full batch of milk, I added 4. What a difference! I hate to say I needed to make it ‘sweet’, but it did the trick, and might work for your son. Enjoy!
Thank you so much for this! I have hemp hearts in the cupboard and will try this out this morning. I was wondering if you knew how to make your own hazelnut milk?
What brand of commercially made hemp milk doesn’t contain carrageenan? I prefer to make my own but when traveling that’s not possible, so I’d like to have back up options. Thanks!
Hi Shannon! I wasn’t able to find one. 🙁 Does it have to be hemp milk while traveling? Maybe another variety will work?
Nope, it doesn’t, I just thought I read somewhere in your article that you had found one. It’s too bad it’s still such a common ingredient despite being so unhealthy!
Pacific Naturals’ regular original and regular vanilla flavored hemp milks don’t have carageenan, but their unsweetened original and unsweetened vanilla varieties do.
Thanks for the update!!
Thanks for this! I’ve used Hemp milk in smoothies (the processed brand), then stopped buying it, and just add hemp seeds sometimes. Looking forward to trying this homemade hemp milk in baking. With the added cinnamon and vanilla it’ll work well with many recipes!
Thanks so much! Can’t wait to try. But how long does it last for? And is it best to store in a mason jar?
I’ve been trying to find out how hemp is commercially processed and have had little success into finding out much. Look forward to trying the receipt. The cost has been the main barrier for constant use. Love the taste and the nutrition better then all other nut drinks. When I find any further information on manufacturing, I’ll pass it on to you.
Thank you for the information, greatly appreciated.
Gerald