Strawberry Protein Hemp Seed Smoothie

This hemp seed smoothie is sweet and creamy with fresh strawberry flavor! It’s packed with 33 grams of protein and 9 grams of fiber. It makes a filling breakfast or healthy treat.

Why You’ll Love it:

This strawberry hemp seed smoothie is rich in healthy fats and filling protein! Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Meal replacement: It has 33 grams of protein to keep you full until lunch! When I don’t have time for a hot breakfast, this smoothie recipe is my go-to.
• Easy to customize: Swap the strawberries with whatever frozen fruit you have on hand. Mixed berries, pineapple, mango, or blueberries all taste great.
• Creamy: This isn’t a tangy smoothie! It’s sweet and creamy.
• Kid-friendly: My 4 and 9 year old devoured this hemp protein shake and promptly asked for more.

It reminds me of a healthy strawberry shake with a sweet, rich flavor. It could easily double as a guilt-free dessert.

Key Ingredients:

You only need 5 ingredients!

• Banana – Bananas add natural sweetness and creaminess! For best results, use a ripe, yellow banana. Underripe green bananas taste chalky and slightly bitter.
• Hemp hearts – I bought a big bag at Costco! Hemp hearts are the soft centers of the hemp seeds. Some brands refer to them as hemp hearts, and others, hulled hemp seeds.
• Vanilla protein powder – I always recommend a protein blend or plant-based protein. 100% whey protein gets too foamy, in my experience. Not all protein powders are created equal. Look for one with clean ingredients.
• Frozen strawberries – For fresh strawberry flavor! Be sure to use FROZEN strawberries for a thick consistency.
• Almond milk – I used unsweetened almond milk for my liquid base. Any milk works – regular or plant-based! Dairy or soy milk adds even more protein.

How to Make a Hemp Seed Smoothie:

This hemp heart smoothie is easy peasy! You can make it in four basic steps:

• Combine ingredients: In your blender, combine the banana, hemp hearts, vanilla protein, frozen strawberries, and almond milk – in that order. Always place the softest ingredients at the bottom, closest to the blades. It reduces stalling.
• Blend: Start the blender on low speed, then increase the speed to high. Blend until smooth and creamy! It shouldn’t take long.

• Adjust: Check the smoothie. If it tastes good and it’s pourable, move to the next step. If it’s too thick, add a splash more almond milk, and blend to incorporate.
• Serve: Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately! Smoothies are best served immediately.

Expert Tips:

• Use a protein blend or plant-based protein to avoid foaming. 100% whey protein concentrate produces a lot of foam when blended. Look for a brand that uses a blend of proteins, not just a single protein.
• Use frozen fruit! Most fruit is made up of more than 80 percent water. Fresh fruit turns into pulpy juice when blended. Frozen fruit creates a thick, shake-like consistency.
• Blend first, then adjust the consistency. Follow the recipe first, then adjust the amounts if needed. If you prefer a thinner smoothie, add more liquid, a little bit at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

Storage:

Protein smoothies are best enjoyed immediately! They only take 5 minutes to make, and most blender pitchers are dishwasher-safe, which makes cleanup a breeze.

If you do want to store it, pour it into a vacuum insulated cup, and chill in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

Health Benefits of Hemp Hearts:

Hemp hearts or hulled hemp seeds are a nutrient-dense plant-based protein! They are chewy with a mild, subtle nuttiness.

• Rich in healthy fats: They’re a good source of linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha linoleic acid (omega-3).
• Vitamins and minerals: Hemp seeds are rich in vitamin E and minerals, including potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and calcium.
• Plant-based protein: One 30-gram serving of hemp seeds boasts 11 grams of protein. Hemp seeds are a complete protein, which means they contain all the essential amino acids your body needs.

You can add hemp hearts to yogurt, baked goods, smoothies, salads, oatmeal, granola, or even soup. Their mild flavor complements any dish or treat.

FAQs:

What does hemp in a smoothie do?

Hemp hearts add a boost of nutrients, plant-based protein, and healthy fatty acids to your smoothie. They add a subtle nuttiness, but not much flavor. They blend easily into any smoothie! They taste great in green, chocolate, or fruit based smoothies.

How much hemp seed should I put in a smoothie?

Two tablespoons per serving is a good place to start. This provides a good amount of nutrients without affecting the taste and texture of the smoothie.

Healthy Smoothie Recipes:

• Pear Banana Protein Smoothie
• Coconut Water Smoothie
• Tropical Spinach Cucumber Smoothie
• Strawberry Dragon Fruit Smoothie
• Banana Protein Smoothie