Today’s post is sponsored by iHerb. All opinions are my own.
I’ll admit, I haven’t paid much attention to the hype over hemp protein benefits during the last few years. But this summer, I started wondering if maybe hemp protein was more than a fad – and what I learned inspired me to create this rich, chocolate-y hemp protein smoothie recipe.
Why This Hemp Protein Smoothie Tastes so GOOD
Work with what you’ve got – that’s my motto for a lot of things, and it applies to this recipe, too. You wouldn’t put garlic in apple pie, right? The flavors just don’t mesh.
The reason healthy/vegan food sometimes gets a bad rap is because of using the wrong flavor combinations. When you change the ingredients you use, sometimes you also need to change up your flavors.
Hemp protein powder has a nutty, slightly earthy flavor. It doesn’t go with everything. The chocolate-hazelnut spread in this recipe combines with the rich notes from the maple syrup and vanilla to blend perfectly with hemp powder’s natural flavors.
Because of that, you don’t really pay attention to the fact that you’re drinking a hemp smoothie. You just know you’re drinking a delicious smoothie.
I’m really not kidding – I find myself craving this smoothie at least once a week. Which never happens with most smoothies I make. That hemp-chocolate-hazelnut flavor is a little addicting. You’ve been warned. 😉
Awesome Hemp Protein Benefits
When I did start researching hemp protein benefits, I realized this plant protein has a lot to offer. Hemp powder makes an great vegan protein source. If you’re adding more plant-based protein into your life, hemp is the perfect choice. Here’s why:
You’ll stay full longer. Hemp powder is rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. All of these work together to slow digestion and prevent blood sugar swings. Trust me, when I drink this smoothie for breakfast, it’s easy for me to go all the way till lunch before I feel hungry.
Your skin and hair (and bones) will love it. Hemp protein powder is rich in omega 3 fatty acids, and the omega 6 fatty acid GLA (which is hard to find in most foods). These special fatty acids are critical for maintaining healthy bone mass, as well as healthy skin and hair.
Your digestion will thank you. Hemp powder is also full of both insoluble and soluble fiber. Soluble fiber specifically feeds friendly bacteria in your gut, which has all kinds of benefits (including boosting your immunity!).
Note: if you don’t normally consume much fiber, it might be best to slowly add hemp protein powder to your diet. Adding too much fiber at once can cause digestive issues.
You’re getting a complete protein. One of the best hemp protein benefits is its protein composition. Unlike most plant-based proteins, hemp contains all the essential amino acids. (Essential amino acids are ones your body can’t produce on its own.) That’s why it’s especially perfect for a vegan or vegetarian diet.
Magnesium power, baby. Most of us don’t get enough magnesium in our diets. Low magnesium is linked to low energy, high stress, PMS, and much more. Luckily, the hemp protein powder used in this recipe contains 150mg of magnesium per serving – that’s more than 37% of your daily recommended level in one serving! You can order my favorite Nature’s Way hemp protein powder here.
You don’t have to be vegan to love hemp protein.
You might know that I’m not personally vegan – but that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy adding healthy, plant-based foods to my diet. Lately I’ve noticed I’ve really been gravitating toward plant-based eating more and more. And I’m a big fan of listening to your body’s inner guidance system when it comes to what you eat. So right now, hemp powder hits the spot.
iHerb Discount: $5 off your $40 Order
Did you know iHerb customers get a special discount off your Nature’s Way order by when you click here?
And new iHerb customers get an additional $5 off your minimum $40 order when you order here.
I’ve been shopping with iHerb for years and I’m a very happy customer. Nature’s Way is one of my favorite brands for whole foods and herbal supplements, and iHerb carries more than 400 of their carefully-sourced products.
(And if you don’t live in the US – iHerb actually ships to more than 160 countries and offers customer service in 10 languages!)
Chocolate-Hazelnut Hemp Protein Smoothie
Enjoy all the hemp protein benefits in this creamy, delicious smoothie! With complete protein and healthy fats, this recipe is perfect for a meal on the go.
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 1/2 cup hemp protein powder
- 1/4 cup chocolate hazelnut spread
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
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Add all ingredients to your blender.
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Blend on high for 30-40 seconds until smooth.
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Pour into two tall glasses and enjoy!
- If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can cut down on the maple syrup and replace it with a few drops of liquid stevia, if desired.
- You can adjust the ice based on how cold/icy you like your smoothies. I personally prefer a lot less ice, and I use about half of what this recipe calls for. It’s a little creamier that way.
- If you don’t have chocolate hazelnut spread, you can substitute peanut butter instead – double the cocoa powder to keep it nice and chocolate-y.
Why These Ingredients:
- I chose Nature’s Way Hemp Protein Powder because it’s pure hemp protein seed powder – and that’s it. No flavors or additives or anything else I don’t want to be eating.
- I absolutely love Nutiva’s Chocolate Hazelnut Spread because it contains 40% less sugar than the leading brand – plus it’s vegan!
More healthy recipes like this:
- Make Your Own Chocolate Hazelnut Spread
- How to Make a Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie (in a Cast Iron Pan)
- Homemade Mac and Cheese {Creamy Stovetop Recipe}
- How to Make Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix (Gluten-Free + w/ Turmeric!)
- The BEST Coffee Smoothie: Boost Your Metabolism w/ My Secret Recipe
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