Shelled hemp seeds, or hemp hearts, are one of those under-loved foods, in my opinion. Not only are they extremely nutritious, but they are also amazingly rich, a touch nutty, and have this great snappy little bite. All in all, they’re extremely versatile and even somewhat fun for dairy-free diets. Which is why I’ve put together this great list of 25 plant-based hemp seed recipes.
25 Plant-Based Hemp Seed Recipes that are Dairy Free & Healthy
Hemp seeds are high in Omega 3 fatty acids, and have a good balance of Omega 6 fatty acids. They also are a notable vegan source of protein and several micronutrients. On that note, hemp seeds have been found to be beneficial for heart health, brain protection, and mitigating inflammation, which can cause skin problems, arthritis, and more.
To play up those benefits, these plant-based hemp seed recipes pair various healthy ingredients. And hopefully give you some new ideas for incorporating hemp seeds into your daily diet. As an added bonus, most of them are naturally gluten free.
Note: Hemp seeds are related to the cannabis plant, but they do not naturally contain THC, the psychoactive compound found in marijuana.
Dairy Alternatives
Hemp seeds blend easily, and are quite creamy thanks to all of those healthy fats. We use them to make all of these rich milks, butters, and sauces.
- Maple Hemp Creamer or Hemp Milk
- Mind-Blowing Cheezy Hemp Nacho Sauce
- Simple Hemp Milk
- Creamy Not-ella Carob Butter
- Hemp Seed Pesto
- Cinnamon Hemp Seed Butter
Baked Goods
I love the tiny pops of hemp seeds in baked goods. They add interest, but aren’t as bulky or obtrusive as nuts.
- The Ultimate Power Muffins for All
- Healthy Gluten-Free Carrot Spice Muffins
- Healthy Hemp Biscuits (not gluten-free)
- Sesame Corn Crisps with Hemp
Smoothies
You can blend hemp seeds, hemp seed oil, or hemp protein right into smoothies. Sometimes, the hemp seeds even make a fun topping for smoothies or smoothie bowls.
- Cherry Vanilla Hemp Smoothie
- Banana Almond Hemp Shake
- Superfood Red Raspberry Smoothie
- Tropical Spring Sustainable Smoothie
- Eat Dirt Protein Shakes
- Peach Hemp Smoothie
Meals & Sides
There are some delicious ways to incorporate hemp seeds into lunch and dinner. And these healthy plant-based hemp seed recipes get quite creative!
- Miso Kale Caesar Salad
- Raw Zucchini Chinese Noodles
- Healthy Vegan Coleslaw
- Hemp No Meat Loaf
- Vegan Red Curry Soup
- Roasted Green Beans with Hemp Seed Brittle
- Raw Vegan Cheesy Broccoli Bowl
- Black Bean Hemp Burgers
Better-for-You Desserts
Beyond the sweet recipes below, I think hemp seeds are fun to add to homemade dairy-free chocolate bark, or rolled on chocolate-covered frozen bananas.
For More Dairy-Free Guidance, Get Go Dairy Free!
