Is Hemp Milk Better Than Dairy?
For years, soy and almond milk have been a popular alternative for those who are either dairy intolerant or avoid dairy products. More recently, other plant-based milk choices, including coconut, oat, and hemp, have risen in popularity— and for a good reason! According to WebMD, hemp milk has fewer calories compared to whole cow's milk. It also has more protein and healthy fats than other plant-based milk alternatives. Unlike other non-dairy milk options, hemp milk contains all essential amino acids, making it a complete protein.
Hemp milk is more watery than creamier non-dairy milk like coconut or macadamia and has an earthy, nutty flavor with a hint of sweetness. It's one of the most naturally nutritious dairy-free types of milk and is an excellent option for those avoiding dairy and those with tree nut allergies.
Hemp milk is made by blending water and seeds from the hemp plant. Hemp seeds are naturally packed with good fats and are a great source of plant-based nutrition – a glass of hemp milk contains 50% of your daily recommended omegas.
People choose hemp milk for environmentally conscious reasons, too. Hemp is one of the most sustainable plants on the planet, which breathes in CO2, takes just four months to grow, puts nutrients back into the soil, and naturally irrigates itself. Is there anything hemp can't do?!
If you're interested in replacing cow's milk with hemp milk in your favorite hot beverages, smoothies, cookie dipping, and much more, here are five of the most popular brands that you can consider trying.
GoodMylk
This product comes in conveniently frozen pouches, so you can always have some on hand.
Thaw, add water, and stir, and within seconds you'll have 32 oz of velvety, nutty hemp 'mylk.'
PacificFoods
This hemp non-dairy beverage is smooth and creamy with a nutty flavor and lightly sweetened with brown rice syrup.
Manitoba Harvest
Manitoba Harvest's Hemp Yeah! Hemp milk offers 2g plant protein and an excellent source of calcium and vitamins B2 and B12.
Elmhurst
Perfect for cafes and home coffee machines, this hemp milk contains no added oils, gums, or emulsifiers. It's also Kosher and is Non-GMO Project verified.
Make Your Own at Home!
Homemade fresh hemp milk recipe
You can even make hemp milk at home! All you need are high-quality hemp hearts, freshwater, a pinch of salt, and a high-speed blender. You can add your flavor profiles with ingredients like berries, dates, and bananas.