Homemade Protein Powder
Did you know that you can create a whole-food, plant-based homemade protein powder with only 6 ingredients? I think I am about to blow your mind!
Aside from the fact I often get questions about my protein intake, this recipe was inspired by some of my favorite commercial protein powders.
I like to add a scoop of chocolate protein when I make smoothies, vegan chocolate mousse cups, or quick vegan ice cream. This got me thinking, how can I make delicious plant-based homemade protein powder?
Turns out, with just a handful of whole food ingredients, you can have the perfect addition to a workout smoothie or a frosty shake.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This chocolate protein powder contains seeds, almond flour, and whole-food flavoring. With only six ingredients, it doesn’t get simpler than this!
- Plant-based protein powder isn’t cheap! Instead of buying a big box of vegan protein powder, you can easily make your own.
- The biggest advantage of this recipe is that you know exactly what this protein powder contains.
- It stays fresh in the fridge for up to a month. No weird aftertaste!
Key Ingredients
- Pumpkin seeds are rich in magnesium and zinc, in addition to the protein they bring to the table.
- Chia seeds offer another 16-20 grams of protein into the overall mix.
- Ground flax also add some omega-3s and fiber.
- Almond flour also contains plant-based protein in an accessible form.
- Cocoa powder is an optional ingredient, in case you like chocolate flavor.
- Cinnamon is another great way to enhance the flavors, in addition to its anti-inflammatory benefits.
Hack It!
- This protein is best in smoothies, vegan ice cream, or chocolate pudding. I have included a frozen banana frosty shake recipe below – that’s my favorite way to use this homemade protein powder.
- Don’t have a spice grinder? A small food processor will do the job, just be careful not to overprocess. You can also use a pestle and mortar.
- Another great way to use this mixture is to forego the cocoa and utilize the homemade protein powder for plant-based frozen s’mores or no-bake granola bars.
- Turn your plant-based protein powder into pre-workout by adding a scoop of beet powder.
How to Make Homemade Protein Powder
Step 1: Add pumpkin seeds to a spice or coffee grinder. Process until they turn to powder form.
Step 2: Repeat the process with chia seeds. If you can’t find pre-ground flax, grind the flax seeds as well.
Step 3: Transfer the pumpkin and chia seeds into a mixing bowl. Add the rest of the ingredients.
Step 4: Stir your mixture together.
Step 5: Transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to a month.
Bonus: This vegan frosty my favorite way to use chocolate protein powder. Blend 4 tablespoons (one scoop) of homemade protein powder with 1½ cups of soy milk and a frozen banana. Yum!
Frequently Asked Questions
Sure! In principle, it’s basically the same as a spice grinder. Just make sure to clean it thoroughly to remove any seed oils after grinding them.
In the fridge, you can keep in in an airtight container for up to a month.
Since the texture is more “mealy” it won’t dissolve in water or plant-based milk. I would recommend adding your powder to a smoothie or vegan ice cream instead.
You can forego the cocoa powder for a plain variant. Alternatively, you can add some vanilla sugar, freeze-dried fruit powder, or extra spices for a different flavor.
More Plant-Based Basics
- Strawberry Syrup (Zero-Waste)
- 2-Ingredient Chocolate Mousse
- Healthy Vegan Mayonnaise
- Hidden Veggie Broth
- High Protein Overnight Oats
Both of the PlantYou Cookbooks focus on simple and accessible recipes like this one. Better yet, they can help you feel more confident in the kitchen without going completely bankrupt.
The Recipe: Homemade Protein Powder
Ingredients
- 1½ cup raw pumpkin seeds
- ½ cup chia seeds
- ¼ cup ground flax
- 1 cup almond flour
- 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, optional
- 1 tsp cinnamon, optional
Equipment
- Spice grinder
Instructions
- In a spice grinder, individually grind the pumpkin seeds then the chia seeds until they're in powder form. Transfer to a bowl with the ground flax, almond flour, cocoa powder and cinnamon, and mix until fully combined.
- Store in the fridge for up to one month. To make a smoothie, add approximately 4 tablespoons (one scoop). I like to add mine to a 1½ of soy milk and a frozen banana for a frosty shake that has over 15g of protein.
Notes
- This protein is best in smoothies, vegan ice cream, or chocolate pudding. I have included a frozen banana frosty shake recipe below – that’s my favorite way to use this homemade protein powder.
- Don’t have a spice grinder? A small food processor will do the job, just be careful not to overprocess. You can also use a pestle and mortar.
- Another great way to use this mixture is to forego the cocoa and utilize the homemade protein powder for plant-based frozen s’mores or no-bake granola bars.
- Turn your plant-based protein powder into pre-workout by adding a scoop of beet powder.