Vanilla Hemp Drink - A Creamy, Nutritious Beverage You'll Crave

Forget soy – there's a new plant milk in town that offers major nutrition benefits. Meet the vanilla hemp drink! This creamy, dreamy beverage provides protein, omegas, and other prized nutrients. Read on to see why hemp milk should be your new go-to over dairy and how to use it in everything from smoothies to baking.

What is Vanilla Hemp Milk?

Vanilla hemp milk is a dairy-free beverage made from the seeds of the hemp plant blended with water. Like other plant-based milks, it provides the look, taste, and feel of cow's milk without the dairy.

The subtle vanilla flavor balances nicely with the natural earthy, nutty flavor of hemp. This gives it a more neutral taste than strong tasting options like almond milk.

Nutritional Benefits of Hemp Milk

Hemp really packs a nutritious punch! Here are some of its top nutrients and benefits:

• Protein - Complete, easily digested plant protein
• Omegas - Rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3 and omega-6
• Vitamins - Contains 20%+ Daily Value for vitamins A, D, B12, and riboflavin
• Minerals - Provides phosphorus, magnesium, iron, potassium, and zinc
• Fiber - Promotes healthy digestion

With a creamy taste and stellar nutrition, hemp milk is ideal for health-conscious foodies and plant-based eaters.

How to Make Your Own Vanilla Hemp Milk

Whip up a batch of homemade hemp milk with this easy recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup hemp seeds
• 4 cups water
• 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup or sweetener
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Directions:

1. Soak the hemp seeds in the water for at least 2-4 hours or overnight.

2. Drain and rinse the seeds.

3. Transfer seeds and water to a blender. Blend until smooth, at least 2 minutes.

4. Strain through a nut milk bag or fine mesh strainer, squeezing out liquid.

5. Rinse the blender and return strained milk back to the blender.

6. Blend in vanilla, salt and sweetener until well combined.

7. Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days refrigerated.

8. Shake or stir before enjoying!

Benefits of Making Your Own

While store-bought hemp milk is convenient, making it yourself has some advantages:

• Control ingredients - Avoid additives and preservatives
• Adjust thickness - Blend to your preferred creaminess
• Cost savings - Significant savings over store-bought
• Customize flavors - Add cocoa powder, cinnamon, etc.
• Use hemp seeds - Retain fiber from whole seeds

How to Use Vanilla Hemp Milk

Enjoy hemp milk in all the ways you'd use dairy or other milk alternatives:

Beverages

• Protein shakes or smoothies
• Tea, coffee, matcha lattes
• Hot chocolate
• Hemp milk "punch" with fruit juice

Cooking & Baking

• Oatmeal, chia pudding, overnight oats
• Pancakes, waffles, crepes
• Mashed potatoes, soups
• Macaroni and cheese
• Quick breads and baked goods

Everyday Uses

• Cereal
• Granola
• Smoothie bowls
• Over fruit salads
• Protein porridge

Tips for Using Hemp Milk in Baking & Cooking

Hemp milk shines in all types of recipes, but keep these tips in mind:

• Increase liquid a bit to account for thickness
• Reduce oven temperature slightly to prevent over-browning
• Add a touch more leavening compared to dairy milk
• Stick to whole hemp milk, not low-fat
• Avoid boiling or overheating to prevent separation

Potential Issues with Hemp Milk

While hemp milk has many benefits, there are a few drawbacks to note:

• Thicker texture than dairy milk
• Strong flavor may overpower coffee or tea
• Nut allergy risk since produced on shared equipment
• Lower protein than dairy milk or soy milk
• Not suitable for strict vegans due to honey content

Hemp Milk vs. Other Plant-Based Milks

Compared to other popular milk alternatives, hemp milk:

• Is thicker than almond, oat or rice milk
• Has more omegas than soy, coconut or pea milk
• Contains more protein than almond or coconut milk
• Has a more distinct flavor than oat or rice milk
• Isn't as environmentally friendly as oat or soy milk

Creative Ways to Use Up Leftover Hemp Milk

Try these clever uses for hemp milk leftovers:

• Hemp milk bath - Add to a warm bath for hydrated skin
• Face toner - Combine with rosewater for a soothing facial mist
• Overnight hair mask - Moisturize strands by massaging into hair before bed
• Nourishing lotion - Whip with shea butter and essential oils for a creamy lotion
• Poached fruit - Use as poaching liquid for pears, apples or quince

Discover the Creamy, Nutritious goodness of Hemp Milk

Move over soy, almond and oat - vanilla hemp milk brings incredible nutrition and a smooth, slightly nutty flavor to the plant-based milk arena. Use it anytime you want the look and feel of dairy without the drawbacks. Whip up homemade or buy high quality store versions and enjoy hemp's amazing benefits in every sip!

FAQs

Does hemp milk contain THC or CBD?

No, hemp seeds used for hemp milk come from cannabis plants with non-detectable levels of THC or CBD. The milk will not cause any high or intoxicating effects.

How long does homemade hemp milk last?

Homemade hemp milk will keep for 3-4 days refrigerated. Freeze for up to 6 months.

What is the best way to use leftover hemp pulp?

The leftover pulp can be used for smoothies, energy bites, or dehydrated for hemp flour. Or simply compost it.

Does hemp milk separate when heated?

It can tend to separate when boiled or overheated. Heat gently and stir while cooking to prevent curdling.

Is vanilla flavor necessary for hemp milk?

Vanilla adds a nice flavor but plain hemp milk works too. You can add other extracts or sweeteners instead.