Vegan Hemp Protein Bars (2024)

Vegan Hemp Protein Bars (1)

If you’ve followed my blogging journey from the start, you’ll probably remember that I used to use whey protein powder in a lot of mydesserts and baking. It was a fun way to add proteinand flavour into recipes while keeping the calories low. I could get all kinds of wonderful flavours from chocolate, banana, strawberry cream to more unusual yet intriguing flavours likerhubarb & custard, tiramisu and sticky toffee pudding. Because they’re already sweetened (if you’ve trieda flavoured whey protein powder you’ll know how sweet they are!), using them in desserts and baking meant I didn’t have to add much sweetenerresulting ina sweet treat that’s much lower in calories.

Vegan Hemp Protein Bars (2)

How learning about nutrition changed how I view food

My diet and recipes have changed a lot since I started blogging. Learning about nutrition has changed my view on things like dairy and sugar-free sweeteners. I try to avoid them both as much as possible. I would rather sweeten something with dates any day over a sugar-free sweetener (although dates don’t always work in recipes). True dates have calories and sugar-free sweeteners don’t thus they must be‘more fattening’, but the truth isthe long-term effect of consuming sweeteners is not yet known. Dates area natural, whole fruit that’s full of fibre, minerals and nutrients and it guaranteed not to haram you (as long as you don’t eat an unreasonable amount!). So yes, I will always choose dates over sugar-free sweeteners.

I used to lookat how healthy a food isby looking at itsfat and calorie content. So to me, I would rather eat a rice cracker that had 50 calories than a banana that had over a 100 calories. To me that made sense because less calories meant I won’t put on weight. But weight doesn’t equal health and weight loss alone is not the only reason you should re-think what you eat. Sadly, this is how so many people view food and health.

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Animal protein vs plant protein

Anyway, back to protein! There is no denying that protein is an essential part of our diet and that it makes up thebuilding blocksin our bodies, so ensuring you consume an adequate amount is crucial formaintaining good health. Too much protein however is not good, especially animal protein. Animal protein contains IGF-1, a cancer promoting growth hormone. One of the main reasons individuals who train eat a lot of protein, which is usually happens to be from an animal source, and take protein supplements is because it contains this growth hormonewhichpromotes fast muscle growth, but it also promotes cancer cell growth. So the more you eat of it the higher your chances of developing cancer. Plus research has shown that even if you exercise a lot, if you’re not an athlete training hours on end a day, you really don’t need to consume that much more protein.

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Dairy and inflammation

Dairy is also pro-inflammatory. Chronic inflammation is another cancer trigger. To top it all off, the sweeteners found in many whey proteins are only adding fuel to the fire. For these reasons I chose to stopconsuming whey protein. Plant protein doesn’t have the same health concernsassociated with it and it doesn’t strain thekidneys the way animal protein does.

Where I get my protein from

I usually make sure I get my protein from whole foods like beans, pulses and tofuas well as other foodsyou wouldn’t usually associate with having muchprotein like oats and vegetables. It all adds up! But every now and then I like to add protein powder to my diet to make sure I’m meeting my dailyrequirements. Hemp or riceprotein is usually what I would go for.

These bars vegan hemp protein bars may not be super high in protein, especially when compared to your average shop bought protein bar, but they have a good amount as a snack and they would make a good post-workout snack since they also have a good amount of good carbs to help your body recover. You always have the option of adding more hemp protein and less oat flour if you like. Just be warnedthat hemp protein does have quite a strong flavour.

Vegan Hemp Protein Bars (5)

Vegan Hemp Protein Bars

2016-06-09 11:23:15

Vegan Hemp Protein Bars (6)

Serves 12

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Ingredients

  1. 6 tbsp hemp protein
  2. 3/4 cup (90g) oat flour (use gluten-free if you're intolerant)
  3. 6 tbsp maple syrup
  4. 1/2 cup (125g) peanut butter
  5. 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  6. Pinch of salt
  7. 80g 70-80% dark chocolate or chocolate of choice

Instructions

  1. Mix together the protein, oat flour and pinch of salt in a large bowl.
  2. Add the maple syrup, peanut butter and vanilla extract.
  3. Press into a cake tin covered with parchment paper.
  4. Melt the chocolate and pour on top.
  5. Leave to chill in the fridge until set.
  6. Enjoy!

Notes

  1. Nutritional information (estimated per serving)
  2. Calories: 163 kcal
  3. Protein: 6 g
  4. Fat: 9.2 g
  5. Carbs: 16.9 g
  6. Fibre: 3 g

Nadia's Healthy Kitchen https://nadiashealthykitchen.com/

Vegan Hemp Protein Bars (7)

If you liked this vegan hemp protein bars recipe you may also like my Healthy Chocolate Banana Protein Smoothie

Nadia2016-06-19T17:05:41+01:00June 11, 2016|Dairy Free, Desserts, Gluten Free, Post Workout Meals, Protein bars, Protein recipes, snack, Sweet Snacks, Vegan, Vegetarian|20 Comments

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20 Comments

  1. Vegan Hemp Protein Bars (12)

    Rebecca @ Strength and SunshineJune 11, 2016 at 10:57 pm - Reply

    Real, beautiful ingredients is always the way to go! It makes you feel good inside and out….like these that put a smile on my face, taste buds, and tummy 😉

  2. Vegan Hemp Protein Bars (13)

    AimeeJune 11, 2016 at 11:23 pm - Reply

    These look and sound fantastic! I can always count on your recipes for the perfect mix of healthy & delicious 🙂

  3. Vegan Hemp Protein Bars (14)

    CassieJune 12, 2016 at 12:39 am - Reply

    I definitely agree with you: calories in vs. calories out equals weight loss but does NOT equal health. You could be drinking 100 calorie protein shakes and shed off fat but not meet your optimal micronutrient levels at the same time. I definitely love being creative in the kitchen and making my own healthy treats in that way! And these hemp bars look delicious!

  4. Vegan Hemp Protein Bars (15)

    Sisley WhiteJune 12, 2016 at 2:47 pm - Reply

    I’ve just started looking into protein and this has answered a few questions I had. I am really tempted to try making this. Looks delicious.

  5. Vegan Hemp Protein Bars (16)

    Cathy @ Planet VeggieJune 12, 2016 at 5:37 pm - Reply

    These look amazing. I’ve heard good things about hemp, so I’ll have a look out for some hemp protein.

  6. Vegan Hemp Protein Bars (17)

    ChocletteJune 12, 2016 at 8:18 pm - Reply

    These look sensational Nadia and sound both healthy and delicious. I’ve not tried hemp protein powder, but I really like hemp milk. So glad you are learning about good nutrition. I’ve always liked my food to be as natural as possible so have avoided artificial sweeteners and low fat anything like the plague. Science seems to be finally catching up 😉

  7. Vegan Hemp Protein Bars (18)

    Dannii @ Hungry Healthy HappyJune 13, 2016 at 12:35 pm - Reply

    These look beautiful! I have never made anything with hemp protein before, but these are tempting me to try. A great post workout snack.

  8. Vegan Hemp Protein Bars (19)

    Ashley@CookNourishBlissJune 14, 2016 at 9:14 pm - Reply

    My view of what is healthy has definitely changed since I started blogging too (very similar to yours!). Love the sound of these bars! And the photos are so pretty!!

  9. Vegan Hemp Protein Bars (20)

    lucieJune 20, 2016 at 11:47 am - Reply

    I love how healthy and delicious these sound – packed full of protein too!

  10. Vegan Hemp Protein Bars (21)

    Natalie | Feasting on FruitJune 21, 2016 at 2:04 pm - Reply

    Who needs candy bars in a world where these beauties exist!?! They look so decadent, and I happen to have a big bag of hemp protein in my pantry that needs a purpose in life 😀 I totally agree on everything you said about nutrition too. We all live learn and make changes as we do! The calorie thing drives me the most crazy, what a completely useless form of deciding what to eat. A calorie is not a calorie, there is so much more to it than that!

  11. Vegan Hemp Protein Bars (22)

    CraigSeptember 25, 2016 at 3:38 am - Reply

    Wow these look great! I’m definitely going to have to give these a whirl! Thanks for the article!

  12. Vegan Hemp Protein Bars (23)

    AnnaSeptember 25, 2016 at 6:13 pm - Reply

    I LOVE these bars! Thanks so much for another brilliant recipe, Nadia!

  13. Vegan Hemp Protein Bars (24)

    ankit kumarMarch 11, 2017 at 5:31 pm - Reply

    I tried this protein bar recipe and it tastes just awesome. I absolutely loved these recipes I also recommend everyone to try these recipes at least one time you will love it. Thanks for sharing these recipes.

  14. Vegan Hemp Protein Bars (25)

    Tanya MiletteJune 3, 2017 at 4:12 pm - Reply

    I am not familiar with hemp protein powder. Do you make your own by grinding up hempseeds or is this something that is store bought?

    • Vegan Hemp Protein Bars (26)

      NadiaJune 5, 2017 at 3:16 pm - Reply

      I used store-bought, but you can use any type of protein to make these bars 🙂

  15. Vegan Hemp Protein Bars (27)

    Nate HigsOctober 10, 2017 at 12:38 am - Reply

    6 tbsp maple syrup <<– am i reading that right?
    that's about 100 grams if i am correct, that's a whole lot of sugar.

    • Vegan Hemp Protein Bars (28)

      NadiaOctober 10, 2017 at 5:06 pm - Reply

      You can use water/milk if you prefer, but the texture and taste won’t be as good 🙂

  16. Vegan Hemp Protein Bars (29)

    Nicola TingeyOctober 17, 2017 at 2:18 pm - Reply

    These are absolutely delicious Nadia. I made them tonight and am straight back here to give you the congrats you deserve. I added in a few seeds and some dried cranberries too 🙂

  17. Vegan Hemp Protein Bars (30)

    MichelleSeptember 16, 2018 at 9:16 pm - Reply

    I was wondering what I could substitute the oat flour for? I have a child that is grain I tolerant but I would love to try this. Would Almond or Coconut flour work?

  18. Vegan Hemp Protein Bars (31)

    SherylJune 19, 2023 at 11:48 pm - Reply

    These are amazing!!!! Love them! Thank you for the recipe!

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Vegan Hemp Protein Bars (2024)

FAQs

How effective is hemp protein? ›

Hemp seeds contain almost as much protein as soybeans. In every 30 grams (g) of seeds, or about 3 tablespoons, there are 9.46 g of protein. These seeds are a complete source of protein, meaning that they provide all nine essential amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks for all proteins.

Are vegan protein bars good for you? ›

Most protein bars are also loaded with additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients, all of which can negate many of protein bars' potential health benefits. Still, there are many nutrient-rich vegan protein bars available, as well as several recipes that you can use to make your own at home.

Can I eat two Quest bars a day? ›

One or two protein bars a day are well within the recommended intake.

How much hemp protein should you eat a day? ›

Dosage & Side Effects

A typical serving of hemp protein powder is 30 grams, with about 15 grams of protein. Most people use one serving per day but some take as many as four servings per day, depending on their training level and the protein content of the rest of their diet.

What is the disadvantage of hemp protein? ›

Since hemp protein contains relatively high amounts of fiber, some people may experience gas, bloating or diarrhea if they consume too much too quickly. Additionally, those with allergies to hemp should avoid hemp protein powder ( 29 ).

Can you build muscle with hemp protein? ›

The answer is yes – hemp is a complete protein (meaning it contains an adequate proportion of the 9 essential amino acids necessary in the human diet) which helps you build and restore muscle tissue without any of the animal suffering that comes with whey protein.

What is the healthiest vegan protein? ›

Soy protein can be a part of a healthy plant-based diet. Foods like tofu, tempeh, edamame and even soy milk are great options for adding protein to your diet. Try cooking up a stir-fry featuring tempeh or tofu, steaming some edamame for an easy appetizer, or topping your morning cereal with soy milk.

Is Vegan protein good enough? ›

While meat is a “complete” protein because it contains all the essentials, Dr. Hunnes says that eating a variety of plant proteins provides the same result in a healthier package. “By eating a wide complement of plant-based protein, you'll get every essential amino acid that your body needs,” she says.

Is it OK to eat protein bars everyday? ›

While protein bars can be enjoyed regularly, consuming them as meal replacements or as your primary protein source isn't recommended. Pay close attention to nutrition labels, as many protein bars contain added sugars, saturated fats and other low-nutrient ingredients.

What happens if I only eat protein bars? ›

The wrong protein bar could contribute to metabolic issues

In addition to the fact that added sugars can cause blood sugar levels to spike (via Verywell Health), they may also contribute to your consuming more calories than your body actually needs, per Women's Health.

What to eat instead of protein bars? ›

Real Food Options
  • Lowfat yogurt and fruit.
  • Lowfat cottage cheese and fruit.
  • Snack size can of tuna and whole grain crackers.
  • Ready-to-eat whole grain cereal and milk.
  • Dried fruit and nut mix.
  • Whole grain bread spread with peanut or almond butter.
  • Hummus with vegetables or whole grain pita.
  • Homemade fruit smoothie.

Who should not eat hemp? ›

Hemp seed oil has caused rare cases of sleepiness, blood shot eyes, and liver problems in children. Allergy to cannabis: People who are allergic to cannabis might also be allergic to hemp. Use hemp with caution if you are allergic to cannabis. Surgery: Hemp protein might lower blood pressure.

Does hemp protein affect liver? ›

In addition to being good for your skin, kidneys, and liver, adding hemp-based protein to your diet will also raise your metabolism to help you lose weight, boost your energy, bolster your immune system, and help your body stave off heart disease.

What does hemp protein do to the body? ›

Both hemp protein powder and hemp seeds are rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These essential fatty acids help to maintain good cardiovascular health. They protect the heart, help to maintain lean body mass, and maintain brain function.

Is hemp protein better than whey protein? ›

While both are excellent sources of protein, hemp protein excels in fiber and healthy fat content, making it ideal for vegans and those with dairy allergies. On the other hand, whey protein boasts a high concentration of leucine and other essential amino acids, making it a top choice for muscle growth and recovery.

Is hemp protein a complete protein? ›

Hemp protein is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids that the human body needs but cannot produce. Therefore, an individual must include these amino acids in their diet. Some experts claim that hemp seed is one of the most nutritionally complete food sources.

Does hemp protein help you lose weight? ›

Some people who take hemp protein for weight loss say it helps them to feel more satisfied and less hungry, and reduces their sugar cravings. It is acceptable to vegetarians and vegans and safe for people with sensitivities to dairy, soy, and eggs who want to increase their protein and fiber intake for weight loss.

Is hemp protein better than plant protein? ›

Hemp protein is lower in leucine, a branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) that is particularly important for building muscle. You'll likely need to consume more hemp protein compared to other plant-based proteins like soy or pea protein in order to get the same amount of leucine.

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