It may seem redundant, but IND HEMP has been working tirelessly throughout the supply chain to enhance our food production efficiencies and outputs from day one. Recent accomplishments towards greater hemp hearts production has us revisiting the nutritious addition to everyday foods. Hemp hearts (hulled hemp seeds) are gaining recognition as a superfood ingredient in plant-based milk, protein powders, snack bars, and more (yes, even more so from previous years). From major food brands to celebrity chefs, many are embracing hemp for its nutritional benefits and versatility. With the surge of hemp-based foods, we want to highlight companies leading the way (like Pacific Foods, Victory Hemp Foods, Manitoba, Martha Stewart’s team, Nepra Foods, etc.), and explain why IND HEMP’s domestically grown hemp supply is poised to support this growing market.
A Nutritional Powerhouse
Hulled hemp seeds – known as hemp hearts – are the soft, nutty-tasting centers of the hemp seed, packed with protein, healthy fats, and micronutrients. Unlike whole hemp seeds, which have a hard outer shell, hemp hearts are shell-free, making them easy to eat and digest. As food experts note, hemp hearts have a subtle nutty flavor (often compared to sunflower or pine nuts) that “pairs well with just about everything from sweet to savory”.
Hemp hearts are earning “it girl” status in the seed world for good reason – they are a nutritional powerhouse. Key benefits of hemp hearts include:
· High in complete protein: About 25–33% of hemp heart weight is protein, containing all nine essential amino acids. Just 3 tablespoons provide 10 grams of plant protein – that’s more protein than an egg (≈6 g) and roughly twice the protein of chia or flax seeds. Hemp protein is highly digestible and known for a neutral taste, which means it can outshine soy or pea protein in some recipes.
· Rich in healthy fats: Hemp seeds are loaded with essential fatty acids. A 3-tablespoon serving delivers around 12 grams of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fats in an ideal balance for human health. These include anti-inflammatory omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) that supports heart and brain health. Hemp also contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a rare omega-6 with beneficial properties.
· Vitamins and minerals: Hemp hearts contribute important micronutrients like magnesium, zinc, iron, and B vitamins. For example, a 30g serving provides about 45% of daily magnesium – a mineral linked to better sleep and mood – plus significant iron and B-vitamin content. They’re also packed with antioxidants and fiber (especially if some hull is included), supporting overall wellness.
· Allergen-free and easy to digest: Hemp is naturally free of common allergens – it contains no gluten, no soy, and no nuts. This makes hemp hearts and hemp protein ideal for inclusive, allergy-friendly diets. Unlike some legumes, hemp seeds don’t contain oligosaccharides that cause gas, and they lack enzyme inhibitors found in soy, so they tend to be gentle on digestion.
In short, hemp hearts offer a dense concentration of plant-based nutrition in a tiny package. As one food writer put it, “eating them is a great way to add more nutritious seeds to your diet,” with their wealth of protein, healthy fats, and fiber. It’s no surprise that hemp foods are gaining popularity among health-conscious consumers and food manufacturers alike.
From Hemp Milk to Protein Bars: Hemp Foods Go Mainstream
Not long ago, hemp-based foods were niche offerings found only in health food stores. Today, they’re firmly in the mainstream. You can find hemp products in major grocery chains, and even household names are incorporating hemp into popular food and beverage lines.
One notable example is plant-based milk made from hemp hearts. Pacific Foods, a well-known natural foods company (and part of the Campbell’s family of brands), launched an Original Hemp Milk as an allergy-friendly dairy alternative. Pacific Foods’ hemp milk is made from hulled hemp seeds and has a smooth, creamy texture with a nutty flavor. It’s marketed as a versatile lactose-free substitute that can be enjoyed by the glass or used in recipes. Notably, a cup of Pacific’s hemp milk provides an excellent source of omega-3 ALA and a good source of calcium, magnesium, and Vitamin D – making it nutritionally competitive with fortified soy or oat milks. Because it’s free from nuts and soy, hemp milk appeals to consumers with those allergies, and it avoids the thickeners (like carrageenan) that some other alt-milks use. The adoption of hemp milk by a mainstream brand like Pacific Foods signals that hemp has arrived in the plant-based dairy aisle.
Pacific Foods’ Original Hemp Milk (32 oz carton) is a nut-free, soy-free dairy alternative made from hemp hearts. It delivers about 3–4 grams of protein per serving, is rich in Omega-3 ALA, and fortified with calcium and Vitamin D for nutritional parity with dairy.
Hemp’s presence extends beyond beverages. Hemp seed ingredients are showing up in snacks, cereals, and condiments as well. Granola and nutrition bar brands are adding hemp hearts for an extra boost of protein and crunch. For instance, Evo Hemp, a Colorado-based company, features hemp seeds in its protein bars as a core ingredient. Evo Hemp’s mission is to support American hemp farming – they source USA-grown hemp seeds, working with family farms and Native American growers, including operations on the Pine Ridge Reservation. By partnering with indigenous farmer Alex White Plume to grow hemp, they’ve demonstrated how hemp cultivation can spur economic growth in rural communities. Nutritionally, Evo Hemp emphasizes that hemp is one of the most nutritionally complete food sources, noting that roughly one-third of hemp seed’s weight is protein and that it offers a “perfect balance” of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids. Their popular hemp protein bars leverage these benefits without any chemical extractions – a selling point for clean-label enthusiasts. When you see hemp protein bars on shelves next to mainstream brands, it’s clear that hemp has moved from the fringe into everyday diets.
Even the world of culinary arts and home cooking has taken note of hemp. A recent Martha Stewart Living article highlights hemp hearts as a “trending super-seed” and teaches readers how to use them in meals. In the article, experts from Manitoba Harvest (a leading hemp foods brand) extol hemp hearts’ versatility – you can sprinkle them on oatmeal or yogurt, blend them into smoothies, bake them into muffins, or even grind them with water to make a quick DIY hemp milk. The piece emphasizes that hemp hearts’ mild, nutty taste “pairs well with just about everything” and their soft texture integrates easily (unlike chia or flax seeds that can be hard or gel-like). When an authority like Martha Stewart’s team is encouraging home cooks to “have you tried hemp hearts yet?”, it shows just how far hemp foods have come. What was once an obscure health food is now chic enough for Martha and accessible enough for the baking aisle at Walmart or the local co-op. (Indeed, Manitoba Harvest reports that you can find hemp hearts in many grocery stores – often near the granola or in the organic section.)
Several pioneering companies deserve credit for bringing hemp foods to the U.S. market. Manitoba Harvest, founded in 1998, was one of the first to sell hemp hearts, oil, and protein at scale – and it helped educate consumers about hemp’s benefits. (Their products, grown in Canada, boast 10g protein and 12g Omegas per serving, and have set a quality standard.) Brands like Nutiva, Navitas Organics, and Just Hemp Foods soon followed, offering organic hempseed oil and hemp powders in health stores. While many of these early players sourced from Canadian farms (due to U.S. cultivation restrictions in the past), they built the demand that U.S. farmers are now starting to meet. Evo Hemp (mentioned above) and Victory Hemp Foods are examples of newer American companies focused on U.S.-grown hemp seed. Victory Hemp Foods, based in Kentucky, works with local farmers and processes one single ingredient: shelled hemp seeds – into value-added ingredients like protein powder (“V-70”) and cold-pressed oil (“V-ONE”). They proudly label their products “Proudly Made in the USA” and emphasize that hemp is non-GMO, kosher, and free of the top 9 allergens. All of this means that food manufacturers and consumers can trust the purity and origin of these hemp ingredients.
From non-dairy milk to protein bars, baking mixes, and even hemp-infused seasonings, hemp seed is carving out a lasting place in the food industry. Its appeal lies not only in nutrition but also in flavor and functionality. Hemp’s nutty taste and protein content allow it to fortify foods without the need for artificial additives or allergens. As more people seek plant-based, high-protein options, hemp naturally fits the bill. And thanks to these trailblazing brands, you don’t have to look far to find hemp hearts on store shelves or hemp-enhanced foods on menus.
Hemp Ingredients Fueling Innovation in Food Manufacturing
Beyond finished consumer products, industrial hemp is making waves behind the scenes as an ingredient in food manufacturing. Food technology companies are experimenting with hemp seed “flour”, protein concentrates, and oils to develop the next generation of nutritious, allergen-free foods. A great example is Nepra Foods, a Colorado-based food innovation company specializing in plant-based and allergen-free solutions. Nepra has identified hemp as a “game-changer” ingredient for formulating better gluten-free and vegan foods.
In early 2025, Nepra Foods announced a partnership to develop a proprietary concentrated hemp protein for baked goods and beyond. Led by their Chief Visionary Officer Chadwick White (a veteran in alternative proteins), the team’s goal is to create a hemp protein that preserves the seed’s full nutritional profile while offering superior taste and functionality in recipes. Initial tests showed this new ingredient performs exceptionally well in breads and pastries – delivering protein and fiber boost without compromising texture. In fact, Nepra aims to patent aspects of this process, underscoring how novel and promising hemp technology has become.
Why are food innovators so excited about hemp protein? Nepra explains it well:
· Complete Protein & Superior Nutrition: Hemp protein naturally includes all 9 essential amino acids and has a more pleasant flavor and texture compared to some other plant proteins. It can thus “outshine” soy or pea protein in certain foods.
· Allergen-Free Appeal: Hemp seed ingredients are naturally free of gluten, dairy, soy, and nuts. This makes them ideal for formulating foods that cater to gluten-free, nut-free, and vegan diets. Nepra sees hemp as a cornerstone for “inclusive” recipes that more people can enjoy safely.
· Sustainability: Hemp crops require fewer resources (like water and pesticides) than many conventional protein sources. As Nepra notes, hemp aligns with eco-conscious trends – it’s a sustainable crop that can improve soil health and sequester carbon while it grows. Using hemp ingredients thus helps food companies meet consumer demand for earth-friendly products.
· Functional Versatility: Hemp protein has unique gelation and emulsification properties. Nepra has found that specialized hemp protein can act as an egg replacer in baking – providing structure and binding in breads, cakes, or even pastas. This is a big deal for clean-label formulators trying to eliminate eggs or gluten. In Nepra’s words, they are “harnessing hemp’s unique benefits – complete protein, allergen-free properties, sustainability, and egg replacement – to bake the future of nutrition”.
Nepra Foods isn’t alone. Other ingredient suppliers are also leveraging hemp’s potential. As mentioned, Victory Hemp Foods produces a 70% protein hemp powder and a mild-tasting hemp seed oil designed for use in bulk food manufacturing. They supply food companies with documentation and formulation support for incorporating these hemp ingredients into everything from baked goods to plant-based meats. Even established natural product companies like Dr. Bronner’s (better known for soaps) have ventured into hemp by offering food-grade hemp seed oil, highlighting the oil’s rich omega fatty acid profile.
Another intriguing area is the use of hemp “seed cake” (the protein- and fiber-rich meal left after oil extraction). Traditionally considered a byproduct, this defatted hemp meal can be milled into flour or protein concentrate for high-protein baking mixes, pastas, and cereals. Companies are developing hemp flour that is lighter in color and taste (by removing the green shell particles) to make it more appealing in mainstream foods. For example, a hemp heart flour with 50% protein is now available that can replace a portion of wheat flour in recipes while improving nutrition and shelf-life. Such innovations mean that the average consumer could soon be eating pancakes, breads, or tortillas enriched with invisible hemp protein – getting more nutrition without even noticing a flavor difference.
In summary, industrial hemp seed is fueling a wave of food innovation. Whether as hemp heart flakes, protein isolates, or gluten-free flour blends, hemp-derived ingredients are helping food manufacturers create products that are healthier and more sustainable. This bodes well for the future of food – a future where plant-based protein is abundant, and dietary restrictions don’t limit our choices. As Chadwick White of Nepra put it, “we’re baking the future of nutrition” with hemp’s help.
The Domestic Advantage: U.S.-Grown Hemp and IND HEMP’s Role
While hemp foods are on the rise, it’s worth noting that much of the hemp seed used historically in U.S. products was imported. Canada has been a dominant supplier of edible hemp seed for decades (Manitoba Harvest, for instance, sources from Canadian farmers). In fact, as of a few years ago, the majority of hemp seeds and oil on U.S. shelves were coming from Canada, Europe, or China. However, this dynamic is changing rapidly. With the legalization of industrial hemp farming in the U.S. (2018 Farm Bill), American farmers have started growing hemp for grain at larger scales, and domestic processing infrastructure is coming online. This is where IND HEMP enters the story as a key player.
IND HEMP is a family-owned industrial hemp company that has built a seed processing facility in Fort Benton, Montana – creating a farm-to-factory supply chain for U.S.-grown hemp seed. Our mission is to connect American farmers with the growing demand for hemp food and fiber, while providing manufacturers a reliable domestic source of hemp ingredients. In practical terms, IND HEMP contracts with farmers across Montana, Oregon, Washington and beyond to cultivate hemp grain. We then process that raw hemp seed in our state-of-the-art facility into hemp hearts, cold-pressed hemp seed oil, and hemp protein – all proudly made in the USA. Every step, from seed cleaning to packaging, is done under strict quality controls; our food products are produced in an SQF-certified facility to ensure safety and consistency.
For food companies, sourcing from IND HEMP offers several advantages:
· Supply Chain Transparency and Traceability: We know exactly which farm (and often which field) each batch of hemp comes from. IND HEMP can “stand behind every material we produce because we personally know the people and farm that grows our hemp”. This farm-to-table transparency is a huge benefit for brands that value origin stories and quality assurances.
· Fresher, High-Quality Ingredients: By growing and processing domestically, we reduce the transit time and storage duration for hemp seeds. Customers get fresher hemp hearts and oil with optimal flavor and nutrient retention. Plus, all our products are Non-GMO, Kosher, and many are certified organic, meeting the highest quality standards.
· Reliability and Scale: Relying on overseas imports can be risky – tariffs, shipping delays, or crop shortfalls abroad can disrupt supply. IND HEMP mitigates this by scaling up American hemp production. Our Montana grain processing plant has significant capacity to supply B2B clients consistently. We are building “the relationships and processing infrastructure necessary to support a stable supply chain… at scale in industry domestically and around the world”. In short, we can fill large orders on time and even develop hemp solutions for manufacturers’ specific needs.
· Supporting Sustainability and U.S. Farmers: Partnering with IND HEMP means supporting better agriculture practices in the U.S. Heartland. Hemp is a rotational crop that can improve soil health and sequester carbon, and it provides a lucrative alternative for farmers. (Industrial hemp grain can earn significantly more per acre than common row crops under the right conditions.) By choosing domestic hemp, companies contribute to rural economic development here at home. Hemp is a tool towards the mantra “save our soil, save our people, save our world” through responsible agriculture – and we’re passionate about making that a reality.
Lastly, IND HEMP is not only focused on U.S. markets; we’re already exporting American-grown hemp ingredients globally. So while this article spotlights U.S.-based companies, it’s worth noting that the goodness of U.S. hemp is reaching international buyers as well. Still, our primary goal is to be the go-to domestic supplier for U.S. manufacturers looking to incorporate hemp into their products. Whether you are a plant-based milk producer, a cereal or snack brand, or an emerging food startup, we want to be your partner in bringing nutritious hemp-based foods to consumers. We offer B2B bulk supply of hulled hemp seeds (hearts), protein-rich hemp powder, and oil – all with the convenience and trust of a domestic source.
Hemp’s Future on the American Plate
Hemp’s journey from field to fork is truly coming full circle. Once a staple crop in early America (grown by Washington and Jefferson), hemp was absent from our farms and diets for many decades. Now, thanks to changing legislation and growing awareness, hemp is back – and it’s on our plates. We see hemp hearts sprinkled on smoothies in trendy cafés, hemp milk lattes in coffee shops, and hemp protein uplifting the nutritional profile of everything from bread to burger patties. Consumers are enjoying the nutty taste and health benefits, while companies big and small are realizing that hemp adds value in taste, nutrition, and sustainability.
The examples highlighted – Pacific Foods’ hemp milk, Evo Hemp’s community-focused bars, Nepra Foods’ hemp protein innovations, and more – show that hemp foods are much more than a fad. They represent a convergence of important trends: plant-based eating, functional superfoods, allergen-free cooking, and regenerative agriculture. By telling the story of hemp’s nutritional goodness and showcasing the brands using it, we shine light on an exciting and growing segment of the food industry.
IND HEMP is proud to be part of this movement, supplying the raw ingredients of change. With our domestic hemp seed processing and commitment to quality, we’re ensuring that American food manufacturers have a reliable, sustainable source of hemp hearts, oil, and protein. The era of outsourcing all hemp foods may soon be behind us – home-grown hemp is here, and it’s ready to take its place in pantries and products nationwide.
Whether you’re a health-conscious consumer or a food company developer, it’s time to take a fresh look at industrial hemp. Hemp hearts and related ingredients are nutrient-dense, versatile, and now readily available. From boosting the protein of a smoothie to replacing allergens in a bakery recipe, hemp is proving its worth. As the saying goes, big things come in small packages – and the tiny hemp seed might just be the next big thing in food.
#HempFoods #HempHearts #IndustrialHemp #HempSeedOil #PlantBasedNutrition #Superfoods #RegenerativeAgriculture #FunctionalIngredients
IG: @INDHEMP
YouTube: @INDHEMP