Plant-Based Milks: Hemp (2024)

Sarah Curl, Daniela Rivero-Mendoza, and Wendy J. Dahl ²

Hemp milk is a plant-based milk growing in popularity. Commercial hemp seed, used in the production of hemp milk, contains only trace amounts of the compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), much too low to produce any psychoactive effects from consuming the milk (Rodriguez-Leyva et al. 2010). This publication describes the composition of hemp milk and the potential health benefits and risks.

How is hemp milk made?

Commercial hemp milk is made by combining the hemp seed with water (Wang et al. 2018). First, the hemp seeds are mixed with hot water; they swell and soften as they absorb water (Mitchell et al. 2008). This hot slurry of hemp seeds and water is then wet-milled until the desired consistency is reached (Mitchell et al. 2008). The filtered slurry is hom*ogenized for stability and then cooled to stop oxidation of the oils and vitamins (Mitchell et al. 2008). Water, emulsifiers, stabilizers, sweeteners, and flavorings are added to customize the hemp milk (Mitchell et al. 2008). Finally, aseptic processing, such as ultra-high temperature (UHT) treatment, is carried out to extend the product shelf life (Mitchell et al. 2008).

How does the nutrient profile of hemp milk compare to cow's milk?

The nutrient composition of hemp milk and cow's milk is shown in Table 1. In this comparison, the hemp milk is unsweetened, unflavored, and fortified with calcium. A serving of unflavored and unsweetened hemp milk provides about 60 calories, less than a serving of cow's milk. Hemp milk provides about 3 grams (g) of protein per serving, whereas cow's milk provides 8 g. Hemp milk is higher in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats than low-fat and fat-free cow's milk (USDA n.d.). A serving of unsweetened hemp milk contains no carbohydrate, whereas sweetened varieties may contain more than 20 g per serving, most of which is added sugar (Pacific Foods n.d.-a). In comparison, cow's milk provides 12 g of carbohydrate from the naturally occurring sugar lactose. A cup of unsweetened hemp milk provides less potassium, but similar amounts of sodium and calcium (when fortified) as cow's milk. Some hemp milks are also fortified with vitamins A, D, B2, and B12 (USDA n.d.). It is important to check the label for the nutrition facts panel or the ingredient list to determine if the hemp milk is fortified.

What are the potential health benefits of hemp milk?

Hemp seeds are one of the few plant-based foods that have adequate levels of all the essential amino acids to be considered a complete protein (House et al. 2010). Also, hemp seeds are rich in omega-3 fats (USDA n.d.); higher levels of omega-3 fats are associated with human health (Casula et al. 2020). Very little research has specifically examined other health benefits of consuming hemp milk. In a small study, hempseed oil was shown to improve atopic dermatitis (Callaway et al. 2005). This is thought to be due to the balance of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory fats. Inflammation is a normal process for tissue healing; however, excessive or prolonged inflammation can damage skin and lead to dermatitis (Innes et al. 2018). Levels of essential fats, which have been found to provide benefits to skin's health and appearance (Oregon State University Linus Pauling Institute n.d.), were increased in the membranes of skin cells after hempseed oil supplementation (Callaway et al. 2005). Both skin dryness and itchiness improved after hempseed oil intervention (Callaway et al. 2005). However, this study was done with hemp oil; research is needed to test the effects of consuming hemp milk on inflammation and skin health.

Hemp seeds are being studied in relation to cardiovascular disease. Hemp seed protein has higher levels of arginine (an amino acid) (Rodriguez-Leyva et al. 2010), which, once consumed, changes into nitric oxide, a substance that relaxes blood vessels and improves circulation (Wells et al. 2005). Arginine has been associated with lower levels of C-reactive protein (a marker of inflammation), which is associated with heart disease and chronic inflammation (Wells et al. 2005). However, it is important to keep in mind that hemp milk contains low amounts of hemp seed per serving, so the level of arginine in hemp milk is low and thus might not have any protective effect against cardiovascular disease.

One benefit of hemp milk is that it is appropriate for allergies or intolerances to cow's milk, because it does not contain any milk proteins or the milk sugar lactose. Therefore, individuals allergic to cow's milk proteins, or with some degree of lactose intolerance, may safely consume hemp milk. Hemp is not one of the eight major food allergens (FDA n.d.), an advantage over almond and soy milk. However, hemp milk is not nutritionally equivalent to cow's milk.

Hemp milk is a source of unsaturated fats. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends replacing saturated with unsaturated fats because it may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (USDA 2015).

What are the possible risks of hemp milk?

A disadvantage of hemp milk is its low level of protein per serving. Therefore, individuals must be aware that, if they choose to consume hemp milk instead of cow's milk, they should obtain adequate protein from other sources or enhance the protein content of hemp milk by adding a protein powder, such as pea or soy protein.

Is hemp milk an appropriate choice for children?

Adequate protein intake is especially important for children and adolescents. Child growth is negatively associated by the replacement of cow´s milk with plant-based milk alternatives, possibly due to lower protein intakes (Morency et al. 2017). Children older than 2 years of age who do not consume cow's milk are encouraged to drink fortified plant-based milks with at least 6 g of protein per serving (Sethi et al. 2016), which exempts hemp milk. In addition, some hemp milks on the market are not fortified with vitamins A or D and thus are not comparable to some other plant-based milks or cow's milk as sources of these vitamins. Additionally, the form of calcium used to fortify hemp milk may have lower bioavailability than that provided in cow's milk (Bridges 2018, Singhal et al. 2017).

Summary

There may be health benefits of hempseed oil, but it is not known if hemp milk provides any health benefits. As with some other plant-based milks, hemp milk, although lower in calories and a source of healthy fat, is much lower in protein than cow's milk. Hemp milk should not be a complete beverage replacement for cow's milk in children and may not be an appropriate choice for older adults who have higher protein needs.

References

Bridges, Meagan. 2018. "Moo-Ove over, Cow's Milk: The Rise of Plant-Based Dairy Alternatives." Practical Gastroenterology 21. Accessed September 30, 2020. https://practicalgastro.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Moo-ove-Over-Cow-Milk-Rise-of-Plant-Based-Dairy-Alternatives.pdf

Callaway, James, Ursula Schwab, Ilkka Harvima, Pirjo Halonen, Otto Mykkänen, Pekka Hyvönen, and Tomi Järvinen. 2005. "Efficacy of Dietary Hempseed Oil in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis." Journal of Dermatological Treatment 16 (2): 87–94. https://doi.org/10.1080/09546630510035832

Casula, Manuela, Elena Olmastroni, Marta Gazzotti, Federica Galimberti, Alberto Zambon, and Alberico L. Catapano. 2020. "Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Supplementation and Cardiovascular Outcomes: Do Formulation, Dosage, and Baseline Cardiovascular Risk Matter? An Updated Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials." Pharmacological Research 160:105060. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105060

Food and Drug Administration (FDA). n.d. "Food Allergies: What You Need to Know." Accessed March 22, 2022. https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/food-allergies-what-you-need-know

House, James, Jason Neufeld, and Gero Leson. 2010. "Evaluating the Quality of Protein from Hemp Seed (Cannabis sativa L.) Products through the Use of the Protein Digestibility-Corrected Amino Acid Score Method." Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 58 (22): 11801–7. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf102636b

Tables

Table 1.

Nutrient profile of hemp milk compared to fat-free, low-fat, and whole cow's milk.

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FAQs

Will hemp milk test positive? ›

Also a no. The reason our hemp creamer will not get you high or show on a drug test is in the plant itself. A common misunderstanding has equated hemp with the stuff used to make marijuana. In fact, these are two very different strains of cannabis – some think different species altogether.

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Who should not drink hemp milk? ›

Before drinking hemp milk, think about the following risks: Allergies to hemp: Hemp milk, while uncommon, may cause allergic responses. An allergic reaction might cause a skin rash, hives, or anaphylaxis. Low potassium levels: Some firms supplement their hemp milk with synthetic B12 (cyanocobalamin).

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Is hemp milk better for you than regular milk? ›

Compared to whole cow's milk, hemp milk has fewer calories, protein, and carbohydrates. 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.

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Is hemp milk plant-based? ›

Hemp milk, or hemp seed milk, is a creamy, high-protein, low-fat non-dairy plant-based milk sold in boxes.

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How long does hemp stay in your system? ›

CBD can stay in a person's system from hours to about a month. This depends on how much a person takes and how they take it. The half-life of CBD in the body can range from about 1 hour to up to 5 days . Half-life is how long the body takes to eliminate one-half of a substance.

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Will Delta 8 test positive? ›

So does delta 8 show up on a drug test? It can, but it can also result in a false positive for delta 9 THC, leading to a failed drug test even if delta 8 is legal in your state. Delta 8 can also interfere with drug tests for delta 9, creating a false negative.

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Is hemp milk high in estrogen? ›

No, hemp protein does not contain estrogen. As hemp foods have no phytoestrogen properties, hemp products don't have an impact on estrogen levels one way or the other.

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Is hemp milk good for kidneys? ›

Kidney-friendly? People with kidney disease may follow a mineral-restricted diet, limiting sodium, potassium and phosphorus. With some careful planning, hemp milk can fit into a kidney diet. Work with a renal dietitian to incorporate hemp milk into meal plans.

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Is hemp milk anti-inflammatory? ›

Its fatty acids help lower inflammation

But the fatty acid profile isn't the only reason hemp milk is considered an anti-inflammatory food. Hemp seeds contain important amino acids, such as arginine, which Routhenstein says can help lower inflammation in the body.

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How many days is hemp milk good for? ›

Hemp milk is usually sold in shelf-stable containers that remain fresh when stored in a cool, dark cupboard until the expiration date or until they are opened. Once opened, hemp milk should be kept in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 7 to 10 days if kept refrigerated.

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Why is hemp milk so expensive? ›

The cost of production rises dramatically as a result of the requirement to adhere to strict guidelines and an inspection process. As a result, the price of organic hemp milk is significantly higher than that of conventional hemp milk.