If you’re looking for nut-free milk, hemp milk can be a delicious choice. This plant-based milk is perfect for cooking, baking, making smoothies and more.
But before you try it for the first time, you’ll want to make sure it has a flavor and texture you’ll enjoy. Let’s dive into the taste and texture of hemp milk, and how it compares to other plant-based beverages.
And, if you’re wondering how to use hemp milk in a recipe, we’ve got suggestions for you!
Understanding the Flavor of Hemp Milk
It’s no secret that hemp milk will have a different flavor than dairy milk. But what does hemp milk taste like? Let’s discuss the details.
Taste and Texture
The flavor of unsweetened hemp milk could be likened to nut milk. Often compared to the taste of sunflower seeds, its flavor is nutty, earthy and slightly sweet. The texture of hemp milk is creamy and smooth without being too dense or rich. While similar to dairy milk, it’s thicker than 2% milk.
Factors That Influence Flavor
Hemp milk is created from hemp seeds, which are small, edible seeds from the plant Cannabis sativa. These brown, hard seeds are soaked in water to soften them up. They’re then drained, rinsed and blended with fresh water until a smooth, creamy milk is formed.
Hemp seeds are the reason hemp milk has a subtle nutty flavor. Without added sweeteners, it has a mild taste to most people.
However, hemp milk comes both sweetened and unsweetened, depending on your preferences. For instance, Pacific Foods Unsweetened Hemp Original doesn’t have added sugar, whereas Pacific Foods Hemp Original is sweetened.
Other ingredients might be added to hemp milk for additional flavor. Pacific Foods Hemp Vanilla beverage and Pacific Foods Unsweetened Hemp Vanilla beverage both have natural vanilla flavoring.
Comparing Hemp Milk to Other Plant-Based Milks
How does hemp milk compare to other plant-based milks such as almond milk or oat milk? We’ve got all the details below.
Hemp Milk vs. Almond Milk
Almond milk has been a popular milk alternative since plant-based milk hit the market. Made from soaked almonds that are ground and strained, it has a satin-like texture. Both hemp and almond milk are smooth and creamy, but almond milk is thinner than hemp milk.
These plant-based milks share a similar flavor that’s mild and nutty with hints of sweetness. However, hemp milk might taste more earthy when compared to almond milk. As with hemp milk, you can find almond milk versions that are sweetened, unsweetened and flavored.
Hemp Milk vs. Oat Milk
Made from liquified oats that are blended and strained, oat milk is mildly sweet and mellow without being overpowering. Compared to oat milk, hemp milk may taste more distinct and less sweet.
While they’re both creamy, hemp milk tends to have a thicker consistency and is similar to dairy milk. Some people prefer the milder taste and thinner texture of oat milk for their drinks and cereals.
Hemp Milk vs. Coconut Milk
Made from shredded coconut meat, coconut milk has a distinctive taste. It’s sweeter than hemp milk and has a silky texture that goes well in smoothies and coffee. It’s also great for baking desserts and any recipe that calls for a rich coconut flavor.
Hemp Milk vs. Soy Milk
Soy milk has the most neutral taste of all plant-based milks. Made from soaked and ground soybeans, it has a velvety, grainy texture, making it a workable milk substitute for coffee drinks and savory recipes. Soy milk is also a great source of protein with 9 grams or more per serving.
Due to its plain taste, many people don’t enjoy drinking soy milk on its own. If you want milk with a little more flavor and a similar rich texture, hemp milk will do the trick. Soy is also an allergen for many. If you’re allergic to soy, hemp milk may be a great option for you!
Using Hemp Milk in Recipes
With its subtle notes of sweetness and creamy texture, hemp milk is wonderfully versatile. You can use it for almost any recipe, from plant-based ice cream to savory soups.
In Your Daily Routine
Wondering if you’ll enjoy a plain glass of hemp milk? If you enjoy nutty flavors, it might be the perfect milk for you. But, it’s more commonly paired with other beverages. For example, hemp milk mixes beautifully with hot drinks and foams well if you want to try it for your morning cappuccino.
Hemp milk can also be wonderful in smoothies. If you have a favorite smoothie recipe with many sweet ingredients, hemp milk’s nutty taste can complement those flavors and help create a rich, creamy texture. Or try it in your breakfast cereal or oatmeal.
In Baking Recipes
Since it has a texture similar to dairy milk, hemp milk is more than suitable for baking. However, you’ll want to consider the flavor profile of your recipe when you’re deciding which plant-based beverage to use.
With its naturally nutty taste, hemp milk can easily complement recipes for desserts that feature flavors like vanilla, chocolate, grain and nuts (think bars, muffins, cookies and bread).
In Your Cooking
When you need plant-based milk that goes well with savory flavors, hemp milk is a great option, especially when your recipe calls for an earthy flavor profile. Thanks to its creaminess, hemp milk is wonderful for creating soups, sauces and dressings.
A Few of Our Favorite Recipes
Autumn Broccoli Potato Soup
With sweet potatoes, wild rice, and broccoli, this beautiful soup is comfort in a bowl. Plus, this soup has a creamy, smooth feel thanks to the savory sauce made with hemp.
View the full recipe: Autumn Broccoli Potato Soup
Black Sesame Nice Cream
This simple recipe uses the creamy texture of hemp milk and just a handful of ingredients to create a sweet treat. Plus, you can whip it up in 15 minutes or less!
View the full recipe: Black Sesame Nice Cream
Autumn Salad With Dairy-Free Tahini Hemp Dressing
Hemp milk and hemp seeds both make an appearance in this colorful salad. Brimming with flavor, it also features butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, sliced apples, cranberries and walnuts.
View the full recipe: Autumn Salad with Dairy-Free Tahini Hemp Dressing
Chocolate Protein Shake
When you don’t have time for breakfast and need something to tide you over until lunch, this chocolate shake is here to save your morning. Just blend simple ingredients like hemp milk, a banana, nutty hemp seeds, chia seeds and almond butter!
View the full recipe: Chocolate Protein Shake
Find Your Favorite Plant-Based Milks at Pacific Foods
Whether you’re lactose-intolerant, vegan or simply prefer plant-based foods, milk alternatives can help you create great-tasting dishes. From making smoothies to cooking a meal, Pacific Foods has a wide variety of plant-based milk options for any type of recipe. Find your favorite by shopping our products today!
