My Latest Obsession - North Coast Naturals Organic Hemp Protein Powder

I have several friends who really like North Coast Naturals Organic Hemp Protein Powder… so when I was given the opportunity to sample it recently, I was eager.  I had no idea what to expect.  But I trust these particular foodie friends!

When I checked the North Coast Naturals web site and looked at their Organic Hemp Protein Powder, I found this information:

Who wouldn’t be interested in  all of that?

I must say I was surprised by the color, which is sort of a light dusty brown… and the texture, which is a wee bit gritty.  I can discern no real flavor or taste to it, but I do like the nutritional information.  Two (2) Tbs of this protein powder contains 15g of Protein, only 2.5g of Fat, 9g of Carbohydrate and a whopping 8g of Fibre. It is Vegan, and sodium-free.  Normally I select a protein powder with fewer Carbs, but when they are mostly Fibre, I don’t hesitate.

Since it is flavor-neutral, I have been using it in savory dishes as well as sweet and am really pleased with the results.  The only time I would not recommend using it is where the color might be an issue… it does tend to make things brown or green!

I am always in favor of adding protein to my diet.  Without powders or other supplements, I find it nearly impossible to get in my daily requirement.  And, I do find that this Hemp Protein Powder seems to keep me satisfied much longer than a whey or soy protein powder does…and I wonder if that is because there is so fibre in it.

Here are some of the recipes I have created using this NCN Organic Hemp Protein Powder.  The first 2 are sauces for my zoodles… which of course could be used with pasta if you prefer.  And then I created a grain-free hot ‘cereal’ breakfast dish, and a dip for fresh fruit, too.  Read on!

Hemp and Yogurt Sauce for Zoodles and Noodles
Makes 1 serving

• 1/4 cup fat free plain Greek yogurt
• 1 Tbs North Coast Naturals Organic Hemp Protein Powder
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled, smashed, and minced

1. Mix yogurt and hemp protein powder until well-combined.
2. Stir in garlic and then refrigerate about 15 minutes for flavors to meld.
3. Toss with zoodles or noodles to serve. 
4. Season with salt and pepper if desired.

Per serving.
Weight Watchers P+ = 2.
Calories 97; Protein 14g; Carbohydrate 8g; Fat 1g; Fibre 4g.

Printable Recipe

And, you all know how much I love my Sensational Sesame Sauce.  I decided to add some Organic Hemp Protein Powder to it to give the nutritional value a boost, and it worked just fine… no change at all to the wonderful salty, smoky sesame taste.   And yes, I licked the bowl!



Hemp and Sesame Sauce for Zoodles and Noodles
Makes 1 serving

• 2 tsp Tahini paste
• 1 Tbs North Coast Naturals Organic Hemp Protein Powder
• 1 Tbs tamari soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp dark sesame oil

1. Mix tahini paste, hemp protein powder and tamari soy sauce till well-combined.
2. Stir in the dark sesame oil.
3. Toss with zoodles or noodles to serve.

Per serving.
Weight Watchers P+ = 4.
Calories 153; Protein 11g; Carbohydrate 7g; Fat 10g; Fibre 4g.

Printable Recipe

I like to have a hot ‘cereal’ sometimes for breakfast, but because I rarely, if EVER, eat grains (I hate to declare never cause ya never know!)  So, instead of oats or quinoa, or farro, or even brown rice, or wheat berries, I like to use ground flax meal.

I dressed mine up with some Greek yogurt, a few raisins and a bit of cinnamon.

Hot Hemp and Flax ‘Cereal’
Makes 1 serving

• 1/2 small ripe banana
• 1/4 cup egg whites
• 1 Tbs ground flax meal
• 1 Tbs North Coast Naturals Organic Hemp Protein Powder
• Dash of cinnamon

1. Mash banana in a medium bowl.
2. Add the egg whites and whip with a fork till frothy.
3. Stir in flax meal, hemp protein powder, and cinnamon.
4. Lightly coat the bottom of a saucepan with non-stick spray and set over MEDIUM heat.
5. When the spray has melted, add the banana mixture to the pan.
6. Cook, stirring continuously for approximately 3 or 4 minutes.  The color will lighten considerably as the egg white cooks and it will increase in volume.
7. Remove to serving bowl and garnish as desired.

Per serving.
Weight Watchers P+ = 4.
Calories 182; Protein 16g; Carbohydrate 18g; Fat 5g; Fibre 7g

Printable Recipe

Sometimes I like to slice up apples and have then with an almond butter and yogurt dip. So I added some NCN Organic Hemp Protein Powder and a dash of cinnamon to it… and it was really good, but the addition of a couple of drops of liquid vanilla-flavored Stevia turned it into fabulous. 

Hemp and Almond Butter Dip
Makes 1 serving

• 3 Tbs fat free Greek Yogurt
• 1 Tbs North Coast Naturals Organic Hemp Protein Powder
• 2 tsp almond butter
• Dash of cinnamon
• 2 drops of liquid vanilla Stevia, or to taste

1. Mix all the ingredients together till well-combined and enjoy with fresh cut up fruit such as apples, pears, peaches or bananas.

Per serving.
Weight Watchers P+ = 3.
Calories 140; Protein 14g; Carbohydrate 8g; Fat 7g; Fibre 6g

Printable Recipe

I am so enjoying this North Coast Naturals Organic Hemp Protein Powder… and will be sure to keep coming up with additional ways to get it into my day.  Watch for more new recipes and ideas coming soon.

Have you tried a Hemp Protein Powder?  Does the color put you off at all?