REVIEW: Nutiva Organic Hemp Protein Hi-Fiber

By Vanessa Waltz
Source: ladybud.com

With dozens of hemp protein powders on the market, choosing can be difficult. Many powders have sweet flavors – chocolate, vanilla, and various fruits – but I wanted to find a product that would lend itself to a savory veggie shake. Nutiva’s Organic Hemp Protein Hi-Fiber – 100% hemp protein powder with no added hexane, gluten, dairy, lactose or sweeteners - fits the bill perfectly, and has been a staple of my diet since I discovered it.

Hemp contains all 8 essential amino acids, as well as the good-for-you essential fatty acids. Each 3 tbsp serving of Hemp Protein Hi-Fiber provides astonishing 12 grams of fiber and 11 grams of protein. With only 80 calories (15 fat calories) and 4 grams of fat per serving, this is a great way for weight watchers or vegans to add healthy protein to their diet. And unlike many of the flavored powders on the market, Hemp Protein Hi-Fiber is very low in sugar – just one gram per serving, so it’s great for folks with sugar restrictions.

As for the taste? It’s pretty mild without much flavor (think wheat germ). Don’t expect to add just water to the mix and have a tasty treat; instead, try adding it to your favorite smoothie recipes as a dietary supplement – it will give you a major dose of protein and fiber without noticeably affecting the taste.

The container lists a simple recipe for a banana shake (just add almond milk and a banana – delicious) as well as a slightly more complex recipe for a fruit smoothie (also yummy, especially with fresh berries). There are dozens of recipes for fruity “Green Smoothies” online, but most that I’ve found are created so that the “green” flavors are hidden behind sugary fruits. I’ve been digging my low-sugar vegan “Green Hemp Shake” recipe, which is simple, savory, and super filling.

GREEN HEMP SHAKE
Ingredients: 

• 3 tbsp Hemp Protein Hi-Fiber
• 1.5 cup plain unsweetened almond milk
• 1/2 cup frozen green beans
• 1/2 cup frozen broccoli (about 4 florets)
• Salt to taste

Directions:
Pour almond milk into blender. Add Hemp Protein Hi-Fiber and mix on high for 30 seconds. Add green beans and mix again for 30 seconds. Add broccoli and mix until smooth (I use the puree setting on my blender to blend the broccoli, but a high setting works fine if you don’t have a fancy blender). Add salt to taste. Serve chilled.

Variations:

• Heat on stovetop or in microwave and serve as a warm soup
• Experiment with other vegetables: carrots, asparagus, spinach
• Add some spice: garlic powder, cumin powder, or dill weed
• For a medicated shake, add cannabis-infused coconut oil