This DIY 5-ingredient plant protein powder is the perfect recipe for adding more clean, healthy, good quality plant protein to your diet. Plus, it’s way cheaper than buying the plant protein powder from the store, and this recipe is gluten-free and grain-free!
Protein powder is something that is definitely not in short supply on supermarket shelves, but it can be really challenging to find a clean protein powder that ticks all the boxes; is it isolate or concentrate? Is it non-GMO? Has it undergone irradiation? Is it pesticide-free? Organic? Has it been heavy metal tested? Is it denatured in any way? Has it been sprouted? (I share a whole list of what to look for in a protein powder here).
A few of my favourite pre-made powders are IN.POWER whey protein, IN.POWER plant protein (one of the only plant protein powders I’ve found that has been sprouted), Vital Protein’s 100% plant-based protein powder (which comes in a 100% recycled plastic container), or Nuzest’s “just natural” protein powder. However, they’re quite pricey, so another way to ensure your protein powder is as clean as possible is to make it yourself!


Yes, you can do this. It’s quite simple.
I source my ingredients from The Source Bulk Foods to keep the process plastic-free, and I keep my protein powder in a glass jar so no plastic chemicals leach into the powder.
Before we get started in learning how to make this plant-based protein powder, if you like what you’re seeing, subscribe to my email newsletter at the bottom of the page to keep up to date on the latest recipes, DIYs, gardening and health tips I share!!


How to Make a Plant-Based Protein Powder
This is my favourite homemade protein powder to make at home using a range of nuts and seeds. For a nut-free option, use sunflower seeds instead of almond meal and grind them into a fine flour.


What about antinutrients in nuts and seeds?
It helps to sprout the nuts and seeds beforehand to reduce antinutrient concentrations. Antinutrients work to block absorption of other nutrients during digestion and can harm the gut lining overtime if consumed in large quantities.
If you are concerned about the antinutrients found in seeds and nuts, you can soak and sprout them beforehand, then dehydrate them before blending to make this protein powder. Just note, pasteurised almonds will not sprout, so opt for organic, raw almonds (and seeds, too) where possible.
This homemade protein powder isn’t an isolate, so the protein content won’t be as concentrated as store-bought protein powders. Manufacturers will often extract the starches and fibre from the plant protein used, leaving a higher concentrated protein powder. But, unlike the commercial versions, ours has the added benefit of extra fibre and nutrients that would have otherwise been removed.
If you do notice any discomfort after consuming this protein powder, stop use immediately. Sprouting should help with this though.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup almond meal (or sunflower seed flour)
- 4 tbsp chia seeds
- 4 tbsp hemp seeds
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1/4 cup ground flaxseeds
- Pinch of sea salt
- 3-4 tbsp carob powder or cocoa powder (optional)
To make:
- Grind the chia seeds, hemp seeds and flaxseeds in a high speed blender or spice grinder individually until a fine flour forms. Be careful not to overgrind the seeds. Do not grind all ingredients together at once in the blender, as the hemp seeds, flaxseeds and chia seeds can be difficult to make into a fine flour texture, so it’s best to blend them individually before combining.
- To create an even finer powder, sieve the mixture through a fine mesh sieve lined with a nut milk bag to capture any large chunks, then blend those chunks again.
- Mix all the ingredients together and store in an air-tight container in a dark, dry place for up to 4 weeks or in the freezer for longer.
- Add 2-4 tablespoons to smoothies, baked goods, nice-cream, a bowl of porridge, or add to these No-Bake Low-Carb Protein Bars. When blending into a smoothie, add the liquid first and the protein powder last to prevent the chia seeds from expanding in the liquid and becoming gluggy.


Homemade plant protein powder tutorial
As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor before trying or using any new products. I am not a doctor. All opinions expressed are my own personal thoughts and feelings of the products mentioned. Check with your doctor or health practitioner if you are uncertain about trying out any of the products, recipes or tips mentioned in this post.
Have you made your own protein powder before? How did it go? Share in the comments below.
Lots of love,
Vanessa