Hemp protein
Hemp protein suppliers and sourcing guide
Hemp protein comes from the seeds of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa). The seeds are cold pressed to remove most of the oil, and the remaining press cake is milled and sifted into powders. Standard powders are about 50% protein with a lot of fiber; higher-protein grades (around 60 to 70%) are made by removing more hull and fiber, and isolates by wet extraction. The powder is green to brown and earthy tasting.
- Category
- Proteins and amino acids
- Also known as
- hemp seed protein · hemp protein powder · hemp protein concentrate · Cannabis sativa seed protein
- Facts checked
- November 2026
Forms and grades of hemp protein
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Hemp protein powder (about 50%)
Milled press cake with substantial fiber; the most common and least processed grade.
High-protein (60 to 70%)
Sifted or dehulled grades with less fiber and a smoother texture.
Hemp protein isolate
Wet-extracted protein at 80% or more, with lighter color and less fiber.
Organic
Made from certified organic hemp seed; a large share of retail hemp protein.
What to check on the COA
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
- Protein (Kjeldahl or Dumas)
- Total nitrogen times 6.25, as-is and on a dry basis.
- THC and cannabinoids
- Total THC and CBD by HPLC or LC-MS/MS; seed-derived protein should test very low, but residue from flowers and leaves can carry over.
- Heavy metals
- Lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury by ICP-MS; hemp takes up metals from soil readily.
- Microbiology
- Total plate count, coliforms, yeast and mold, Salmonella and E. coli.
- Moisture, fat and fiber
- Proximate analysis; residual fat level affects shelf life.
Storage, lots and expiry
Storage and shelf life
Hemp protein keeps some oil rich in polyunsaturated fats, so store it sealed, cool and away from light and air to slow rancidity. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, and older lots are often checked for peroxide value or off-odor before use.
Lots and expiry dates
Record protein, THC and heavy metal results for each lot and keep the seed origin. Color and flavor vary with crop and processing, so keep retained samples.
Regulatory status
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
GRN 771, for hemp seed protein notified by Fresh Hemp Foods Ltd., closed on Dec 20, 2018 with FDA having no questions.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's Workout Supplements monograph lists hemp protein concentrate with the non-viable seed of Cannabis sativa as the source material.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)
This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Hemp protein suppliers
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
We are checking hemp protein suppliers now
Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.
Sell hemp protein? Request a listingFrequently asked questions
What forms of hemp protein can brands buy?
Common forms include hemp protein powder (about 50%), high-protein (60 to 70%), hemp protein isolate and organic. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
What should the COA for hemp protein include?
Expect protein (Kjeldahl or Dumas), tHC and cannabinoids, heavy metals, microbiology and moisture, fat and fiber, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
How should hemp protein be stored?
Hemp protein keeps some oil rich in polyunsaturated fats, so store it sealed, cool and away from light and air to slow rancidity. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, and older lots are often checked for peroxide value or off-odor before use.
What is the regulatory status of hemp protein?
GRN 771, for hemp seed protein notified by Fresh Hemp Foods Ltd., closed on Dec 20, 2018 with FDA having no questions. Health Canada's Workout Supplements monograph lists hemp protein concentrate with the non-viable seed of Cannabis sativa as the source material.
More proteins and amino acids
- Collagen Peptideshydrolyzed collagen · collagen hydrolysate
- Creatine Monohydratecreatine · micronized creatine
- L-TheanineTheanine · N-ethyl-L-glutamine
- Pea ProteinPisum sativum protein · pea protein isolate
- Whey Protein IsolateWPI · whey isolate
- Whey protein concentrateWPC · WPC 80
- Whey protein hydrolysateWPH · hydrolyzed whey protein
- Micellar caseinmicellar casein isolate · casein micelles
- Milk protein concentrateMPC · MPC 70
- Milk protein isolateMPI · milk protein
- Sodium caseinatecasein sodium · caseinate sodium salt
- Calcium caseinatecasein calcium · caseinate calcium salt
Sell ingredients to brands?
Request a free listing for the ingredients you make or distribute. No paid placement.