Hemp Protein Powder 50%: Complete Guide for Food Manufacturers
Hemp protein 50% is a high-quality plant protein powder made from organic hemp seeds. It contains 50 grams of protein per 100 grams and all nine essential amino acids. Food manufacturers across Europe use it in baked goods, smoothies, protein bars, and plant-based meat alternatives.
Quick answer
Hemp protein 50% (HP50) is a mechanically milled hemp seed flour containing 50g protein per 100g, all nine essential amino acids, and 13g of healthy fats. It is certified organic (EU Organic EE-ÖKO-03), vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free. Produced in Estonia from organic hemp seed, it has a 24-month shelf life and is packaged in 25 kg bags.
What is hemp protein 50%?
HP50 sits between whole hemp seed and hemp protein 70% in the processing chain. After the oil is cold-pressed from the seed, the remaining press cake is milled into a fine powder. The result is a protein concentrate that retains 13% healthy fats, 5.4% fibre, and the natural omega-3 to omega-6 ratio — unlike highly isolated proteins that strip out everything except protein.
This makes it a versatile middle-ground ingredient. It delivers enough protein to fortify a product, but retains enough fat and fibre to contribute to texture and mouthfeel. Food manufacturers choose it over more isolated proteins when they want a clean label, minimal processing, and a nutritional profile that still reads as whole food. It is produced by Nordic Hemp in Estonia from their own green hemp and smoothie hemp.
Nutritional profile: what’s in it?
HP50 is one of the most protein-dense plant-based ingredients available. The table below shows the typical nutritional values per 100 grams of product.
| Nutrient | Per 100 g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 1359 kJ / 325 kcal |
| Protein | 50 g |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Fiber | 5.4 g |
| Sugars (sucrose) | 4.9 g |
| Moisture (max) | 8% |
Compared to other plant proteins, HP50 offers a well-rounded nutritional package. It has more fibre than pea protein and a better fat profile than soy protein, thanks to its natural omega-3 and omega-6 content. The low sugar content (4.9g per 100g) makes it suitable for low-sugar formulations.
Does it contain all essential amino acids?
Yes. HP50 contains all nine essential amino acids that the human body cannot produce on its own. That makes it a complete plant protein — a relatively rare quality among plant-based ingredients.
The amino acid profile includes a notable amount of arginine, which supports muscle recovery and blood flow. It also contains the branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) leucine, isoleucine, and valine, which are critical for muscle protein synthesis. HP50 is a strong ingredient for sports nutrition, protein bars, and meal replacement formulations.
How is it made?
The production starts with the whole hemp seed. The seed is first cold-pressed to extract the oil. The remaining press cake — rich in protein and fibre — is then mechanically milled into a fine powder.
No chemicals, enzymes, or solvents are used. The entire process is mechanical, which preserves the natural amino acid profile and keeps the ingredient clean-label. The final product is a fine, light-green powder with a mild nutty taste.
Nordic Hemp controls the entire chain from field to finished product — the hemp is grown on their own farms in Estonia, and the protein is milled at their own facility. This vertical integration ensures consistent quality and full traceability.
What certifications does it carry?
HP50 from Nordic Hemp is certified under the EU Organic regulation (certification body: EE-ÖKO-03). It is also:
- Vegan — no animal products or by-products
- Non-GMO — no genetically modified organisms used
- Gluten-free — safe for coeliac consumers
- Allergen-free — no common allergens present
- Laboratory tested — regularly tested for purity and safety
- No pesticides used in production
- No e.Coli detected
The product is in full compliance with EU food law and regulations. The country of origin is Estonia.
Packaging and storage
HP50 is packaged in 25 kg bags, with 30 bags (750 kg total) on a standard pallet. The shelf life is 24 months from the packaging date when stored correctly.
Recommended storage conditions: keep cool and dry, protected from direct sunlight, and away from walls to prevent moisture absorption. Each bag is labelled with the product name, ingredients, net weight, lot number, best-before date, organic logo, and Nordic Hemp’s address and country of origin.
Applications in food manufacturing
HP50 is a versatile ingredient that works well in a range of food products. The fine powder blends easily into dry mixes and has a mild nutty flavour that does not overpower other ingredients.
Common applications include:
- Baked goods — breads, muffins, crackers, cookies (replaces 10-20% of wheat flour)
- Protein bars and energy balls — adds protein and fibre without a chalky texture
- Smoothies and shakes — blends well with liquids for a protein boost
- Porridge and breakfast cereals — stirs in easily, adds nutty flavour
- Yoghurts and plant-based dairy alternatives — boosts protein content
- Plant-based meat alternatives — contributes to structure and amino acid profile
Because the protein is already heat-treated during milling, it can be added directly to dry mixes without further processing. The recommended starting inclusion rate is 5-10% of the total recipe weight, adjusted based on the desired protein content and texture.
Is it suitable for vegans and allergen-free diets?
Yes. HP50 is 100% vegan — no animal products or by-products are used at any stage. It is also naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for coeliac consumers. The product is free from the 14 common allergens listed under EU food labelling regulations.
HP50 is a safe, versatile protein source for manufacturers producing allergen-free or vegan product lines. The only ingredient is organic hempseed flour — no additives, preservatives, or processing aids.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between HP50 and hemp hearts?
Hemp hearts are the whole inner kernel of the hemp seed, containing roughly 34g protein and 48g fat per 100g. HP50 is made from the press cake after oil extraction, concentrating the protein to 50g per 100g while reducing the fat content to 13g. HP50 is a powder, while hemp hearts are whole kernels.
Does it contain THC or CBD?
HP50 is made from EU-approved hemp varieties that naturally contain very low levels of THC — well below 3 mg/kg. Both THC and CBD are naturally present in trace amounts in the hemp plant, but the levels in the protein powder are far too low to have any psychoactive effect.
How long does it last?
The shelf life is 24 months from the packaging date when stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The product is packaged in 25 kg sealed bags to maintain freshness.
Is it a complete protein?
Yes. HP50 contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete plant protein. This is relatively rare among plant-based protein sources, which often lack one or more essential amino acids.
Can it be used in baby food?
HP50 is used by food manufacturers across Europe in various applications, including products for children. Manufacturers should consult their own food safety teams and regulatory advisors for specific age-group applications, as requirements vary by country and product category.
What is the difference between HP50 and HP70?
HP50 contains 50g protein per 100g with 13g fat, while hemp protein 70% (concentrate) is further processed to remove more fibre and fat, raising the protein content to around 70g. HP50 is less processed, more affordable, and retains more natural fibre. Nordic Hemp currently produces HP50 as their standard protein product.
Why choose Nordic Hemp?
Nordic Hemp Cooperation has been growing and processing organic hemp in Estonia since 2017. The company controls the entire production chain — from sowing seeds to the final packaged product. the company grows its hemp on over 5,000 hectares of Estonian farmland, far enough north that the climate is stable and reliable.
We regularly test our raw material and final products. HP50 is EU Organic certified (EE-ÖKO-03) and produced in compliance with EU food law. The company also holds BRCGS certification for food safety.
Guide
Hemp Hearts vs Hemp Seeds
Understand the difference between whole hemp seeds, hemp hearts, and hemp protein powder.
Guide
How Much Protein in Hemp Hearts
Detailed breakdown of the protein content in hemp hearts and hemp protein products.
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Hemp Hearts Ingredient Guide
Complete ingredient guide for food manufacturers using hemp hearts and hemp protein.
Product
Organic Hemp Protein 50%
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Sources and references
- Nordic Hemp Cooperation — Organic Hemp Protein 50% product page
- USDA FoodData Central — Hemp seed protein nutritional data
- European Commission — EU Organic regulation
