If you’re looking for an easy high-protein snack that’s also vegan, gluten-free, and naturally delicious, this hemp granola recipe checks every box. It’s loaded with crunchy nuts, fiber-rich seeds, and hemp hearts a complete plant-based protein packed with omega‑3s. With no grains or refined sugars, this simple recipe is perfect for anyone wanting to eat cleaner without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re topping a smoothie bowl, meal prepping snacks, or just craving a satisfying crunch, this granola is your new go-to. Let’s break down the benefits, answer key questions, and walk through each tasty, foolproof step.
Table of Contents
A Nutty Story & Why Hemp Granola Belongs in Your Kitchen
How This Hemp Granola Became a Pantry Staple
Hi there, I’m Lara Voss home cook, health nerd, and the creator behind Recipes Spoon. This hemp granola recipe is more than just a crunchy snack for me it’s part of my healing story.
Years ago, I was dealing with fatigue, bloating, and blood sugar spikes. I tried to find a granola that wasn’t overloaded with grains or sugar but most store-bought options didn’t cut it. That’s when I started developing my own version that was grain-free, vegan, and naturally high in protein.
PrintHemp Granola You’ll Love: Crunchy, Vegan, and Totally Guilt-Free
Crunchy, grain-free hemp granola packed with fiber, omega-3s, and plant-based protein. A vegan, gluten-free snack or breakfast topper made with nuts, coconut, dates, and cinnamon.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Ingredients
3/4 cup raw almonds
1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
1/2 cup raw pecans
1 cup raw walnuts
1 cup unsweetened coconut (flakes or shredded)
1 cup hemp hearts
2 Tablespoons chia seeds
1/3 cup melted coconut oil
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon cinnamon Pinch of sea salt
1/2 cup pitted and chopped Medjool dates
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet.
2. In a large bowl, mix all dry ingredients except dates.
3. In another bowl, whisk melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients and toss to coat evenly.
5. Spread mixture on the baking sheet in a single layer.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden. To create large, crunchy clusters, press the granola down before baking and do not stir it. Let it cool completely on the pan before breaking it apart.
7. Cool completely and stir in chopped dates. Store in a jar.
Notes
You can substitute pecans or walnuts with cashews or hazelnuts. To make it sugar-free, use a few drops of liquid monk fruit instead of maple syrup. Add cacao nibs or dried cranberries for variety.
Always add dried fruit after the granola has baked and cooled completely. Baking dried fruit makes it unpleasantly hard and can cause it to burn.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/3 cup
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
I used ingredients like hemp hearts, chia seeds, nuts, and a touch of maple syrup to create something wholesome, crunchy, and satisfying. After one test batch, I knew I’d landed on something worth sharing.
This granola didn’t just taste amazing it made me feel amazing. With a balance of fiber, omega‑3s, and plant-based protein, it became my go-to snack and a recipe I always keep stocked.
Now it’s your turn to make it. Whether you sprinkle it over yogurt, pack it for hikes, or enjoy it by the handful, I promise this recipe is as simple as it is rewarding. Check out this guide to gluten-free pasta types to see how different grains can elevate your dish even further.
A Nutritional Powerhouse: The Science Behind Hemp Granola
This hemp granola isn’t just a healthy snack it’s a well-engineered source of powerful, functional nutrition. Each handful provides a balance of fiber, healthy fats, and complete plant-based protein that supports your energy, digestion, and long-term wellness.
Hemp seeds are a rare complete plant protein, containing a highly digestible form known as edestin, which the body can absorb and utilize efficiently. This makes them a superior protein option for vegans, vegetarians, and anyone seeking to support muscle repair, hormone balance, and immune health.
Crucially, they provide an optimal 3:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids a balance that is critical for reducing inflammation and supporting cognitive and heart health. Most Western diets skew heavily toward omega-6s, so this ratio helps restore equilibrium.
They also contain beneficial compounds like gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which has been shown to reduce inflammation, and arginine, an amino acid that promotes nitric oxide production to support cardiovascular function and blood flow.
Combined with chia seeds, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds, this granola becomes a nutrient-dense powerhouse that goes far beyond just “crunchy and clean.” It supports optimal brain function, cellular repair, metabolic balance, and gut health naturally and deliciously.
If you enjoy combining health-focused flavors, try pairing these savory crackers with my Greek Yogurt Sriracha Sauce or Avocado Toast with Scrambled Egg both make for a delicious, nutrient-packed match.
Troubleshooting Common Granola Problems
Even the best home cooks run into issues now and then. If your hemp granola doesn’t come out quite right, here’s how to fix it fast.
Problem: My Granola Isn’t Crunchy
This is usually due to not enough oil or improper cooling. Make sure all dry ingredients are lightly and evenly coated with coconut oil this fat is key to helping them crisp during baking. Also, don’t rush the cooling process. Leave the granola on the baking sheet to cool completely before storing. It continues to crisp as it cools, giving you that perfect crunchy texture.
Problem: My Granola Is Crumbly, Not Clumpy
The secret to big clusters is twofold: pressure and patience. First, press the granola mixture down firmly into a compact, even layer on your baking sheet. Resist the urge to stir while it bakes. Once it’s done, let it cool fully without touching it. As the syrup and oil set, they act like a natural glue creating the large, golden clumps you crave.
Looking for another low-carb pantry essential? Try our blue spirulina smoothie or message us via Contact Us for substitution tips!
Make vs. Buy: Is Homemade Hemp Granola Cheaper?
While the initial investment in ingredients like nuts, seeds, and pure maple syrup can seem high, the per-serving cost of homemade granola is significantly lower than premium healthy store-bought brands. Most commercial hemp granolas run $8–$12 per small bag, often with added sugar or fillers.
By making your own, you control every ingredient no preservatives, no refined sugar, just clean fuel. And when you buy essentials like hemp hearts, almonds, and chia seeds in bulk, your cost per batch drops dramatically. Plus, the recipe yields 10 servings, making it a budget-friendly, better-for-you alternative in the long run.
Healthy, Crunchy, and Worth Every Bite
If you’re craving something crunchy, satisfying, and truly nourishing, this hemp granola recipe deserves a place in your kitchen. With every handful, you’re fueling your body with fiber, omega‑3s, and plant-based protein without the grains, gluten, or refined sugars.
Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or just someone who wants to snack smarter, this granola is your new best friend. It’s easy to make, naturally sweetened, and endlessly versatile. You can even sprinkle it on smoothie bowls, yogurt, or just enjoy it straight from the jar.
And remember: good food doesn’t have to be complicated it just needs to be made with heart.
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Hemp Granola FAQs & Delicious Ways to Enjoy It
What People Ask About Hemp Granola Answered!
Is hemp granola good for you?
Yes. Hemp granola is packed with plant-based protein, healthy fats, and fiber. It supports heart health, balances blood sugar, and provides long-lasting energy without refined ingredients or added sugar.
Does hemp granola show up on a drug test?
No. Hemp hearts come from industrial hemp, which legally contains less than 0.3% THC. The seeds themselves do not naturally produce THC; any trace amounts are picked up during processing and are far too low to have any psychoactive effect or be detected by a standard drug test.
Do hemp seeds have CBD?
No. CBD is primarily extracted from the flowers and leaves of the hemp plant not the seeds. Hemp hearts used in granola contain no CBD or THC, making them a safe and legal ingredient in all 50 states.
What does hemp granola taste like?
It has a lightly nutty, earthy flavor with a touch of sweetness from maple syrup and Medjool dates. The result is a balanced, toasty crunch that pairs beautifully with yogurt, almond milk, or smoothies.
What is the disadvantage of hemp protein?
While highly nutritious, hemp protein may have a slightly lower lysine content compared to other complete proteins. Some people also find its earthy taste distinct. However, it’s easily digestible and rich in minerals, making it an excellent plant-based option.
Can I eat hemp every day?
Absolutely. Hemp hearts are gentle on digestion and rich in omega fatty acids and amino acids. A serving of 2–3 tablespoons per day is both safe and beneficial for most diets.
Are hemp seeds officially safe to eat?
Yes. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued “no questions” letters for three hemp seed ingredients hulled hemp seed, hemp seed protein, and hemp seed oil acknowledging them as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for use in food.