The closest alternatives to Hemp Hearts are Flax Seeds, Pumpkin Seeds, Sesame Seeds, Chia Seeds, and Almond Meal.
While they have a nutty taste that is reminiscent of sunflower seeds and a crunchy texture, some truly enjoy the flavor.
For cooking, Pumpkin Seeds also works well - adjust the amount to taste.
Hemp hearts have a special place in our kitchens, right?
They're like the secret sprinkle that turns okay dishes into "wow, what's in this?"
But sometimes, our pantry runs dry or we're just itching to shake things up a bit.
There are some seriously nutty, equally nutritious substitutes out there.
Here are our top five picks.
Each one brings its own unique flair to the table, keeping your meals exciting and your nutrition on point.
Trust us, your blender and baking recipes are about to get a whole lot happier.
Nutty Hemp Heart Alternatives
If you're looking for a healthier alternative to traditional processed ingredients, hemp hearts offer a great solution.
But if you want something that offers similar health benefits without the raw taste of hemp, then here are five of the best substitutes:
1 - Flax Seeds
Flax seeds are an incredibly versatile seed - they can be used in baking, smoothies, oatmeal, and even as a meat substitute.
While they have a nutty taste that is reminiscent of sunflower seeds and a crunchy texture, some truly enjoy the flavor.
With its mild flavor, flax is often replaced with hemp hearts to add texture, nutrition, and flavor to recipes.
To substitute flax and take advantage of the nutritional benefits of hemp hearts, it's recommended to keep the ratio of three parts flax to one part hemp when replacing them in your favorite recipes.
2 - Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are a great way to add crunch, texture, and nutrition to your favorite recipes.
They have an earthy and nutty flavor that pairs well with both savory and sweet dishes - they can be transformed into spices, roasted in your oven, or enjoyed as healthy snacks on their own.
Both are pumpkin seeds delicious, but they also provide an excellent source of vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc.
Best of all, if you're looking for a healthier alternative ingredient for your meal-prepping routine, you can substitute pumpkin seeds for hemp hearts with ease.
3 - Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds are a distinctively nutty and crunchy snack that many people around the world enjoy.
Their flavors range from slightly sweet to richly savory, and their small, oval shape adds pleasant texture when sprinkled on salads or roasted into a butter-like paste known as tahini.
Those looking for a tasty substitute for hemp hearts can use sesame seeds instead - they provide many of the same benefits, including omega-3 fatty acids, plant protein, and dietary fiber.
4 - Chia Seeds
Chia seeds offer an interesting crunch with a mild nutty taste.
While they resemble poppy or sesame seeds in appearance, they are also quite different from these other seeds because of their taste and texture.
When cooked, chia seeds take on a slightly gelatinous texture and can be used as a substitute for dishes that call for hemp hearts.
Cooked chia is the perfect topping for soups and salads, but it can also be added to smoothies, baked in pastries, or sprinkled over hot cereal.
5 - Almond Meal
Almond meal is an incredibly versatile and nutritious ingredient with many uses.
It has a nutty flavor and a slightly gritty texture which adds flavor, nutrition, and crunch to a variety of dishes.
This can be used as a delicious replacement for hemp hearts, allowing for many vegan recipes to be enjoyed by all.
To substitute almond meals for hemp hearts, simply use the same amount of almond meal as you would of hemp hearts but add in more liquid or fat components as needed.
The difference in texture is sure to surprise you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Flax Seeds, Pumpkin Seeds, Sesame Seeds, Chia Seeds, and Almond Meal. Use it at a 1:1 ratio in any recipe that calls for Hemp Hearts.
Yes, and the results are often hard to tell apart. Flax Seeds is the go-to replacement.
For variety, Pumpkin Seeds adds its own twist to the dish.
Sometimes. Blending two partial substitutes - one for flavor and one for texture - gets closer to the original.
This works best when neither alone fully replicates what you need.
Not always. Some substitutes are processed or have a strong raw flavor that disappears with heat.
Check whether the original is typically used raw before assuming the substitute will work the same way.