Get Out of Your Nut Butter Rut with 3 Hemp Butter Recipes from Artisana Organics

For what seems like the longest time, peanut butter reigned supreme: in sandwiches and on toast, as a snack and for dessert…and sometimes, straight off the spoon. Then P.B.’s sophisticated cousin, almond butter, stole the spotlight, winning hearts and making way for more nut butter variety in the process (hello cashew, pecan, and macadamia).

So what’s the next spreadable trend? It just may be hemp butter. That’s according to Artisana Organics, a brand that makes a tasty array of 100% Certified Organic, R.A.W., and C.L.E.A.N. nut and seed spreads in small batches using top-quality ingredients. With its mild, versatile flavor and impressive nutrient profile, it’s high time for hemp seed butter to have its moment.

How Artisana Makes the Best Hemp Butter

“We think when food is good, it doesn’t need to hide behind things like cane sugar, a roasting process, or processed flavors,” says Courtney Smith, Director of Community at Artisana Organics and a self-described hemp butter enthusiast. The brand’s hemp seed butter is free of added sugars and oils and suitable for plant-based, ketogenic, paleo, and gluten-free diets.

“We are meticulous about sourcing, selecting raw ingredients by flavor profile and running them through our extensive food safety testing and protocols,” Smith adds, noting that since hemp butter comes from hulled hemp seeds, it makes a great nut butter alternative for those with allergies or kids who attend nut-free schools.

Though it may be a somewhat lesser-known spread, there are more hemp seed butter uses than you might think. We asked Smith about cooking with hemp butter, and she shared three easy recipes that star unroasted, organic hemp butter as the main ingredient. Read on to learn more about the benefits of hemp seeds, plus three quick, tasty ways to take advantage of them.

What is Hemp Butter, Exactly?

You’re probably familiar with hemp seeds; hemp butter is what the hulled seeds turn into when they’re ground up.

Heads up: if you’re used to the usual nut butter suspects like peanut butter and almond butter, you’re in for a new experience with hemp seed butter. It has an earthy flavor with notes of wheatgrass. (Like sesame tahini? Then you’ll probably enjoy hemp butter too). Smith says she likes hers slathered on homemade sourdough rye and topped with flaky salt and lemon zest (to which we say, when are you inviting us over for brunch?). All it takes is a little creativity to realize the full potential of this seedy spread—and turn it into a pantry staple worthy of your next Autoship order.

Not ready to stray too far from your normal nut butter ways? You can also try Artisana Organics Hemp & Brazil Nut Butter Blend, which balances the strong flavor of hemp seeds with buttery Brazil nuts, cashews, and macadamias.

Hemp Seed Butter Nutrition Facts

Artisana Organics Hemp Butter outshines other nut and seed spreads in the plant protein department, with an impressive 10 grams per two-tablespoon serving. Each serving also provides 4 grams of carbohydrates, three of which come from gut-healthy dietary fiber.

As with other nuts and seeds, the primary macronutrient in hemp seed butter is fat. Hemp seeds offer both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids as well as anti-inflammatory gamma-linolenic acid. With hemp seed butter, you’ll also get a dose of important minerals (like potassium, calcium, and iron), as well as vitamin E, which supports immune system function.

Hemp Milk Recipe

Yield: 8–12oz milk
Total time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup water
1 tablespoon Artisana Organics Unroasted Hemp Butter
Pinch salt
1 tablespoon sweetener of choice (try date syrup), or to taste

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth and well mixed.

Green Goddess Hemp Dressing Recipe

Yield: About 1 ¼ cup dressing
Total time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup fresh parsley
1 cup arugula
2 tablespoons fresh tarragon
3 tablespoons fresh chives
1 garlic clove
¼ cup lemon juice
1 teaspoon Thrive Market Organic White Wine Vinegar
½ cup Thrive Market Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
¼ cup water
¼ cup Artisana Organics Unroasted Hemp Butter
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

To serve, drizzle over crispy greens like romaine (add an extra squeeze of lemon and sprinkle of salt after tossing greens with dressing), use as a dip for crudités, or mix with pasta for a spin on pesto.

Honey Hemp Protein Bites Recipe

Yield: 12 bites
Active time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

2 tablespoons Thrive Market Organic Coconut Oil
½ cup Thrive Market Almond Flour
Pinch salt
¼ cup Thrive Market Organic Raw Honey
¼ cup Artisana Organics Unroasted Hemp Butter
½ teaspoon lemon zest
Thrive Market Organic Hemp Seed Hearts and/or unsweetened coconut flakes, optional

Instructions

In a pan over medium heat, melt the coconut oil. Add almond flour and salt. Toast for 1–2 minutes, stirring with a wooden spatula.

Add honey to the pan and heat until bubbling. Transfer mixture to a bowl.

Stir the hemp butter and lemon zest into the coconut oil, almond flour, and honey mixture. Mix thoroughly.

Cover the bowl and put it in the fridge to chill. Once the mixture has cooled and is solid enough to work with (approximately 30 minutes), scoop approximately 1 tablespoon of “dough,” roll in your hands until it forms a ball, and roll in the hemp seeds and/or coconut flakes, if using. Continue with the remaining mixture.

Store the bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator.