How to Manufacture Hemp Seed Milk
Make dairy-free milk from hemp seeds. Complete protein, omega 3-6, no allergens. Sells for $4-6 per quart.
Commercial Formula (per gallon)
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Hulled hemp seeds | 1 lb (2.5 cups) |
| Filtered water | 1 gallon |
| Sunflower lecithin | 5g (emulsifier) |
| Sea salt | 3g |
| Vanilla (optional) | 2g |
| Dates or maple (optional) | 20g |
Step-by-Step Process
Soak (optional)
Soak seeds 2-4 hours for smoother milk. Drain. Can skip for commercial speed.
Blend
High-speed blender: seeds + water 3 minutes until creamy white.
Filter
Filter through 100-micron bag. Squeeze pulp. Pulp can be used for crackers or protein bars.
Homogenize
Add lecithin, salt, flavor. Blend 30 seconds. For shelf-stable: homogenize at 2,500 PSI.
Pasteurize and bottle
Heat to 161°F for 15 seconds (HTST). Cool rapidly. Bottle in HDPE or glass. Keep cold.
Shelf Life and Nutrition
Fresh: 7-10 days refrigerated
Pasteurized: 21 days refrigerated
UHT: 6 months shelf-stable (requires $50k equipment)
| Per cup | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 80 |
| Protein | 3g (complete) |
| Omega 3 | 1g |
| Calcium | 20% DV (if fortified) |
Business Model
Equipment: Commercial blender $800, filter bags $100, pasteurizer $3,000, filler $1,500. Total $5,400.
Cost per quart: Hemp seeds $0.75 + bottle $0.35 + labor $0.40 = $1.50
Selling price: $3 wholesale, $5 retail
Production: 50 gallons per day = 200 quarts. Profit $300 per day wholesale.
Market: Coffee shops, natural grocers, schools, direct delivery. Hemp milk growing 25% yearly as nut-free alternative.