Nut-Free, Lunchbox-Friendly, Tasty, Healthy Hemp Spread
How would you feel about a lunchbox-friendly (peanut-free), kid-approved (tasty), parent-endorsed (packed with nutrients, protein, fibre, and brain-boosting amino acids) spread that also happens to be great for the planet?
We’re confident that quite a few people would scoop up this product with gusto. Problem is, hemp spread is still quite a niche product, it's not easy to find and many people, brands, and food manufacturers are unfamiliar with its potential.
And so here we are spreading the word and the hemp spread…
The North American Nut-Based Spreads market was worth US$2.25 billion in 2021 and is estimated to be growing at a CAGR of 7.5%. That puts it on track to reach US$3.23 by 2026 (Source: MarketData Forecast). This growth is driven by the return of the breakfast occasion and the shift from sugary jams to healthier protein-based spreads.
Peanut allergies are the most common food allergy in children, tripling in the past twenty years. As a result, there has been a decline in the peanut butter market, leading to increased consumption of other nut and seed-based spreads.
We envision hemp spread as the next big condiment, joining other seed and nut spreads on the market, including peanut butter, hazelnut, and pumpkin seed, to name a few. Besides its nine essential nutrients and high levels of protein and fibre, consumers will love it because it offers a new alternative for those with nut allergies.
Currently, in Canada, this remains untapped potential. South of the border, we discovered Hemp Seed Butter by Wilderness Poets, with the promise of a similar flavour profile to that of pine nuts. We see great promise for consumers who suffer from migraines and are triggered by other kinds of nut butter.
And while currently, the above hemp seed nut butter is simply that, hemp seeds, there is the potential to create flavoured hemp seed spreads such as maple, a Canadian favourite, and nut-free alternatives to the leading chocolate spreads.
Like the idea of hemp spread in your product portfolio? Get in touch and we’ll help you get it to market.
Interested in making your own?
Here’s a recipe:
Hemp Seed Chocolate Spread Recipe
- 1/2 Cup of Blue Sky Hulled Hemp Seeds
- 2-3 tbsp of Sweetener (Maple Syrup, Honey, or Coconut Sugar)
- 2-3 tbsp of Cocoa Powder
- 1/4 Cup of Blue Sky Refined Hemp Seed Oil or Coconut Oil
Instructions:
- In a small blender or food processor, add all ingredients and pulse until smooth. Use a spatula to scrape off the sides where necessary. Taste and adjust flavors and thickness as needed. Add more hemp seeds, sweeten with sweetener, or add more bitterness and chocolate flavor with cocoa powder to thicken.
- Place in a clean container. Serve on toast, or a croissant, dip some fruit, add to recipes, or eat it by the spoonful!
Please note: In the fridge, the spread will likely harden, so you'll need to microwave it or remove it from the fridge before serving.
