Do Hemp Seeds Have Another Name? Understanding Seeds vs. Hearts

December 23, 2025 •

4 min read

Nutritional data shows that hemp hearts, the hulled version of hemp seeds, are a powerhouse of protein and healthy fats. Many people wonder, do hemp seeds have another name, and the answer lies in whether the hard outer shell has been removed.

Quick Summary

Hulled hemp seeds are known as hemp hearts or shelled hemp seeds. The differences between hemp seeds and hemp hearts include texture, fiber content, and culinary uses.

Key Points

Hemp Hearts are Shelled Hemp Seeds: The most common alternative name for edible hemp seeds refers specifically to the soft inner kernel with the outer shell removed.
Unhulled Seeds are the "True" Hemp Seed: The term 'hemp seed' can refer to the complete, unhulled seed, which has a crunchy, fibrous shell.
Texture is the Key Difference: Hemp hearts are soft and chewy, making them versatile for cooking, while whole hemp seeds are crunchy and fibrous.
Nutritional Proportions Differ: Removing the high-fiber shell to create hemp hearts results in a higher concentration of protein and healthy fats by weight.
The Same Plant, Different Products: Both hemp seeds and hemp hearts come from the non-psychoactive Cannabis sativa L. plant, ensuring they are not marijuana.
Use Based on Culinary Needs: Use hemp hearts for their creamy texture in smoothies and salads, and whole seeds for crunch or grinding into high-fiber flour.

The Simple Distinction: Hemp Seeds vs. Hemp Hearts

While the terms 'hemp seeds' and 'hemp hearts' are sometimes used interchangeably, they refer to different forms of the same edible part of the Cannabis sativa L. plant. The key difference is the presence of the hard outer shell. The whole, raw fruit of the hemp plant is the hemp seed, while the soft inner kernel that remains after the shell is removed is the hemp heart. This simple difference has a profound effect on their texture, fiber content, and culinary applications.

What is a Hemp Seed?

A hemp seed is the complete, unhulled seed of the hemp plant. It is small, typically brown, and features a hard, crunchy outer shell. While the shell is edible and a great source of insoluble fiber, it can be tough to chew and get stuck in your teeth, which is why it is often removed for easier eating. Whole hemp seeds can be roasted or ground into a powder, but are less common for direct consumption than their hulled counterparts. The fibrous outer shell is sometimes used to create other hemp-based products.

What is a Hemp Heart?

Hemp hearts are the inner part of the hemp seed, with the tough outer shell removed. They are also known as hulled or shelled hemp seeds and are much softer with a mild, nutty flavor. Their soft, chewy texture makes them an extremely versatile and popular ingredient for both sweet and savory dishes. Because the fibrous shell has been removed, hemp hearts are easier to digest and contain a higher concentration of protein and fat by weight compared to whole seeds.

Other Names for Hemp and its Derivatives

While "hemp hearts" is the most common alternative name for hulled hemp seeds in English-speaking markets, other names and related terms exist globally or within the industry. These can include:

Cannabis sativa L.: The scientific name for the hemp plant from which the seeds are harvested.
Hulled Hemp Seeds/Shelled Hemp Seeds: Formal, descriptive names for the heart.
Hemp Nuts: A term that accurately describes the seeds, which are technically a type of nut.
Bhang Beej: A regional name used in parts of India for hemp seeds.

Comparison Table: Hemp Seeds vs. Hemp Hearts


Feature	Hemp Seeds (Unhulled)	Hemp Hearts (Hulled)
Appearance	Small, round, brownish, with a hard outer shell.	Small, soft, off-white, and shell-free.
Texture	Crunchy and firm, with a slightly earthy flavor.	Soft and chewy, with a delicate, nutty flavor.
Nutritional Profile	Contains high dietary fiber from the shell.	Higher percentage of protein and fat by weight.
Primary Use	Grinding into flour, baking, or animal feed.	Sprinkled on salads, added to smoothies, and used in baking.
Digestibility	The shell can be harder for some to digest.	Easier to digest for most people.

Nutritional Differences and Benefits

The nutritional difference between hemp seeds and hemp hearts primarily revolves around the fiber content from the shell. Whole seeds offer more dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health. However, once hulled, the proportion of healthy fats and protein in the hemp heart increases relative to the total weight. Both forms are rich in a beneficial ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids, which is excellent for heart health and reducing inflammation. Hemp hearts are also celebrated for their high-quality plant-based protein, which contains all nine essential amino acids.

How to Use Seeds and Hearts in Your Kitchen

Your culinary choice between hemp seeds and hemp hearts depends largely on the texture you want to achieve. Hemp hearts are the most versatile for everyday cooking due to their soft texture and mild flavor. They can be added seamlessly into many recipes without altering the texture significantly, while still providing a nutritional boost. On the other hand, the crunchiness of whole hemp seeds can be used to add texture or, when ground into a flour, can be used in baking.

Ideas for using hemp hearts:

Smoothies: Blend in a spoonful for an extra dose of protein and healthy fats.
Salads: Sprinkle over your salads to add a nutty crunch.
Yogurt and Cereal: Stir them into your morning bowl.
Baked Goods: Use them in muffins, cookies, or bread for added nutrients.
Pesto: Blend them with basil and olive oil for a unique twist on pesto.

Ideas for using whole hemp seeds:

Granola and Trail Mix: The hard shell provides a satisfying crunch.
Ground Flour: Grind the whole seeds into a flour for high-fiber baking.

The Takeaway: Finding the Right Name for Your Needs

When you ask "do hemp seeds have another name?" the answer is that the shelled, easier-to-digest version is called a hemp heart. The terms are not fully interchangeable and understanding the difference is key to choosing the right product for your needs. The whole, crunchy hemp seed provides excellent fiber, while the soft hemp heart offers a higher concentration of protein and fats. Both are nutritional powerhouses derived from the same versatile Cannabis sativa plant, offering different textures and culinary applications for a healthy diet.

WebMD provides a detailed overview of hemp seeds' health benefits

Frequently Asked Questions

No, they are not exactly the same. Hemp seeds are the whole seeds with their fibrous shell intact, while hemp hearts are the seeds that have been hulled or shelled, leaving only the soft inner kernel.

The main nutritional difference is fiber. Whole hemp seeds contain more dietary fiber from their outer shell. Conversely, hemp hearts have a higher percentage of protein and healthy fats by weight because the hull is removed.

Hemp hearts can often be used as a replacement for flax or chia seeds, especially in applications like smoothies or as a topping. However, their texture is softer and less gelatinous than soaked chia or flax, and they contain more protein per serving.

No, edible hemp seeds and hemp hearts contain only trace amounts of THC (less than 0.3%) and are non-psychoactive. They are derived from different varieties of the cannabis plant than those used for recreational marijuana.

Hemp hearts have a soft, chewy texture with a mild, nutty flavor often compared to pine nuts or sunflower seeds. This makes them very versatile for adding to various dishes.

To preserve their freshness and omega fatty acids, hemp hearts should be stored in an opaque, airtight container in the refrigerator after opening. This prevents exposure to light and air that can cause them to go rancid.

Hemp hearts are more expensive because they undergo an additional processing step called 'hulling' or 'shelling' to remove the outer layer. This process is more labor-intensive and results in a smaller finished product by weight, increasing the cost.