How many grams of protein are in homemade protein powder?

December 27, 2025 •

4 min read

Homemade protein powder can contain anywhere from 4 to 25 grams of protein per serving, a range dictated by the specific ingredients and proportions used. This variability is the key distinction from mass-produced supplements, as the exact number of grams of protein in homemade protein powder is entirely customizable.

Quick Summary

The protein content of a DIY powder is not fixed, but a direct result of its high-protein ingredients and serving size. Your specific recipe determines the final amount per scoop, offering control over your nutritional intake. Many plant-based homemade blends yield moderate protein, while other versions can compete with store-bought options.

Key Points

Variable Content: The amount of protein in homemade powder depends entirely on the ingredients and proportions used.
Ingredient Impact: High-protein ingredients like soya, hemp seeds, and nuts yield more protein per serving than recipes with more oats or other fibrous ingredients.
Easy Calculation: You can calculate your homemade powder's exact protein content by adding up the protein from each ingredient and dividing by your desired number of servings.
Boosting Potential: To increase protein, prioritize dense protein sources or add a store-bought, unflavored protein isolate to your DIY mix.
Customization Advantage: Unlike commercial powders, DIY mixes offer complete control over ingredients, allowing for personalized, allergen-free, and additive-free options.
Moderate vs. High Protein: A seed-based homemade powder might offer 7-15g per serving, while a legume-heavy blend could achieve 20-25g, rivaling commercial products.

Understanding the Variability of Homemade Protein

Unlike commercial protein powders that aim for consistent, high-protein concentrations, the amount of protein in a homemade mix is a direct reflection of its ingredients. A recipe using primarily nuts and seeds will offer a different nutritional profile than one built around roasted legumes or dairy-based components. This customization is a major benefit, allowing individuals to cater their powder to specific dietary needs, such as creating a high-protein, plant-based, or allergen-free supplement.

Factors That Influence Protein Content

Ingredient Choice: Each ingredient brings a different amount of protein to the table. Soybeans and peanuts, for example, have a higher protein density per gram than oats or flaxseeds.
Ratios: The proportions of ingredients are critical. A mix that is 50% ground almonds and 50% ground oats will have a lower protein count than a mix that is 50% soy flour and 50% hemp hearts.
Serving Size: Your definition of a 'serving' will change the final protein count. A tablespoon of a nut-heavy powder will have a different protein value than a quarter-cup serving of a legume-based mix.

Calculating Protein Content in Your DIY Powder

To accurately determine how many grams of protein are in homemade protein powder, you need to perform a simple calculation based on your recipe. This process gives you full control and transparency over your nutrition.

Step 1: Identify Your Ingredients and Quantities

Start by listing all ingredients and their measured amounts (e.g., in grams or cups). You will need to find the protein content for each component. Reliable nutrition databases online or the back of product packaging are good sources.

Step 2: Determine Individual Protein Amounts

For each ingredient, calculate its total protein contribution to the entire batch. For example, if your recipe calls for 100 grams of almonds (22g protein per 100g) and 50 grams of chia seeds (15.6g protein per 100g), you would calculate:

Almonds: 22g protein
Chia Seeds: (50g / 100g) * 15.6g protein = 7.8g protein

Step 3: Calculate Total Protein Per Serving

After finding the total protein for the batch, divide it by the number of servings or the desired serving size (e.g., per tablespoon). For instance, if your batch has a total of 150 grams of protein and you want to define a serving as 2 tablespoons, you would need to know how many 2-tablespoon servings are in the batch to get your final number.

Common High-Protein Ingredients for Homemade Powder

Here are some of the most popular ingredients and their estimated protein content per 100g:

Soya Beans/Flour: Approximately 39.6g of protein.
Hemp Seeds/Hearts: Around 31.6g of protein.
Peanuts: Approximately 23.7g of protein.
Almonds: Approximately 22.1g of protein.
Pumpkin Seeds: Around 24.5g of protein.
Chia Seeds: Approximately 15.6g of protein.
Oats: Approximately 13.1g of protein.
Milk Powder: Approximately 26g of protein.

Protein Content Comparison: DIY vs. Commercial

This table provides a general comparison to illustrate the range of protein you can expect from homemade versus commercial powders. The values are approximate and depend heavily on the exact recipe.


Feature	Homemade Protein Powder (Seed & Nut)	Homemade Protein Powder (Legume-Based)	Commercial Whey/Plant-Based
Protein per serving (avg.)	7-15 grams	20-25+ grams	20-30 grams
Primary Ingredients	Hemp seeds, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, almonds, etc.	Roasted chickpeas, soya flour, legumes, etc.	Whey concentrate/isolate, pea isolate, soy isolate, etc.
Processing	Simple home blending/grinding	Simple home blending/grinding (often roasted)	Industrial extraction and purification
Nutrient Density	Often contains more fiber, healthy fats, and micronutrients	High in fiber, complex carbs; can be highly protein-dense	Typically higher protein concentration by weight; lower fiber/fats
Added Ingredients	Natural sweeteners (dates), cocoa powder	Natural sweeteners (jaggery), cacao powder	Artificial flavors, sweeteners, thickeners

Recipe Examples and Their Estimated Protein Content

Example 1: Basic Seed & Nut Protein Powder

Ingredients: 1 cup hemp hearts, 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds, 1/2 cup unsalted peanuts
Directions: Blend each ingredient separately until a fine powder is formed, then mix together. Store in an airtight container.
Estimated Protein per 1/4 cup serving: Approximately 13-15 grams.

Example 2: Legume-Based Protein Powder

Ingredients: 100g roasted soya dal, 100g roasted oats, 50g milk powder, 100g roasted almonds, 100g roasted peanuts
Directions: Roast each item individually, let cool, then blend to a fine powder. Mix all ingredients thoroughly.
Estimated Protein per 2-tablespoon serving: Around 8-10 grams.

Maximizing Protein in Your Homemade Mix

To create a homemade powder with a higher protein concentration, similar to commercial products, focus on high-protein density ingredients and specific preparation methods.

Prioritize Protein-Dense Sources: Use more soya flour, hemp seeds, or powdered milk and less of the lower-protein ingredients like oats.
Add Isolated Protein: For an extra boost, consider purchasing and adding a plain, unflavored, third-party tested whey or plant-based protein isolate to your homemade mix. This allows you to increase the overall protein content significantly while still controlling the flavor and other ingredients.
Use Roasted Legumes: Roasting legumes like chickpeas or chana dal before grinding can yield a more concentrated protein source. This process removes moisture and can make for a finer powder.
Use Peanut Butter Powder: For a pre-processed, high-protein ingredient, consider adding peanut butter powder, which typically has a high protein-to-fat ratio.

For more information on protein and its role in a healthy diet, you can refer to authoritative health resources like the Harvard Health blog.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

Determining how many grams of protein are in homemade protein powder is not about finding a single, universal number. It's about understanding that the final protein content is in your hands. By carefully selecting ingredients, balancing your ratios, and calculating the nutrition facts, you can create a customized supplement that perfectly fits your dietary and fitness goals. Whether you are aiming for a modest protein boost or a powerful muscle-building formula, the homemade approach offers unparalleled control over what goes into your body.

Frequently Asked Questions

Homemade protein powder can be just as effective if you use high-quality, protein-dense ingredients. Commercial powders often have a higher concentration of pure protein isolate, but a well-formulated homemade mix can provide a comparable protein punch while also offering more fiber, healthy fats, and micronutrients.

To boost protein, prioritize ingredients like soya flour, hemp hearts, and powdered milk. You can also add a scoop of an unflavored, store-bought protein isolate to your mix to significantly increase the protein concentration without altering the flavor.

Effective ingredients include seeds (hemp, chia, pumpkin), nuts (almonds, peanuts), legumes (roasted chickpeas, soya beans), and dairy or plant-based milk powder. For flavor and nutrients, you can also add cocoa powder or dried fruit powder.

Store homemade protein powder in a clean, airtight container, such as a glass jar. To preserve freshness, keep it in a cool, dark, and moisture-free environment. For longer-term storage, especially for oil-rich ingredients like seeds, refrigeration or freezing is recommended.

Yes, homemade protein powder can support weight loss. Protein helps you feel full and satisfied for longer, reducing overall calorie intake. By controlling the ingredients, you can avoid added sugars and unwanted fillers found in some commercial products.

Homemade protein powder can be a great way to add nutrients to a child’s diet, especially for picky eaters. Recipes with wholesome, recognizable ingredients like nuts, seeds, and oats are generally safe, but you should always consult a pediatrician before adding supplements to a child's diet.

The shelf life depends on the ingredients. For maximum freshness, it's best to store it in the refrigerator or freezer for up to one to three months. If left at room temperature, it may last for a few weeks, but moisture and air exposure can cause spoilage.