Innovative Uses: What to do with unhulled hemp seeds?

December 4, 2025 •

4 min read

Industrial hemp seeds contain all nine essential amino acids, making them a 'complete' protein source, but many people are unsure what to do with unhulled hemp seeds because of their hard outer shell. While often mistaken for waste, the hulls are actually packed with insoluble fiber and minerals, offering valuable uses beyond simple disposal.

Quick Summary

Unhulled hemp seeds can be used in numerous applications, including making homemade fiber-rich milk, sprouting edible microgreens, creating nutrient-dense flour, supplementing bird and chicken feed, or crafting DIY exfoliating body scrubs. Their crunchy texture and high fiber content are valuable resources, not waste.

Key Points

Sprouting: Unhulled seeds can be sprouted into nutritious microgreens for salads and sandwiches within days.
High-Fiber Milk: Use unhulled seeds to make a homemade hemp milk that is packed with dietary fiber from the shell.
Toasted Snack: Toasting unhulled seeds enhances their nutty flavor and creates a crunchy topping for many dishes or a standalone snack.
Animal Feed: Unhulled hemp seeds are a high-protein, omega-rich supplement for wild birds and backyard flocks like chickens.
DIY Exfoliant: The textured shells can be blended with oil to create a natural, nourishing body scrub for skin care.
Hemp Flour: The fibrous pulp left after making hemp milk can be dried and ground into a high-fiber flour for baking.

Maximizing the Nutritional Value of Whole Seeds

Unlike their hulled counterpart, hemp hearts, unhulled hemp seeds retain their full fibrous shell, which is rich in insoluble fiber and minerals. This extra bulk makes them less suitable for simply sprinkling on salads but opens the door to a world of other creative uses. Utilizing the entire seed is a great way to reduce food waste and extract maximum nutritional benefit from this versatile superfood.

Culinary Applications for Unhulled Hemp Seeds

For human consumption, the key to using unhulled seeds is to prepare them in a way that softens the shell or grinds it down. This makes them easier to digest and prevents the shells from getting stuck in your teeth.

Homemade High-Fiber Hemp Milk

Step 1: Soak. Begin by soaking ½ cup of unhulled hemp seeds in 2–3 cups of water for at least 6 hours, or overnight.
Step 2: Blend. Pour the seeds and fresh water into a high-speed blender. Add a sweetener like maple syrup or dates, a pinch of salt, and a dash of vanilla extract for flavor. Blend for 1–2 minutes until the mixture is creamy.
Step 3: Strain. Because of the tough hulls, this version of hemp milk will need to be strained. Pour the blended mixture through a fine-mesh nut milk bag or cheesecloth into a jar, squeezing out all the liquid. The leftover pulp is full of fiber and can be repurposed.
Uses: Enjoy this fiber-rich milk in smoothies, over granola, or as a dairy-free base for sauces. The high fiber content supports healthy digestion.

Toasted & Seasoned Crunch Toasting unhulled hemp seeds gives them a nutty, crispy texture perfect for snacking or as a savory garnish.

Method: Heat a dry skillet over medium-high heat. Add a single layer of seeds and stir frequently until they darken slightly and become fragrant. For extra flavor, toast with a little oil and season with salt, garlic powder, or other spices.
Serving Suggestions: Sprinkle on soups, salads, or avocado toast. They also work well mixed into granola or trail mix for a hearty, high-fiber boost.

Non-Culinary Uses

Beyond the kitchen, unhulled hemp seeds offer practical applications for household and garden needs.

Sprouting Edible Microgreens Unhulled hemp seeds can be sprouted into nutritious microgreens, which can be a fun and healthy DIY project.

What you need: Viable, unhulled hemp seeds (sterilized seeds will not sprout), a sprouting jar or tray, and water.
Process: Rinse the seeds and soak them in water for 6–8 hours. Drain and rinse the seeds twice daily, keeping them in a dark place. In 3–4 days, you will have fresh, crunchy sprouts to add to sandwiches and salads.

DIY Exfoliating Body Scrub The textured shell of unhulled seeds can be used to create a simple, effective body scrub.

Ingredients: Unhulled hemp seeds, a carrier oil like hemp seed oil or coconut oil, and an optional essential oil for fragrance.
Instructions: Pulse the seeds a few times in a blender or coffee grinder to break them up slightly. Mix them with your chosen oil until you have a coarse paste. Massage onto damp skin in the shower, then rinse thoroughly.

Nutrient-Dense Animal Feed Many birds, including wild and domesticated species like chickens, thrive on unhulled hemp seeds.

For Wild Birds: Add them to a bird feeder as a high-protein, omega-rich seed. Their oil content is especially beneficial for wild birds during the colder months.
For Backyard Flocks: Mix unhulled seeds into scratch feed for chickens. The balanced omegas and high protein can support feathering, immunity, and egg quality.

Comparison of Hulled vs. Unhulled Hemp Seeds


Feature	Hulled Hemp Seeds (Hemp Hearts)	Unhulled Hemp Seeds (Whole Grain)
Appearance	Creamy white, soft kernel	Small, brown, with a hard, crunchy shell
Texture	Soft, chewy, and tender	Firm and crunchy
Flavor	Mild, nutty, slightly sweeter	Earthy, more pronounced nutty flavor
Fiber Content	Low, since the hull is removed	High, particularly insoluble fiber
Primary Use	Sprinkling over dishes, smoothies	Grinding for flour, sprouting, animal feed
Digestibility	Highly digestible due to no outer shell	Less digestible due to fibrous shell; grinding or soaking helps

Using Leftover Hemp Pulp

The fiber-rich pulp left over after making unhulled hemp milk doesn't have to go to waste. You can dry it and grind it into a high-fiber flour (known as hemp meal or bran) to use in baking. It can also be incorporated directly into things like homemade veggie burgers, energy balls, or mixed into compost. This zero-waste approach ensures you are making the most of your purchase while adding an extra nutritional element to other recipes.

Conclusion

From kitchen staples to household projects, there are many innovative and beneficial ways to use unhulled hemp seeds. Instead of viewing the hard shell as a barrier, embrace it as a valuable source of fiber that opens up new culinary and creative possibilities. By toasting, sprouting, or grinding the seeds, you can unlock their full nutritional and practical potential, proving that nothing goes to waste. The high fiber, omega, and protein content of the whole seed makes it a uniquely powerful and versatile ingredient for both human and animal consumption.

Important Considerations

While unhulled hemp seeds are a fantastic resource, it's worth noting their harder texture can be rough on the teeth for those with dental issues. The insoluble fiber, while beneficial, can also cause digestive discomfort if consumed in excessive amounts without sufficient water intake. As with any food, moderation and proper preparation are key to enjoying all the health benefits unhulled hemp seeds offer.

Further information on sprouting can be found here: How to grow hemp shoots " Hempions

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can eat unhulled hemp seeds raw. They are crunchy and have a nutty flavor, but the shells can be tough and might get stuck in your teeth. Soaking or grinding them can make them easier to chew and digest.

To make hemp milk with unhulled seeds, soak them first for 6-8 hours. Blend the seeds with water and then strain the mixture through a nut milk bag or cheesecloth to remove the tough, fibrous hulls.

Yes, unhulled hemp seeds are safe and highly nutritious for birds. They are an excellent source of protein and essential fatty acids that support feather growth and overall health. However, ensure they are not hulled, as the small size of hulled seeds can pose a choking risk for some smaller birds.

Yes, you can use unhulled hemp seeds for baking. For best results, either grind them into a coarse flour or toast them to add a crunchy texture to breads, muffins, and cookies. Using them whole will add a very significant crunch.

The main difference is the presence of the shell. Unhulled seeds retain their hard, fibrous outer shell, offering more fiber but a tougher texture. Hulled seeds, or hemp hearts, have had the shell removed, resulting in a softer, more digestible product with less fiber.

While not strictly necessary for all uses, soaking unhulled hemp seeds is recommended for recipes like homemade milk to soften the hulls and make them easier to process. Soaking is also required if you plan to sprout them.

After making homemade hemp milk, you can use the leftover pulp to make high-fiber hemp flour. Simply dry the pulp thoroughly and then grind it into a fine powder using a coffee grinder or food processor. This creates a high-fiber flour perfect for baking.