Skip to content

What Are the Ingredients in Pacific Hemp Milk?

3 min read

According to Pacific Foods' official product pages, their hemp milk is primarily made from water and hulled hemp seeds. So, what are the ingredients in Pacific hemp milk beyond the basic components? This comprehensive guide breaks down the full list of ingredients for their different varieties, including thickeners, flavors, and added vitamins.

Quick Summary

Explore the distinct ingredients of Pacific's Original, Unsweetened, and Unsweetened Vanilla hemp milks. Learn about the core components, stabilizers like xanthan and gellan gum, and fortifying vitamins that create each unique blend.

Key Points

  • Core Ingredients: All Pacific hemp milks are based on water and hulled hemp seeds, which provide a rich source of omega fatty acids.

  • Original Formula: The Original variety includes brown rice syrup for sweetness, along with tricalcium phosphate, disodium phosphate, xanthan gum, and vitamin D2 for fortification and stability.

  • Unsweetened Formula: The Unsweetened version replaces brown rice syrup with natural flavoring and adds gellan gum as a stabilizer to maintain a smooth texture.

  • Unsweetened Vanilla: This flavor uses the unsweetened base but adds natural vanilla flavor to create its profile.

  • Stabilizers: Xanthan gum and gellan gum are key ingredients that prevent separation and ensure a consistent, creamy mouthfeel.

  • Nutrient Fortification: Ingredients like tricalcium phosphate and vitamin D2 are added to enrich the milk's nutritional value, helping it mimic the nutrient profile of dairy milk.

In This Article

Core Ingredients Across All Varieties

While the specific ingredient list varies depending on the flavor, all Pacific hemp milks begin with a foundation of two key components: water and hulled hemp seed.

  • Water: The primary ingredient, used to create the liquid base.
  • Hulled Hemp Seed: The nutritional powerhouse of the beverage, providing the characteristic creamy texture and nutty flavor. Hemp seeds are an excellent source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Original Hemp Milk: A Sweetened Base

For those who prefer a slightly sweeter taste, Pacific's Original Hemp Milk includes an added sweetener and several functional additives to ensure a consistent, appealing product.

The full list of ingredients for the Original variety is:

  • Water
  • Brown Rice Syrup
  • Hulled Hemp Seed
  • Tricalcium Phosphate
  • Disodium Phosphate
  • Xanthan Gum
  • Vitamin D2

The Role of Functional Ingredients in the Original Formula

  • Brown Rice Syrup: A natural sweetener derived from brown rice, used to enhance the flavor profile.
  • Tricalcium Phosphate: A calcium source used for fortification, adding important minerals to the beverage.
  • Disodium Phosphate: An emulsifier that helps to stabilize the mixture, preventing the natural separation of the hemp solids and water.
  • Xanthan Gum: A common food stabilizer and thickener that gives the milk its smooth, creamy mouthfeel.
  • Vitamin D2: Added for nutritional enrichment, as hemp milk is naturally low in this vitamin.

Unsweetened Hemp Milk: The Minimalist Choice

Pacific's Unsweetened Hemp Milk is designed for consumers who prefer a product with no added sugar. This version relies on natural flavoring rather than a sweetener to achieve its profile.

Ingredients for the Unsweetened variety are:

  • Water
  • Hulled Hemp Seed
  • Tricalcium Phosphate
  • Natural Flavoring
  • Disodium Phosphate
  • Xanthan Gum
  • Gellan Gum
  • Vitamin D2

Notable Differences in the Unsweetened Formula

  • Natural Flavoring: Used in place of brown rice syrup to provide a pleasant, non-sweet taste.
  • Gellan Gum: This ingredient is included as an additional stabilizer and thickener, working alongside xanthan gum to maintain consistency without the body and sweetness of rice syrup.

Unsweetened Vanilla Hemp Milk: A Hint of Flavor

For those who enjoy a touch of vanilla without the extra sugar, Pacific offers an Unsweetened Vanilla version. This beverage builds on the unsweetened base with specific flavorings.

The ingredient list for this option includes:

  • Water
  • Hulled Hemp Seed
  • Disodium Phosphate
  • Gellan Gum
  • Natural Vanilla Flavor With Other Natural Flavors
  • Tricalcium Phosphate
  • Vitamin D2
  • Xanthan Gum

Comparison Table: Pacific Hemp Milk Ingredients

To highlight the differences between the two main flavors, here is a side-by-side comparison of their ingredients.

Ingredient Original Hemp Milk Unsweetened Hemp Milk
Water Yes Yes
Hulled Hemp Seed Yes Yes
Brown Rice Syrup Yes No
Tricalcium Phosphate Yes Yes
Disodium Phosphate Yes Yes
Xanthan Gum Yes Yes
Gellan Gum No Yes
Natural Flavoring No Yes
Vitamin D2 Yes Yes

Understanding the Functional Additives

These ingredients, which make up less than 1% of the total formula, are crucial for the product's quality and shelf-stability. They ensure that the beverage remains creamy and the fortified nutrients are evenly distributed throughout the carton. This is particularly important for plant-based milks, which are prone to natural separation.

The Importance of Fortification

Nutrient fortification is a standard practice for many alternative milks. Hemp milk is naturally a good source of omega-3 ALA and magnesium, but the addition of calcium (via Tricalcium Phosphate) and Vitamin D2 helps to bring its nutritional profile closer to that of dairy milk.

Pacific Hemp Milk and Special Diets

Pacific hemp milk is a suitable option for a variety of diets. All of Pacific's hemp milk products are vegan, dairy-free, and soy-free. They are also made with non-GMO ingredients. However, it is important to note that some varieties, particularly the Original, may contain corn derivatives. Individuals with corn sensitivities should check the product label for the most accurate and up-to-date allergen information.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

The next time you're wondering what are the ingredients in Pacific hemp milk, remember that the core is simple: water and hulled hemp seeds. The variations come down to sweeteners, flavorings, and the specific mix of stabilizers. For a sweeter option, choose the Original with brown rice syrup. For a sugar-free, more minimalist approach, the Unsweetened version is ideal. And for a hint of flavor, the Unsweetened Vanilla provides a natural vanilla twist. By understanding these ingredient differences, you can select the product that best fits your taste preferences and dietary needs. For more information, you can always visit the official Pacific Foods website.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference is the sweetener. Pacific Original uses brown rice syrup for a lightly sweetened taste, while the Unsweetened version contains no added sugars, relying on natural flavorings and stabilizers instead.

Yes, Pacific Foods confirms that their hemp milk products are completely plant-based, making them suitable for both dairy-free and vegan diets.

Xanthan gum is a food additive used as a thickener and stabilizer. In Pacific hemp milk, it helps to create and maintain a smooth, consistent texture and prevents the liquid and solids from separating over time.

Tricalcium phosphate is a mineral compound added to fortify the hemp milk with calcium. This boosts the beverage's nutritional value, making it a good source of calcium.

While the core ingredients are free of common allergens like dairy, soy, and nuts, the Original variety has been noted to contain corn derivatives. Always check the packaging for the most current allergen information.

The core ingredients (water, hemp seed) are naturally gluten-free. Some sources mention corn derivatives. While Pacific Foods does not list gluten as a primary allergen, cross-contamination is a possibility depending on production. It is best to check the label for certification if you have a severe gluten allergy.

Pacific's Original hemp milk has a nutty flavor with a hint of sweetness from the brown rice syrup. The Unsweetened variety has a more prominent nutty and earthy taste, while the Unsweetened Vanilla adds a clean, natural vanilla undertone to the unsweetened base.

Gellan gum is a stabilizing agent that forms a gel-like network to keep particles suspended in liquid. It is used in the Unsweetened varieties to ensure a smooth, uniform texture, compensating for the lack of body that the brown rice syrup provides in the Original version.

References

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.