Hemp Latte with Cinnamon and Cardamom – a Fall Drink

Hemp latte is a great option for those who want a morning coffee with character and without lactose. Hemp seed milk has a natural nutty flavor, which combined with cinnamon and cardamom creates a warm, spicy composition – closer to Middle Eastern cardamom coffee than a regular cafe latte. Additionally, the fat profile of hemp seeds: an omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of about 3:1, plant protein, and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). This recipe shows how to make hemp milk with spices from scratch and combine it with espresso in 10 minutes – without barista equipment, using an electric milk frother.

KEY INFORMATION
• Shelled hemp seeds contain about 31 g of protein per 100 g – more than chia seeds (17 g) and flaxseeds (18 g) according to USDA FoodData Central, 2023.
• The omega-6 to omega-3 ratio in hemp seeds: about 3:1 – close to the optimal for humans (WHO) according to Callaway, Euphytica, 2004.
• Hemp milk creates a light foam when frothed – sufficient for homemade latte, although less stable than cow's milk.
• Cardamom and cinnamon blended together with hemp seeds permeate the entire mass of milk – the flavor is more pronounced than when spices are added afterward.

Why does hemp milk work well in lattes?

Hemp milk does not froth as stably as oat or cow's milk – it lacks the casein and starch that create a lasting foam. However, it has two features that make it a unique base for lattes. First, the nutty aroma of hemp seeds complements coffee in a way that oat or almond milk cannot – creating a deeper, more complex flavor profile. Second, by blending spices together with the seeds, you flavor the entire mass of milk, not just its surface. Cinnamon and cardamom dispersed in oily hemp milk are more intense than when sprinkled on top of the finished drink.

Three tablespoons of shelled hemp seeds (30 g) provide about 166 kcal, 9 g of protein, and 14 g of fat according to USDA FoodData Central (2023). When diluted to 300 ml of milk, a serving of latte provides about 5 g of protein and 9 g of fat – quite substantial for a coffee drink. Hemp seeds also contain magnesium: about 210 mg per 100 g, which covers about 50% of the daily requirement (USDA, 2023). Magnesium supports muscle function and the nervous system – a detail that matters in morning coffee.

We noticed in tests that blending spices together with the seeds (before straining) gives a distinctly more intense aroma than adding them afterward. The aromatic oily particles of cinnamon and cardamom dissolve in the fat of the seeds and permeate the entire milk. A pinch of ground cardamom added at the end to the finished drink gives a subtle aroma; the same cardamom blended with the seeds creates an intense and pronounced drink.

Nutritional Values of Hemp Latte

A glass of hemp latte (300 ml of milk from 4 tablespoons of seeds + 40 ml of espresso) provides about 140–160 kcal, 5 g of protein, 9 g of fat (mainly polyunsaturated omega acids), and almost zero carbohydrates without sugar. Hemp seeds are one of the few plant sources of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) – about 2–4 g of GLA per 100 g of seeds according to Oomah et al. (Food Chemistry, 2002). GLA has anti-inflammatory properties and supports hormonal balance – a rare guest in the daily diet without supplementation.

Ingredients for Hemp Latte with Cinnamon and Cardamom

Ingredients for 1 large glass or mug (about 300 ml):

• 4 tablespoons of shelled hemp seeds (about 60 g)
• 300 ml of cold, filtered water
• half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon (for blending with the seeds)
• a pinch of ground cardamom or 2–3 cardamom pods crushed in a mortar
• a pinch of sea salt
• 30–40 ml of espresso or very strong brewed coffee
• optional: a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup for sweetness
• optional: a pinch of ground ginger or vanilla

How to prepare hemp latte – step by step?

Preparation time: about 10 minutes. Brew the espresso simultaneously while heating the milk, so both ingredients are ready at the same time.

Step 1. Blend the hemp milk with the spices. Add 4 tablespoons of hulled hemp seeds to the blender. Add 300 ml of cold water, half a teaspoon of cinnamon, a pinch of cardamom, and a pinch of salt. Blend on high speed for 90 seconds. The milk is ready when it is creamy, whitish, and smells of cinnamon.

Step 2. Strain through cheesecloth. Line a strainer with cheesecloth or use a nut milk bag. Pour the milk over a small pot. Squeeze – extract every last drop of creamy milk. The hemp pulp with cinnamon remains in the cheesecloth – it's worth saving for oatmeal.

Step 3. Heat and froth. Heat the strained hemp milk in a pot to about 65–70°C (steaming, not boiling). Immerse an electric frother and froth for 25–30 seconds. Hemp milk creates a light, delicate foam – less stable than cow's milk, but sufficient. Alternatively, pour the hot milk into a blender jar and blend for 10 seconds – this creates more foam.

Step 4. Brew the espresso. Simultaneously brew 30–40 ml of espresso or 60 ml of very strong brewed coffee (coffee to water ratio 1:2). Pour into a large mug or tall glass.

Step 5. Assemble the latte and decorate. Slowly pour the hot hemp milk into the mug with espresso, holding a spoon at the edge – the milk layers on top of the coffee. Sprinkle the top with a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom. Optionally, add a drop of honey on the foam. Stir before each sip.

Tips and variations

Hemp latte is a format that adapts well to modifications:

Masala version. Add half a teaspoon of cinnamon, a pinch of cardamom, a pinch of ginger, a pinch of black pepper, and a pinch of cloves to the blender along with the seeds. You get hemp milk with a masala chai flavor – intense, spicy, perfect with strong espresso or as a latte without coffee (hemp masala rooibos).

Coffee-free version – an autumn drink for the evening. Skip the espresso. Heat the hemp milk with spices to 70°C, froth, add a teaspoon of honey and a few drops of vanilla extract. You get a spiced caffeine-free version – perfect before bedtime. You can add drops of 5% CBD oil after pouring into the mug for an evening relaxing effect.

Iced version – iced hemp latte. Prepare hemp milk with cinnamon according to the recipe, chill in the refrigerator. In a tall glass, pour in ice, add cold hemp milk, and double espresso. Shake or stir. A summer version of autumn aroma – hemp-cinnamon cold latte works all year round.

Frequently asked questions

Does hemp milk froth for latte?

Hemp milk creates a light, unstable foam – not as stable as cow's milk (lack of casein) or oat milk (lack of starch). An electric frother in hot hemp milk gives a delicate foam that lasts 1–2 minutes. It's sufficient for homemade lattes, but too unstable for precise latte art.

What hemp seeds to choose for latte?

Use hulled hemp seeds (hemp hearts) – soft, without the outer shell. They contain about 31 g of protein per 100 g according to USDA FoodData Central (2023) and the omega-6:omega-3 ratio = 3:1. Whole seeds with the shell produce bitter, cloudy milk unsuitable for lattes.

How many calories are in hemp latte?

A latte made with 4 tablespoons of seeds in 300 ml of milk and espresso provides about 140–160 kcal, around 5 g of protein, and 9 g of fat. Without sugar – use stevia or maple syrup. A 30 g serving of hemp seeds provides about 166 kcal, 9 g of protein, and 14 g of fat according to USDA FoodData Central (2023).

Does cardamom go well with hemp milk coffee?

Cardamom is a classic addition to coffee in Middle Eastern and Scandinavian cuisine. With nutty hemp milk, it creates a warm aroma with citrus-spicy notes. Two cardamom pods crushed in a mortar are enough for an intense aroma in one cup. Ground cardamom is more convenient – just a pinch is sufficient.

This article is for informational and educational purposes and does not replace consultation with a physician. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medications, or have chronic conditions, consult the use of supplements or herbs with a specialist.

Author: Michał Waluk · Published: 2026-05-04 · Updated: 2026-05-04