If you want an easy way to add more plant protein to meals, hemp hearts are worth a look. I tried Manitoba Harvest Organic Hemp Hearts, Shelled Hemp Seeds, 7 oz to see how they taste, how easy they are to use, and if they fit into a normal daily diet. My first thought was simple: these tiny seeds are much easier to use than I expected.
The seeds have a mild nutty taste. They are soft and easy to chew. I like that I can add them to food without cooking them. I can use them on yogurt, oatmeal, salads, smoothies, or even eat a small amount by itself.
This review covers what stood out to me, what I did not like, and who I think should buy them.
Manitoba Harvest Organic Hemp Hearts Review
Product: Manitoba Harvest Organic Hemp Hearts
Type: Shelled hemp seeds
Size: 7 oz (200 g)
Ingredients: Organic shelled hemp seeds
Serving size: 3 tablespoons
Calories: 180 per serving
Protein: 10 g per serving
Total fat: 15 g per serving
Carbohydrates: 1–2 g per serving, depending on the current label
Sodium: 0 mg
Diet: Organic, vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO
ASIN: B00HXIXJJQ
What I Like About the Seeds
The biggest plus for me is how simple they are.
There is no cooking step. I just open the bag and add the seeds to my food. The texture is soft rather than hard or crunchy. That makes them easy to mix into many meals.
The flavor is also mild. I get a light nutty taste, but it does not take over the food. This matters because I do not want a strong seed flavor in my breakfast.
I also like the short ingredient list. The product contains organic shelled hemp seeds. There is no long list of extra ingredients to think about.
The nutrition is another strong point. A 3-tablespoon serving provides 10 grams of plant protein. The product also provides omega-3 and omega-6 fats. It has 180 calories per serving, so I would not treat it like a low-calorie topping.
How I Use Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts
I found several easy ways to use these hemp hearts.
Yogurt: This is one of my favorite uses. I add a spoonful over plain yogurt and fruit. The seeds give the bowl more texture without making it too heavy.
Oatmeal: I mix them into warm oatmeal after cooking. The mild flavor works well with oats, fruit, cinnamon, or a little nut butter.
Smoothies: They blend well into smoothies. This is useful when I want to add plant protein without changing the flavor too much.
Salads: I sprinkle them over salads. They add a soft seed texture and a mild nutty taste.
Toast and bowls: They can also work as a topping for avocado toast, grain bowls, or other simple meals.
That range is one reason I think this product is more useful than a snack that only works in one way.
Taste and Texture
Taste is often the part that decides whether I keep using a food.
Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts have a mild, nutty flavor. I would not call them sweet. They are also not strongly earthy.
The texture is soft and slightly chewy. Since the shells have been removed, I do not get the hard bite that I would expect from some whole seeds.
I think this makes them easy for everyday meals. They can sit in the background instead of changing the whole dish.
If you want a very crunchy seed, though, these may not be your favorite. The texture is more tender than crisp.
Nutrition and Ingredients
The ingredient list is about as simple as it gets:
Organic shelled hemp seeds.
A 3-tablespoon serving has about 180 calories and 10 grams of protein. It also has 15 grams of total fat and very little carbohydrate. The product contains no sodium.
The product is also sold as USDA organic, non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, and suitable for keto and paleo eating styles.
One thing I always keep in mind is serving size. Three tablespoons may look small, but the calories add up. I would measure the amount if I were watching my calorie intake.
I also like that the seeds provide both omega-3 and omega-6 fats. The product is marketed as providing all nine essential amino acids as well.
What I Think After Using It
The best part of these hemp hearts is not one big feature. It is the convenience.
I can add them to food in seconds.
That makes a difference on busy mornings. I do not need a pan, oven, blender, or special recipe. I can simply scoop some out and add them to breakfast.
I also like the neutral taste. Some health foods have a strong flavor that makes me work around them. These do not feel that way.
The bag size is another thing to consider. The 7 oz package is not huge. If I use hemp hearts every day, I can go through a bag fairly fast. For someone who only uses a small amount now and then, the size may be fine.
Is the 7 oz Size Enough?
For light use, yes.
The package contains about six to seven servings, depending on the serving information shown on the current package or retailer listing. A full 3-tablespoon serving can be used in one meal.
For daily use, I would expect the bag to disappear fairly quickly.
I see the 7 oz size as a good way to try the product before buying a larger bag. It lets me see if I enjoy the taste and texture without committing to a large supply.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Mild nutty flavor
- Soft and easy-to-eat texture
- Organic shelled hemp seeds
- 10 g of plant protein per serving
- Provides omega-3 and omega-6 fats
- Only one main ingredient
- Easy to add to yogurt and oatmeal
- Works well in smoothies and salads
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Non-GMO
- No sodium
- No cooking needed
Cons
- The 7 oz bag can run out fast with daily use
- The calorie count is fairly high for a small serving
- Not the best choice if you want a very crunchy seed
- Price can vary by store
- The mild flavor may feel too plain for some people
- Refrigeration after opening is recommended
Who Should Buy Manitoba Harvest Organic Hemp Hearts?
I think these hemp hearts make the most sense for people who want an easy plant-based food to add to meals.
They are especially useful if you eat yogurt, oatmeal, smoothies, salads, or grain bowls often.
I also think they are a good choice for people who do not enjoy strong-tasting health foods. The flavor is mild enough to mix into many dishes.
If you already eat a balanced diet and do not need another protein source, you may not need them. They are an optional food, not something I would call essential.
Who Should Skip Them?
I would skip them if you are looking for a very crunchy seed.
I would also think twice if you want a very low-calorie topping. Hemp hearts are nutrient-dense, but they are not calorie-free. A few spoonfuls can add a fair amount of energy to a meal.
And if you dislike nutty flavors, even the mild taste may not work for you.
Are Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts Worth It?
For me, yes, with one condition: I would buy them because I plan to use them often.
The value comes from their flexibility. One bag can work with breakfast, snacks, salads, and smoothies. I do not need a special recipe.
I would not buy them simply because they sound like a “superfood.” I would buy them because they are easy to use and provide a useful amount of plant protein and healthy fats.
The 7 oz bag is also a good starting size. It gives me a chance to see if I like them before moving to a bigger package.
Manitoba Harvest Organic Hemp Hearts 7 oz Reviews: What Buyers Tend to Like
Customer feedback for this product is generally very strong. Retail listings show many high ratings, with buyers often mentioning the mild nutty taste and the ease of adding the seeds to yogurt, oatmeal, salads, and other foods.
Some users also like the protein content and the simple ingredient list.
The main issue I would watch is value. Smaller bags can cost more per ounce than larger packages. Price also changes from one store to another.
So I would check the price per ounce rather than looking only at the package price.
FAQ
What are Manitoba Harvest Organic Hemp Hearts?
They are shelled hemp seeds. The hard outer shell has been removed, leaving the soft inner seed, also called a hemp heart.
Are Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts organic?
Yes. The 7 oz product is sold as USDA organic.
How much protein is in Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts?
A 3-tablespoon serving provides about 10 grams of plant protein.
Do hemp hearts need to be cooked?
No. They are ready to eat. I can sprinkle them directly onto food.
What do hemp hearts taste like?
They have a mild, slightly nutty taste. The flavor is not very strong.
Can I put hemp hearts in oatmeal?
Yes. They work well as an oatmeal topping or mix-in. I prefer adding them after cooking.
Can I add hemp hearts to smoothies?
Yes. They can be blended into smoothies for an easy protein boost.
Are Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts vegan?
Yes. The product is made from plant-based hemp seeds and is sold as vegan.
Are Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts gluten-free?
Yes. The product is sold as gluten-free.
Do hemp hearts need to be refrigerated?
The product directions recommend refrigerating the hemp hearts after opening. I would follow the package storage instructions to help keep them fresh.
How many servings are in the 7 oz bag?
The exact serving count can vary slightly by current label information. The product is commonly listed at about six to seven servings, with a 3-tablespoon serving.
Are hemp hearts crunchy?
Not really. Shelled hemp hearts have a soft, tender texture with a slight chew. If you want a hard crunch, another seed may suit you better.
Can I eat hemp hearts every day?
They can be used as part of a normal diet, but your overall diet matters more than one food. I would also keep the serving size in mind because hemp hearts are calorie-dense.
Final Verdict
After looking closely at Manitoba Harvest Organic Hemp Hearts, Shelled Hemp Seeds, 7 oz, I think they are a simple and useful food for everyday meals.
What stands out most is the ease of use. I can add them to yogurt, oatmeal, smoothies, salads, and other foods without cooking. The mild nutty taste also makes them easy to fit into different meals.
The nutrition is another strong point. A 3-tablespoon serving gives 10 grams of plant protein, along with omega-3 and omega-6 fats. The ingredient list is also very simple.
The main downside is the 7 oz size. If I use them every day, I would go through the bag fairly quickly. I also would not choose them if I wanted a very crunchy seed or a low-calorie topping.
My overall take: Manitoba Harvest Organic Hemp Hearts are worth trying if you want a mild, easy-to-use plant-based topping with a solid amount of protein. The 7 oz bag is a practical starting point, especially if you are new to hemp hearts.