For more than a decade, Manitoba Harvest (www.manitobaharvest.com) has been spreading the word about the many nutrition merits of hemp foods. Now, the hemp foods pioneer is announcing a unique and comprehensive line of five protein powders that provides consumers with choices that address their culinary preferences and specific health needs.

Manitoba Harvest’s hemp protein powder line-up includes: HEMP PRO 70, a food and beverage breakthrough; HEMP PRO-50; HEMP PRO FIBER; Organic Chocolate Hemp Protein Powder; and Organic Vanilla Hemp Protein Powder. “We are proud to fill a need in the marketplace by offering protein powder customers a choice on key nutrition and culinary attributes such as level of protein concentration, ‘blendability,’ flavour, fiber content and organic certification,” explains Mike Fata, Co-Founder and CEO of Manitoba Harvest.

HEMP PRO 70 is the world’s first water soluble hemp protein concentrate. It contains a whopping 70% protein and has virtually no flavour which means added culinary versatility. HEMP PRO 50 is certified organic and offers 50% protein, and HEMP PRO FIBER features a higher percentage of dietary fiber. Completing the line-up are two flavoured organic hemp protein powders. Previously exclusive to Whole Foods Markets, Manitoba Harvest’s Dark Chocolate and Vanilla Hemp Protein Powders are now being launched to a wide variety of retail locations across the U.S. and Canada.

All five hemp protein powders are free of the enzyme inhibitors found in soy and other grains that can prevent protein absorption and cause bloating and digestive challenges. Manitoba Harvest’s HEMP PRO 70, HEMP PRO 50, HEMP PRO FIBER, and Organic Chocolate and Vanilla powders are also easy to digest because they do not contain gluten. Unlike many other protein powders hemp is not known to be an allergen for people with food sensitivities. Manitoba Harvest uses only 100% raw and non-genetically modified hemp seeds to produce protein powders in their certified organic and kosher facility.

Hemp is one of the most concentrated sources of protein in the plant kingdom. An important feature of hemp protein powder is that it contains all of the essential amino acids. Hemp also contains an amazing 66% of “edestin” – proteins which are pre-cursors to such vital body components as hormones, hemoglobin, enzymes, and antibodies. A remarkable protein profile is not hemp’s only nutritional asset. Hemp features an abundance of other key nutrients including soluble and insoluble dietary fiber, chlorophyll, vitamins, and omega-3 and omega-6 Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) including the ‘Super’ Fatty Acids GLA and SDA. Hemp protein powder also offers a high content of antioxidants in the form of alpha-, beta-, gamma-and delta-tocopherol, and alpha-tocotrienol.

“The cold pressing, cold milling and spray drying processes gently adjust the concentration of fiber and protein - yet ensure that valuable enzymes are not destroyed and the many vitamins, minerals and nutrients remain intact,” says Fata. This is in contrast to the many protein isolates on the market today that are processed with hexane and other chemicals, and that typically require high heating or fermentation to destroy various anti-nutritional qualities such as phytic acids that can prevent proper assimilation of essential minerals. “People are becoming savvy about balanced nutrition and are learning about the many benefits hemp protein has to offer, as well as about the downsides that other protein sources may pose due to allergens, and byproducts and solvents present because of chemical processing,” says Fata.

Founded in 1998, Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods & Oils is the world’s largest vertically-integrated, farmer owned hemp food manufacturer. The company strives to create the healthiest hemp foods, to educate the public about healthy lifestyle choices, and to support sustainable and organic agriculture. Manitoba Harvest is proud to partner with Renewable Choice Energy to reduce their environmental impact through wind power and carbon offsets. For more information, including recipes, please visit www.manitobaharvest.com.