Hemp-Infused Beer: Study Reveals Nutrient Boost and Rising Market Potential

Can your favorite craft beer be both delicious and healthier? It turns out it can. An international team of scientists, including experts from Poland, has published groundbreaking research results. They prove that adding hemp seeds (Cannabis sativa) to beer significantly enriches it with valuable nutrients.

This new study is no accident. It was funded by the European Regional Development Fund and the Polish Minister of Science. It was developed by specialists from the University of Agriculture in Kraków, as well as universities in Łomża, Olsztyn, and Nitra, Slovakia. Their goal was to determine how the addition of malted and unmalted hemp seeds (up to 30%) would affect wort—the base from which beer is made.

The results, published in the esteemed journal Molecules, are promising. The finished product is more than just beer. It’s a beverage with a unique flavor and aroma, full of biologically active compounds.

What exactly do you get? Health benefits in every glass of hemp-infused beer

Adding hemp seeds to the brewing process is a true upgrade for beer. They change its composition on several key levels.

Polyphenols: Your Antioxidant Shield

Unmalted hemp seeds, in particular, have been found to significantly enrich beer with polyphenols. What are they? These are natural compounds that protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation. The study identified two of them:

trans-ferulic acid,
gallic acid.
Thanks to them, beer gains health-promoting properties, similar to green tea or red wine.

B vitamins for energy and better fermentation
In turn, malted hemp seeds turned out to be a treasure trove of B vitamins, mainly:

riboflavin (vitamin B2),
thiamine (vitamin B1).

The highest concentrations were found in beer with 30% malted grain. Interestingly, riboflavin not only enhances the beer’s nutritional value, but also helps yeast function more effectively during fermentation.

Are there cannabinoids in hemp beer?

Yes, but don’t worry. The study revealed trace amounts of non-psychoactive cannabinoids, such as CBD, CBG, and CBC. Scientists emphasize that these traces aren’t from the seeds themselves. They’re the result of accidental “contamination” with resinous trichomes during harvest. These amounts are too small to produce any psychoactive effects.

Beer and cannabis – cousins ​​from one family

Wondering why this combination works so well? The answer lies in botany. Both hemp (Cannabis) and hops (Humulus), the key ingredient in beer, belong to the same plant family – the Cannabaceae. They share common ancestors, making them a perfect complement.

Despite excellent results, hemp beer won’t flood store shelves tomorrow. There are some technological challenges. Hemp seeds contain a lot of cellulose and xylose—a sugar that traditional brewing yeasts can’t handle. Therefore, brewers must develop new processing methods and optimize costs to make production profitable.

This study comes at an ideal time. The cannabis market is growing rapidly, with forecasts predicting 17% annual growth until 2030. Furthermore, consumer habits are changing. In the US, one in three millennials and Generation Zers now chooses a cannabis-infused beverage after work instead of traditional alcohol.

__

(Featured image by Adam Wilson via Unsplash)

DISCLAIMER: This article was written by a third party contributor and does not reflect the opinion of Born2Invest, its management, staff or its associates. Please review our disclaimer for more information.

This article may include forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “become,” “plan,” “will,” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks as well as uncertainties, including those discussed in the following cautionary statements and elsewhere in this article and on this site. Although the Company may believe that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, the actual results that the Company may achieve may differ materially from any forward-looking statements, which reflect the opinions of the management of the Company only as of the date hereof. Additionally, please make sure to read these important disclosures.

First published in Fakty Konopne. A third-party contributor translated and adapted the article from the original. In case of discrepancy, the original will prevail.

Although we made reasonable efforts to provide accurate translations, some parts may be incorrect. Born2Invest assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions or ambiguities in the translations provided on this website. Any person or entity relying on translated content does so at their own risk. Born2Invest is not responsible for losses caused by such reliance on the accuracy or reliability of translated information. If you wish to report an error or inaccuracy in the translation, we encourage you to contact us.