In the rolling green hills of Wales, an unassuming crop is quietly ushering in a food revolution. Hemp, long misunderstood and underutilized, is finding new purpose through a company called Prohempotic—a small but bold food startup driven by science, sustainability, and a deep respect for nature.
At its helm is Dr. Jamila La Malfa-Donaldson, a researcher-turned-entrepreneur with a vision to make hemp a cornerstone of regenerative agriculture in the UK. Prohempotic’s story began at Aberystwyth University, where Dr. La Malfa-Donaldson’s PhD research focused on reducing waste from industrial hemp production.
What she discovered was a treasure trove of nutritional and environmental benefits hidden in the often-discarded parts of the hemp seed. “I realized hemp could be more than just a fibre crop,” she explained. “Its seeds are a nutritional powerhouse, and with the right approach, we could utilize every part of them.”
That revelation became the foundation for Prohempotic’s whole-seed philosophy—an approach that uses the entire hemp seed, leaving nothing to waste. It’s an ethos that permeates their entire operation, from product development to sourcing, manufacturing, and packaging.
Hemp Reimagined: A Product With Purpose
At the heart of Prohempotic’s food line is their flagship snack: Hemp & Spiced Beetroot Crackers, sold under their Akene brand. These crackers combine hemp seed oil, protein powder, and hearts with organic spelt, buckwheat, and surplus beetroot sourced from nearby farms. The result is a delicious, crunchy, and health-forward snack that speaks to both sustainability and local food systems.
But crackers are just the beginning. Prohempotic is already expanding into other food categories, including hemp salad dressings made from oil and vinegar produced using supermarket surplus produce, and even dog treats crafted from the coarser protein-rich remains of the seed—demonstrating hemp’s incredible versatility.
What makes this approach truly unique is Prohempotic’s dedication to circular food design, guided by four key principles:
- Upcycling waste – using by-products like surplus produce and leftover hemp materials
- Lower-impact ingredients – prioritizing crops that require fewer resources and are grown with care
- Diverse crop inclusion – integrating underutilized, nutrient-dense plants like hemp into everyday diets
- Regenerative cultivation systems – this, perhaps the most impactful, focuses on restoring soil health and biodiversity through sustainable farming techniques
This fourth principle—growing within regenerative systems—is foundational to the company’s mission. By collaborating with Welsh farmers, Prohempotic ensures hemp is cultivated without chemical inputs, tilling, or irrigation.
These techniques help lock carbon in the soil, retain moisture, and allow beneficial insects and wildlife to return, making the land healthier with every harvest. “We’re not trying to be ‘less bad,’” says Dr. La Malfa-Donaldson. “We’re trying to do more good. Regeneration is about leaving the land better than we found it.”
A Nutrition Powerhouse in a Tiny Seed
Hemp isn’t just great for the environment—it’s incredibly beneficial for human health too. The seeds offer all nine essential amino acids, classifying them as a complete source of protein. They’re also naturally packed with heart-supporting omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, alongside vital nutrients like magnesium, iron, and zinc.
With a high fibre content, hemp aids digestion and helps promote a longer-lasting feeling of fullness, making it an ideal choice for those pursuing a nutrient-dense, plant-based lifestyle. Scientific findings from the National Institutes of Health suggest that hemp protein may contribute to lowering risks linked to heart disease, high blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol levels.
Yet despite these promising health benefits, hemp is still largely missing from everyday diets—a gap that Prohempotic is actively working to close through its innovative product line.
Breaking Through Outdated Regulations
Part of the challenge lies in regulation. Though industrial hemp is non-psychoactive and legally distinct from cannabis, UK laws have historically made cultivation and processing difficult. Farmers must secure licenses from the Home Office and are restricted in how they can use parts of the plant—particularly flowers and leaves.
Prohempotic navigates this landscape with precision, using only legally permitted seed derivatives. But Dr. La Malfa-Donaldson believes that a broader conversation is needed. “We need to educate both consumers and policymakers,” she says. “Hemp isn’t a drug. It’s a food, a fabric, a fuel—and a future.”
Packaging With Purpose
Even their packaging is circular in intent. The team is exploring options like reusable tins, compostable bags, and seaweed- or hemp-based papers. Each design choice is aimed at minimizing environmental harm while still protecting the quality and shelf life of the food. Their cracker tins, for example, are meant to be refilled, reused, or repurposed—turning packaging into a product itself.
Community, Research, and Impact
Beyond their products, Prohempotic is building something bigger: a movement. They’ve worked with local organizations and schools to teach people about circular food systems. In partnership with the Wellbeing and Health Assessment Research Unit, they’ve collected public feedback on hemp-based food acceptance and impact.
They also participate in global innovation programs like the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Big Food Redesign Challenge, which supports food businesses designing for nature to thrive. Their growing network of Welsh farmers, researchers, and food innovators are helping to form a resilient, nature-positive food system—one rooted in local economies, nutrient-rich crops, and shared learning.
Looking Ahead
Prohempotic is still a young company, but its vision is bold and deeply needed. With rising food insecurity, climate change, and a broken industrial food model, their approach provides a beacon of hope. By embracing biodiversity, regeneration, and transparency, they are not just feeding people—they are reshaping how we think about food itself.
As more consumers seek climate-conscious choices, Prohempotic’s model offers something tangible: food that’s grown with care, made with purpose, and packaged with the planet in mind. As Dr. La Malfa-Donaldson puts it so beautifully:
“Food should do more than fill us. It should restore us—our health, our communities, and our ecosystems.”
