How to Use Maca Powder: In Smoothies, Lattes, and as a Shot

By Suhail Rivera, JD, founder of Alkaline Herb Shop

The simplest way to use maca root powder is to stir 1 teaspoon into a smoothie or juice. For a warm drink, whisk it into a maca latte with plant milk, or mix 1 teaspoon into 4 ounces of hot water for a quick shot. Maca has a malty, nutty flavour that suits sweet, warming drinks. This guide covers the smoothie, the latte, the shot, and how much to use.

How to use maca powder in a smoothie

Add 1 teaspoon of maca powder to any smoothie or juice and blend. Its malty, slightly nutty flavour goes especially well with banana, cacao, cinnamon and plant milk. Start with a teaspoon and adjust to taste.

How to make a maca latte

1. Gently warm 1 cup of plant milk.
2. Whisk in 1 teaspoon of maca powder, and a little cinnamon or cacao if you like.
3. Sweeten to taste with maple syrup, agave or coconut sugar.
4. Whisk until smooth and drink warm.

How to make a quick maca shot

For a fast warm drink, mix 1 teaspoon of maca powder into 4 ounces of boiling water, cover and steep 2 to 3 minutes, then stir again and drink. Keep stirring, because the powder settles rather than dissolves.

How much maca should you use?

Start with 1 teaspoon a day and adjust to taste. A little carries a lot of flavour, so there is no need to overdo it.

What does maca taste like?

Malty, nutty and lightly sweet, a bit like a toasted grain, which is why it works so well in lattes, smoothies and anything with cacao or cinnamon.

Does maca have caffeine?

No. Maca is naturally caffeine free.

What is maca?

Maca is the root of a plant that grows high in the Peruvian Andes, dried and milled into a fine powder. Ours is organic or wildcrafted maca root powder from Peru, one ingredient with nothing added. We make no health claims for it. Use it for its malty flavour in smoothies, lattes and warm drinks.

Who should not use maca

• Do not use it during pregnancy or while nursing.
• It is not recommended for anyone under 18.
• If you have a medical condition or take prescription medicine, speak to your doctor first.

How to store maca powder

Keep it sealed and away from heat and light. Stored dry and closed, the powder keeps its flavour for a couple of years.

Where to get it

Our maca root powder is organic or wildcrafted from Peru, finely milled, one ingredient with nothing added.

Suhail Rivera is the founder of Alkaline Herb Shop, which sources and sells the maca described in this article.

Suhail Rivera, JD, is the founder of Alkaline Herb Shop. She has spent years sourcing, handling, and selling the herbs she writes about, working directly with growers and third party testing labs. She holds a Juris Doctor. She is not a medical professional. This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting any herb, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a health condition. Read more about her and the store on the About page.