Raw Black Maca Powder Recipes: 6 Ways to Use It, With Exact Amounts

The short answer: Raw black maca powder is dried, milled black maca root, and it tastes earthy, malty and a little like butterscotch. A 16 oz bag holds about 91 servings of 1 teaspoon (5 g), so it is made for daily cooking. Below are six recipes with exact amounts, a raw vs extract comparison and the mistakes that make maca taste bitter.

How do you use black maca powder?

Start with 1 level teaspoon, the label serving. It dissolves best in something creamy or slightly fatty (milk, yogurt, nut butter, oats), and its malty flavor pairs with cacao, banana, cinnamon, coffee and maple. It is a raw powder, never gelatinized, so it keeps the root's natural texture.

1. Black maca banana smoothie

• 1 frozen banana
• 1 cup (240 ml) milk of choice
• 1 tbsp peanut butter
• 1 tsp raw black maca powder
• ½ tsp cinnamon, 4 ice cubes

Blend 45 seconds. Makes 1 large glass.

2. Black maca latte

• 1 cup (240 ml) milk, warmed (not boiling)
• 1 tsp raw black maca powder
• 1 tsp maple syrup
• ¼ tsp vanilla, pinch of cinnamon

Whisk or froth until smooth. Add a shot of espresso for a maca mocha with 1 tsp cacao.

3. Overnight oats with black maca

• ½ cup (45 g) rolled oats
• ½ cup (120 ml) milk + ¼ cup yogurt
• 1 tsp chia seeds
• 1 tsp raw black maca powder
• 1 tsp honey, ½ sliced banana

Stir, cover and refrigerate overnight.

4. No-bake cacao maca bites

• 1 cup (150 g) pitted dates
• 1 cup (100 g) walnuts
• 2 tbsp cacao powder
• 1 tbsp raw black maca powder
• Pinch of sea salt

Pulse in a food processor until sticky, roll into 14 balls and chill 30 minutes. Keeps 1 week refrigerated.

5. Black maca pancakes

Add 2 tsp raw black maca powder to your usual batter for 8 pancakes (about 1 cup flour). Cook as usual; the maca adds a toasty, malty note.

6. Maple black maca granola

• 3 cups (270 g) rolled oats
• 1 cup chopped nuts
• ⅓ cup maple syrup + ¼ cup melted coconut oil
• 2 tbsp raw black maca powder, ½ tsp salt

Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 25 minutes, stirring halfway. Cool completely before storing. More baking: cacao oat maca cookies.

Raw black maca powder vs black maca extract: which belongs in the kitchen?

For the background on origin and color types, see 11 things to know about black maca.

What mistakes make maca taste bad?

• Using a heaped tablespoon in a single drink; start with 1 teaspoon
• Stirring it into water only; it needs milk, fruit or fat
• Letting the bag absorb humidity, which causes clumps; reseal tightly and use a dry spoon

Frequently asked questions

What customers say

Lifestyle photo. Not the reviewer.

★★★★★

“I am very impressed with the quality. My package was delivered on time, and I will definitely order again.”

Adrienne M.

Review of Organic Black Maca Capsules, mothernatureorganics.com

Lifestyle photo. Not the reviewer.

★★★★★

“Great company. Love their product. Tried others and this is the best!!!”

Cari S.

Review of Organic Black Maca Capsules, mothernatureorganics.com

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.