Maca root powder has a distinct flavor that’s been described as malty or having a hint of caramel. It has also been called nutty and tasting of butterscotch. That makes this superfood a perfect addition to all kinds of smoothies.
Though maca isn’t sweet, there’s something about its flavor that makes it compatible with sweet beverages like smoothies. It’s also great in unbaked cookies, bars, and cereals.
Maca root, a vegetable tuber, has been grown in the mountains of Peru and Bolivia for millennia. Its benefits have long been valued by indigenous cultures in these countries. More recently, its use as a superfood has spread worldwide It’s valued for its energy-boosting and adaptogenic qualities; it’s rich in major vitamins and minerals. Find out lots more about in this site’s Guide to Maca Root.
In any of these smoothie recipes, the choice of what variety of maca to use is yours — yellow, red, or black; gelatinized or not. Where there’s a range of how much maca is used (for example, 3 to 4 tablespoons; 1 to 3 teaspoons), that’s to suit your personal taste and how much maca feels good to you.
The smoothie recipes following are each designed to make 2 servings. The recommended amount in them is 2 teaspoons to 2 tablespoons of maca root powder in total. If you’re in the groove with maca, use the 2 tablespoons suggested, but if you’re just getting started, use 2 teaspoons and work up from there.
Mocha Maca Frozen Banana Smoothie
Give your maca smoothie an extra kick with subtle coffee and chocolate flavors. This one is as luscious as a milkshake. Serves: 2
- 1 heaping teaspoon organic instant coffee
- 2 teaspoons cocoa or cacao powder (or see variation, below)
- ½ cup hot water
- 2 medium bananas, cut into thick slices and frozen
- 1 cup vanilla almond milk (sweetened or not)
- 2 teaspoons to 2 tablespoons maca root powder
- Pinch of cinnamon
- A few pieces of ice
- Liquid sweetener (agave, stevia, maple syrup, etc.) to taste, optional
Combine the instant coffee and cocoa powder in a mug of hot water and stir to dissolve. Pour this mixture into a blender.
Add the bananas, almond milk, maca, and cinnamon and ice. Process until completely smooth. Divide between two large glasses. Taste to see if you’d like a little more sweetener, and/or thin with a little more almond milk if too thick, and serve at once.
Banana-Maca Pineapple Smoothie
Bananas and pineapple are a good fruit combo for colder months. Both fruits are rich in vitamins and minerals, and their flavors are quite companionable. Maca gives it a nice boost in flavor and nutrition. Serves: 2 to 3
- 1 large ripe banana, broken into several pieces
- 1 cup orange juice, preferably fresh
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups pineapple chunks, preferably fresh
- 1 cup vanilla plant-based milk (coconut milk beverage works well)
- 2 teaspoons to 2 tablespoons maca root powder
- 1 to 2 tablespoons hemp seeds, optional
- A few ice cubes
Combine all the ingredients in a blender and process until smoothly pureed. Divide between two or three large glasses. If too thick, add a bit more nondairy milk. Serve at once.
Strawberry-Banana Maca Smoothie
Maca’s caramel-y flavor blends well with the strawberry, banana, and vanilla flavors. Serves: 2.
- 1 medium banana, broken into pieces
- 1 heaping cup strawberries, hulled
- 1 cup vanilla plant-based milk, or as needed
- 2 teaspoons to 2 tablespoons maca root powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 to 6 ice cubes
Combine all the ingredients in a blender and process until completely smooth. Divide between two large glasses. If too thick, add a bit more almond milk. Serve at once.
Cinna-Maca Date Smoothie
Dates are a natural way to sweeten smoothies, and they enhance the caramel or butterscotch-like flavor of maca. This cinnamon-spiked smoothie tastes like dessert! Serves: 2 to 3.
- 2 cups vanilla plant-based milk
- 1 medium banana, peeled and broken into chunks (frozen ahead of time, if desired)
- 6 medium or 4 large pitted dates
- 1 to 2 tablespoons nut butter (peanut, cashew, almond, etc.)
- 2 teaspoons to 2 tablespoons maca root powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon,
- A few ice cubes, optional
Combine all the ingredients in a regular or high-speed blender and process until smooth. If you’d like a thinner smoothie, add a little more nondairy milk. Divide between two or three large glasses and serve at once.
Great Green Maca Smoothie
Greens and banana are perfect partners for maca in this tasty green smoothie. If using kale or collards, you’ll need to use a high-speed blender. Spinach will work in a regular blender. Serves: 2
- 2 medium kale or collard leaves, torn, or 2 big handfuls of baby spinach
- 1 medium banana
- 1 cup vanilla plant-based milk
- 1 cup fruit juice (apple, pear, orange, mango, etc.)
- 2 teaspoons to 2 tablespoons maca root powder
- 2 tablespoons hemp seeds, optional
- A few ice cubes
Combine all the ingredients in a blender. Blend until completely smooth. Divide between two large glasses and serve at once.
If you like maca root powder, explore 9 Easy Ways to Use Maca Root in Food and Beverages.
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