The 7 Best Maca Powders of 2020 Reviewed
Maca powder is made from the root of the maca plant, a cruciferous vegetable that grows in the Andes and has been used for both dietary and medicinal means for centuries. Maca root is most often powdered, but it can be sold as a capsule or liquid form.
While the health benefits of maca root are still under investigation, one thing that’s for sure is that this root is highly nutritious. 1 ounce of maca root powder contains 133% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of Vitamin C, as well as 20 grams of carbs and 4 grams of protein.
While that doesn’t make this miraculous root ideal for anyone on a low carb diet, its various health benefits make it worth looking into as a supplement and dietary addition.
Maca powder has been found to be a powerful libido increaser and may even increase sperm count in healthy individuals. While these studies have been small, they have showed a marked increase in sexual desire in people who took maca powder for six weeks, making it a natural way to boost your libido. It has also been used to help reduce the symptoms of menopause, and animal studies suggest maca powder improves bone health, which is a crucial factor for women who have gone through menopause.
While all this sounds great, choosing the right maca powder can be overwhelming, which is why we’ve gone ahead and reviewed the top 7 maca powders on the market, analyzing the benefits and downsides of each. In a hurry? The table below gives you all you need to know about the best maca powders out there at a glance.
The Best Maca Powders
Here are the best maca powders on the market for brain function improvement, increased libido, and mood balancing, as well as countless other benefits covered at the end of this article.
1. Viva Naturals Organic Maca Powder
Not only is this maca powder certified organic, it comes in a resealable 1-pound bag, allowing you to stock up on this helpful superfood without worrying about it going bad. Reviewers noted that the gelatinized version is ideal for anyone with sensitive stomachs, as raw maca powder can cause stomach aches for those with gastrointestinal issues. Other reviewers note it is a great energy booster, and have added it to their morning routine in place of coffee as a natural source of get-up-and-go. No matter how you use it, Viva Naturals Organic Maca Powder is perfect for giving you the benefits of maca in an easy-to-use and digestion-friendly way.
2. Terrasoul Superfoods Organic Maca Powder
While reviewers did note that this maca powder had a very distinct taste that could be unpleasant, many recommended mixing the maca powder with cinnamon for a nuttier flavor that paired well with chocolate smoothies, as well as in oatmeal. However, some reviewers did note that because this maca powder is in its raw state, it is not as concentrated as the gelatinized maca powders on the market, and you may need to take more in order to reach the same concentration levels. Of course, as with any supplement, talk to your doctor about the right dosage options for you before taking it.
3. Zen Spirit Organic Maca Powder
As with other raw maca powders, there is a small chance this version will cause stomach sensitivities, but for anyone on a raw diet or looking to avoid pollution contaminants in their food, Zen Spirit Organic Maca Powder offers all of the benefits of natural living without any of the downsides. As with many raw maca powders, reviewers noted the taste was not ideal, but mixing it into different foods or pairing with natural chocolates helped mask the flavor, while still providing all the benefits of maca. If you’re looking for a raw maca powder to kick start your day, this is a great option for you.
4. Healthworks Raw Maca Powder
Made with yellow maca roots, the most common maca root, this product is loved by reviewers for its energy boosts and its ability to smooth over some of the common symptoms of menopause. While this version is not ideal for anyone with stomach issues, as it is in its raw form, the added benefit of the fine powder is that it mixes seamlessly into beverages and recipes without adding any unwanted textures. Plus, many reviewers noted it helped increase their libido and had them feeling younger and more energetic than they had felt in years.
5. BulkSupplements Maca Root Extract Powder
One of the largest concerns for this product is that it is manufactured in China. However, the maca root itself comes straight from Peru, making it just as potent as other versions. While this may put a damper on the supplement for anyone looking to reduce their carbon footprint, it does allow them to provide large amounts of maca powder to a wide public. Some people noted that this powder does have a stronger taste than others they have taken, and recommended the capsule versions for anyone looking for the benefits of maca without the aftertaste. However, all of this aside, reviewers raved about the larger sized packaging and health benefits experienced once they added maca powder to their diet and touted BulkSupplements Maca Root Extract Powder for its role in increasing their energy, libido, and mental functions.
6. The Maca Team Raw Black Maca Powder
With a commitment to fair trade, sustainable practices, this maca powder is ideal for anyone concerned about their environmental and social impact. Sold in 1-pound bags, it is worth noting that the recommended serving size for raw maca powder is higher than that of gelatinized maca powder, as it is not as concentrated. However, that doesn’t seem to change the effects, as reviewers praised this powder for its libido-boosting powers far above any other one on the market. While it is not as known for helping with memory performance and menopausal concerns as other types of maca, if you’re looking to improve your sexual health, this is a great choice for you.
7. Gaia Herbs Organic Maca Powder
With a USDA-certified organic recipe that is both vegan and gluten-free, this is ideal for people with dietary restrictions who are looking to improve their overall health. As an added bonus, due to the process of gelatinization, this maca powder has a more subdued taste than other maca powders, although reviewers noted it was still a detectable flavor in most smoothies or mixtures. Available in both 8- and 16-ounce packages, this is still a great option for anyone looking for the nutritional and hormonal benefits of maca powder in an easy-to-digest form.
Maca Powder Purchase Guide
Maca powder may help balance your hormones, increase your libido, improve your mental functions, and boost your daily energy, but just as with any supplement it all depends on how you use it and if it is right for you. As with any supplement, talk to your healthcare provider before starting it as some supplements work better for different people, or may interact with your medications.
With that being said, here are some tips to help you invest in the best maca powder.
Gelatinized vs. Raw
Gelatinized maca powder has been exposed to low-grade heat in order to reduce its natural starches and condense it into a more concentrated form. Removing the excess starches also makes it easier on your digestive system, meaning you get a higher boost of maca powder from gelatinized doses than you would with the same amount of raw powder.
Raw powder, on the other hand, offers maca root in a more natural state, and is ideal for anyone on a raw food diet who is concerned about over processing. In some cases, burning off the starches can reduce the nutritional content of the maca root, making it less powerful than its raw state. However, raw powder can be difficult on your digestive track, and is known to have a harsher taste than its gelatinized equivalent.
White, Yellow, Red, and Black…Oh My!
The most common maca roots are white or yellow, which refers to their coloration. Red maca root is a rarer form of the root and is said to be more potent, the same can be said for black maca root. However, black maca root and red maca root are known to have more pungent flavors, so if you are not a fan of the maca root taste, stick to the white or yellow varieties. While no real difference has been seen between the different colorations of the roots and their benefits, some people claim that black maca root is more potent.
Questions About Maca Powder
Is Maca Powder Dangerous?
The only real common side effect to maca powder is that it can cause stomach discomfort. While some would consider its natural taste a side effect, for the most part maca powder is safe to use and has no real dangers, unless you are suffering from a thyroid condition. In the case of thyroid problems, do not take maca, as it contains goitrogens, which can interfere with the natural function of the thyroid gland. That being said, anyone who is pregnant or nursing should not take maca powder, and it is always a good idea to consult your doctor before starting any supplement.
What Does Maca Powder Do?
Studies have shown maca powder can increase your libido, heighten sperm count and motility, reduce menopausal symptoms, boost your natural energy levels, and may help balance irregulated moods. It also may boost learning and memory capabilities, and has been said to help reduce the size of the prostate gland in old age. Aside from all these benefits, it is a great source of many vitamins and minerals, as well as essential amino acids.
The Benefits of Maca Root
Here is a great video that goes over some of the benefits of maca root, and how adding maca powder to your diet can improve your overall health.