Make a big batch of this delicious chocolatey maca latte mix so you can make yourself a super tasty superfood drink whenever you like. Made with adaptogens, cocoa, coconut sugar, and warming spices, it's like a vegan hot chocolate meets mocha.
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Hands up if you're in the mood for a cozy, chocolatey, superfood-loaded afternoon pick me up!
Today we're going to learn how to make a deliciously healthy maca latte at home, and I'm going walk you through the actual legit science of maca and other adaptogens. Science lesson and a delicious beverage? I'd call that a win win!
Let's get right into things.
What is maca?
Maca is a root in the cruciferous family (related to broccoli, kale, cabbage, etc) grown in the Peruvian Andes. It is an ancient and resilient plant – it needs to be to grow in those harsh conditions.
Maca is an adaptogen, which means it can help to support hormonal, nervous and cardiovascular systems. It is also said to be quite effective for improving libido.
While the concept of adaptogens may sound wishy washy, there's a growing body of research to back up those claims. Adaptogens are chemically complex, with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds in addition to polysaccharides, fatty acids, and active compounds that are unique to each plant.
To make things more complicated, most adaptogens can impact a variety of systems in the body, and the effects can be individual. What they do have in common, however, is an impact on the stress hormone cortisol and other stress response factors.
I've been dabbling in adaptogens lately, including maca, ashwagandha, and chaga, to see whether they will help me manage some stress and anxiety-related symptoms. Maybe it's a placebo effect, but I do think I'm rocking a mellower vibe, so who knows.
Maca has a malty and sweet flavour, maybe a bit caramelly with hints of vanilla. It is delicious in smoothies, mixed into overnight oats, or, in a lovely chocolately Maca Latte like the one we're making today.
It's kind of like a vegan hot chocolate with cocoa powder, only packed with warming spice and superfoods to take things to the next level.
What's in a maca latte?
Ready to make a superfood latte? Here's what you're going to need:
- Maca --> I think this goes without saying.
- Cocoa powder --> Or cacao powder if you prefer.
- Coconut sugar --> A little sumthin' sweet.
- Cinnamon --> For that Aztec chocolate twist.
- Cayenne --> Totally optional, but just a pinch to spice things up.
- Black pepper --> Oooohhhh yeah.
- Salt --> A tiny, tiiiiiiiny pinch of pink Himalayan salt is what I do.
Do you need any special equipment to make this recipe?
Not really. All you need to make the maca latte mix is a bowl to mix it in and something to store it in. For storage I like these Ball jars.
You don't really need anything special to make yourself a homemade maca latte either, other than a small heavy-bottomed pot (this is the one I used) and a whisk.
How do you make maca latte mix?
Ok you guys, pay attention because this is about to get complicated. Are you ready?
Step 1: Get a bowl.
Step 2: Put all of the ingredients in a bowl.
Step 3: Use a fork or a whisk to stir it up.
That's it! It'll take you all of five minutes to measure the stuff out and stir it together, and that's if you're a total slowpoke.
This is a big batch of maca latte mix that will do up about 12 batches of this lovely adaptogenic hot chocolate. When you're ready to make a maca latte, this is how it goes:
Step 1: Measure out 2-3 tablespoons of maca latte mix into a small heavy-bottomed pot.
Step 2: Pour in about ¼ cup of your favourite plant-based milk, and whisk into a smooth paste. This will help avoid a lumpy latte.
Step 3: Pour the remaining milk in, and whisk to combine.
Step 4: Place the pot over medium heat, and warm until it has reached your desired temperature.
Step 5: Pour into a mug, and enjoy!
How long will a batch of maca latte mix last for?
Kept in an airtight container in a room temperature cupboard, your maca latte mix will be good for about 3 months. I sincerely doubt it will last you that long, however.
I only want to make a single maca latte
I like making a big batch of maca latte mix so I can just scoop and stir when the mood strikes, but perhaps you'd like to test the recipe with a smaller quantity first.
No problemo. In the recipe card below, adjust the servings to "one" and it'll automatically adjust the measurements for you.
Can you add other supplements to this mix?
Sure thing. I often add ½-1 teaspoon of ashwagandha to mine, and I find that it blends in nicely. I don't like mixing too many adaptogens together, so I usually add ashwagandha or chaga, but not both.
You could also add a ½ teaspoon of ground ginger or turmeric for a little more zing! Superfood lattes like this are also a good vehicle for MCT oil if you're into that. I use it in my Pumpkin Chai Latte most often, but it's great in a maca latte too.
Can I omit / change the sweetener?
I like using coconut sugar here because everything is in except the milk, which makes latte time a breeze. But if you prefer a different kind of sweetener you can certainly add a bit of honey or maple syrup to taste.
You could also omit the sweetener altogether, but I think it'd be pretty intense tasting without it.
Is maca safe for everyone?
Due to its influence on the hormone system, people with thyroid issues should not take maca. I personally opted not to take maca when pregnant and breastfeeding, although that was based more on a lack of safety information than knowledge of any risks.
Other recipes you might enjoy:
How to Make a Matcha Latte
Turmeric Latte Mix
Pumpkin Chai Latte
London Fog Latte from Sustainable Cooks
Maca Latte Mix
Ingredients
To make big batch Maca Latte Mix
- 1 ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ½ cup maca powder
- ¾ cup coconut sugar
- 2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- ½ teaspoon finely ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon fine grain sea salt
To make a Maca Latte for one
- 2-3 tablespoon maca latte mix
- 1 ½ cups plant-based milk
Instructions
To make Maca Latte Mix
- Combine cocoa powder, maca powder, coconut sugar, cinnamon, cayenne, black pepper, and sea salt in a bowl.
- Whisk to combine.
- Transfer the maca latte mix into a jar with a lid for storage.
To make a Maca Latte for one
- Place 2-3 tablespoon maca latte mix into a small heavy-bottomed pot.
- Add ¼ cup plant-based milk, and whisk into a smooth paste.
- Add remaining 1 ¼ milk and whisk to combine.
- Heat over medium heat until desired warmth is reached.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Nutrition values are an estimate only and are based on one serving of maca latte mix, not including plant-based milk.
Lynndi
I on Keto. Would Stevia work ok?
Katie Trant
I haven't tested this recipe with stevia (I can't stand the taste) but I'm sure it would work fine if you added it at the end. Let us know how it goes!
Lindsey
This is soooo good! I added 1Tbls of Tumeric and could hardly notice it. Thank you for this healthy and delicious recipe!
Deborah Nyeche
I want to try your recipe but I am having trouble with the conversion. I am not good with math. I would like to know the breakdown for 5 servings, using teaspoons, tablespoons, and cups. Can you please help me.
Katie Trant
Hi Deborah, you can adjust the number of servings in the recipe card and it will calculate it for you.
Hunter
How much turmeric would you put into the mix?
Katie Trant
None. But I do have a delicious turmeric latte recipe that might be what you're looking for: https://www.heynutritionlady.com/turmeric-latte-mix/
Liz
Yum! Thanks for the recipe!
Haley
Can you add ice to make this cold (somewhat like a frap) without it being watered down so to speak?
Katie Trant
I haven't tried that, but can't think of any reason you couldn't make it cold. I would probably make it hot to dissolve the solids, and then chill it. If you don't want to dilute it you could always make ice cubes *from* the maca latte and then add those back in?