Black maca has a malty, slightly earthy taste. On its own in water it is not exciting. Paired with the right flavors, it disappears into a drink you actually look forward to. These are the three smoothies we make most at home, and each one was tested until it tasted like a treat, not a health drink.

All three are vegan, have no refined sugar, and take about five minutes with one blender.

1. Peanut Butter Banana Black Maca Smoothie (tastes like a milkshake)

• 1 frozen banana, ripe with brown spots
• 1 cup oat milk (almond milk works too)
• 1 heaping teaspoon Incaliving Black Maca Powder
• 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter
• 2 soft dates, pits removed, or 1 teaspoon maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• A tiny pinch of salt
• 4 ice cubes

Blend on high for about 45 seconds until thick and creamy. Too earthy? Add one more date and a little more cinnamon. Too thick? Add a splash of oat milk.

Why it works: black maca is malty and a little nutty. Peanut butter, banana and vanilla lean into that and turn it into a milkshake. The cinnamon and salt round off the earthy edge.

Variation: swap the oat milk for 3/4 cup cold brew coffee plus 1/4 cup milk for a maca coffee shake.

2. Chocolate Andes Smoothie (tastes like a cold hot chocolate)

• 1 frozen banana
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or oat milk
• 1 tablespoon Incaliving Peruvian Cacao Powder
• 1 teaspoon Incaliving Black Maca Powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Incaliving Curcumin Powder
• 2 soft dates, pits removed, or 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 tablespoon almond butter or peanut butter
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• A tiny pinch of salt
• 4 ice cubes

Blend on high for about 45 seconds. Taste. Sweeter? One more date. Thicker? Half a frozen banana more.

The salt and cinnamon are what make it taste like real chocolate. The curcumin is a small amount on purpose. You will not taste it, and our curcumin already contains black pepper, so there is nothing else to add.

3. Golden Mango Smoothie (tropical, with a warm kick)

• 1 cup frozen mango chunks
• 1/2 cup frozen pineapple chunks
• 1/2 banana
• 3/4 cup canned coconut milk (light is fine) plus a splash of water
• 1/2 teaspoon Incaliving Curcumin Powder
• 1 teaspoon Incaliving Black Maca Powder
• 1 teaspoon Incaliving Peruvian Cacao Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh grated ginger, or 1/4 teaspoon ground
• A squeeze of lime
• 1 teaspoon honey, optional

Blend on high for about one minute. It should be thick and bright yellow-orange. Add a little water if it is too thick to pour. Mango, pineapple and lime are what make turmeric taste good, so do not skip the lime.

Tips that make every maca smoothie better

• Use a frozen banana. It gives the creaminess that hides maca’s texture.
• Start with one teaspoon of maca. You can go up to two once you know you like the taste.
• A pinch of salt sounds strange in a sweet drink. It is the difference between “fine” and “again tomorrow”.
• Black maca is our pick for training days and busy mornings. It is the maca color traditionally used for energy, stamina and focus.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use Triple Maca or Red Maca instead? Yes. Red maca is a little milder and sweeter. Triple Maca sits in the middle. The amounts stay the same.

Can I make these the night before? Yes. Blend, pour into a jar and refrigerate. Shake before drinking. They keep for about 24 hours.

Are these kid friendly? The peanut butter banana one is a family favorite. Use half the maca for children.

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.