Maca Types
Maca Types: Premium, Sundried, Raw, and Gelatinized
For people new to maca, one of the first things that can become confusing is the word “types.”
Sometimes people use it when talking about maca colors, such as red, black, and yellow. Others use it to discuss forms of maca, such as powder, capsules, chips, or extract.
But here at The Maca Team, we use it to talk about how the maca was processed and prepared.
That is where this page comes in.
When it comes to maca processing and preparation, the two most important distinctions are:
- Premium vs. Sundried
- Raw vs. Gelatinized
These are not the same comparison. One refers to how the maca was dried and prepared after harvest. The other refers to whether the maca remained raw or was heat processed afterward. This page is designed to help clarify that.
The Two Distinctions That Matter for Maca Types
Premium vs. Sundried
This refers to how maca was handled immediately after harvest.
- Sundried maca is the traditional preparation – roots are dried in the high mountain sun
- Premium maca is a fresh-root processing approach – roots are dried in dehydrators immediately after harvest - preserves some nutrients in higher concentrations
They each have their own advantages. Learn more:
Premium vs. Sundried Maca Explained
Raw vs. Gelatinized
This is about what happens after drying.
- Raw maca is not pre-cooked
- Gelatinized maca is heat processed
“Gelatinized” does not mean gelatin is added. It refers to a process that reduces starch and changes the starch content of maca roots to make them easier to digest.
Learn more:
The Simple Way to Think About It
If you only keep one thing in mind, make it this:
- Premium vs. Sundried = how it was dried
- Raw vs. Gelatinized = whether it was pre-cooked
That clears up most of the confusion.
Why It Can Get Confusing
These categories overlap.
A maca product can be:
- Premium and Raw
- Premium and Gelatinized
- Sundried and Raw
- Sundried and Gelatinized
So when two products look different, you may actually be seeing two differences at once, not just one.
How This Shows Up in Real Products
Once you understand the framework, product names start to make sense.
Examples:
- Raw black maca
- Gelatinized tri-color maca
- Premium raw red maca
- Premium gelatinized black maca
Quick Reference
Where to Start
If you are new to maca, start here:
- Choose Raw or Gelatinized (most people start with gelatinized)
- Then choose Premium or Sundried (most people start with sundried)
That is enough to make a solid first decision.
If you are still deciding, this can help:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “maca types” mean?
It refers to how maca is processed: Premium vs. Sundried and Raw vs. Gelatinized.
Is premium the same as raw?
No. Premium is a processing method. Raw means not pre-cooked. A product can be both.
Is sundried the same as gelatinized?
No. Sundried is a drying method. Gelatinized is a post-drying process.
What does gelatinized actually mean?
It means the maca was heat processed after drying. No gelatin is added.
Can I choose by both type and color?
Yes. For example: raw black maca or gelatinized tri-color maca.
Learn More
Next Steps
