Learn what to expect when switching from standard sundried maca to Premium Maca, including differences in processing, flavor, strength, serving size, and the easiest ways to get started.
We offer several of our maca root products in both “premium” and “standard” versions.
If you’ve never tried one of the Premium Maca products, and especially the powder, it’s important to understand how the experience will differ from taking standard — also known as sundried — maca.
In this article we’ll give you a very clear idea of what to expect when taking Premium Maca.
Premium Maca is made from the same high-quality organic maca roots as our standard maca, but the roots are dried quickly in low-temperature dehydrators instead of being sundried for several weeks.
This processing method preserves higher levels of some nutrients, particularly glucosinolates, but it also produces a stronger, spicier, more bitter, and more intense flavor.
If you are new to Premium Maca powder, we recommend beginning with about half — or less — of your usual standard maca serving and adjusting gradually.
Both versions of maca, Premium and Sundried, are made from the same grade-A certified organic maca roots, but these roots are processed differently.
Our standard or sundried maca products are made from roots that are dried in the high mountain sun for approximately 10–40 days right after being harvested.
This is the traditional and slower method of drying maca.
A newer method has emerged over the past 20 years. It is now possible to dry maca roots much more quickly using low-temperature dehydrators.
Roots dried this way are taken to a processing plant right after harvest, where they are dried in a matter of several hours.
Because maca made using this type of processing retains higher levels of some nutrients, we call it Premium Maca.
For a more complete look at the processing differences, see Premium Maca vs. Sundried Maca: What Is the Difference?
| Comparison | Standard / Sundried Maca | Premium Maca |
|---|---|---|
| Roots used | Grade-A certified organic maca roots | Grade-A certified organic maca roots |
| Drying method | Traditionally dried in the high mountain sun | Quickly dried in low-temperature dehydrators |
| Drying time | Approximately 10–40 days | Several hours |
| Flavor | Earthy, malty, caramel-like | Stronger, spicier, sharper, and somewhat more bitter |
| Glucosinolate content | Lower than Premium Maca | Higher due to faster processing |
| Starting amount | Your usual maca serving | Start with about half to 2/3 of your usual serving |
If you’re used to adding a standard maca powder to your morning smoothie or drink, Premium Maca will be a different experience for you.
Premium Maca powder is much spicier and a bit more bitter than standard maca.
Many people describe the taste as “more intense.”
The reason for this difference is that maca root is actually in the turnip and horseradish family.
While it is neither as bitter as a turnip nor as spicy as horseradish, maca root does contain both of those flavor elements.
When it is processed quickly using the Premium drying process, these flavor elements come through more strongly as part of the same process that preserves more nutrients.
The taste of Premium Maca powder is not wholly unpleasant for most people and still has the earthy and caramel or malt undertones of sundried maca root.
For others, the sharpness or spiciness of the Premium powder is too much to overcome.
That’s one reason we offer all of our Premium products in capsule form as well. The taste difference does not apply to maca capsules because you do not taste the powder when swallowing them.
In terms of the spicy and intense taste, it’s also good to know that some batches of Premium Maca are stronger in flavor than others.
These variations are normal because maca is a natural product.
Just as the same apple tree may produce slightly different-tasting apples in different years, the results of a maca harvest depend on the soil in which it was grown, the overall climate, when the roots were harvested, and other natural factors.
Another good thing to keep in mind is that our gelatinized Premium Maca powders are somewhat milder than our raw Premium Maca powders.
This is because the gelatinization process involves relatively high heat, which does slightly alter some of the nutrients in the final product.
For those who are new to our Premium Maca powders, we recommend taking one-half or less of the amount of your regular maca serving in order to adjust to the differences.
You may end up being able to take less Premium Maca and still feel the same results even after you have adjusted to it because of its increased potency.
One thing that has worked for people who don’t like the taste of Premium Maca is to put the powder in whatever type of milk you like along with cinnamon and perhaps a bit of honey or agave.
This can help tame the stronger flavor.
Hopefully, by reducing your serving size and softening the taste, you’ll be able to get the most out of Premium Maca products.
If you normally take 1 tablespoon of standard maca powder, do not automatically begin with 1 tablespoon of Premium Maca.
Start with approximately half your normal serving — or even less — and see how the stronger flavor and more concentrated product work for you.
You can always increase gradually after you become familiar with it.
Some people love the stronger flavor of Premium Maca, while others simply find the powder too spicy or pungent.
If reducing the serving and mixing the powder with cinnamon, milk, honey, or another flavor does not help enough, capsules are the simplest alternative.
Because the capsule is swallowed whole, you receive the Premium Maca without having to taste the powder.
You can explore our maca capsule options here.
While our Premium Maca products provide more nutrition, especially glucosinolate content, it’s important to note that they are also stronger in taste.
If you opt for capsules, this is not an issue.
But if you decide to go with Premium Maca powders, you should be prepared for the taste to be a bit sharper and more bitter than our standard sundried maca powders.
We have many fans of Premium Maca, and for them the benefits outweigh the taste factor.
If you choose to try one of our Premium powders, simply expect it to be a little less palatable and begin with a smaller serving while you adjust.
Enjoy the day!
Premium Maca is made from fresh maca roots that are dried quickly in low-temperature dehydrators rather than being traditionally dried in the sun for several weeks.
Premium Maca retains higher levels of some nutrients, particularly glucosinolates, and many people find that they can use a smaller serving than they use with standard sundried maca.
Maca belongs to the same general plant family as turnips and horseradish and naturally contains some bitter and spicy flavor elements. Premium processing preserves more of those characteristics, making the flavor noticeably stronger.
Yes. It still has the earthy, malty, and caramel-like undertones of sundried maca, but the spicy, sharp, and slightly bitter elements are more pronounced.
Yes. Our gelatinized Premium Maca tends to be somewhat milder in flavor than raw Premium Maca because the additional heating involved in gelatinization alters some of the compounds in the powder.
If you are switching from standard maca, we recommend beginning with about half or less of your normal serving and increasing gradually once you know how Premium Maca works for you.
Try mixing it with milk, cinnamon, and a little honey or agave. If you still dislike the taste, Premium Maca capsules allow you to avoid the flavor altogether.
See the complete comparison of how the two drying methods differ and what those differences mean for the finished maca.
