We've seen the popularity of adaptogen-rich maca growing exponentially over the years—with everyone from casual health enthusiasts to professional athletes raving about its energizing benefits. We’ve seen it added into adaptogen powders, superfood blends and plant-based power snacks. But beyond adding a scoop to smoothies, can maca powder be used in general, day-to-day cooking? The answer is an unequivocal yes! Here are four ways to get creative with this powerful superfood.

1. Warm Drinks

Even though maca is often used in frosty, blended smoothies, its flavor is even more desirable when served warm. Heat seems to tone down some of maca’s radish-like undertones and help its butterscotch notes shine through. Maca tastes best in drinks that have added milk or cream, so try it mixed into hot chocolate, a cozy latte, or even simply warm milk!

2. Savory Soups

Just because maca has a slight sweetness, doesn’t mean it has to be reserved solely for sweet recipes. Maca is a root, and like most vegetables, goes rather nicely with ingredients of its own kind. If you’re making soups with a lot of root vegetables like carrots, parsnips or even tubers like sweet potatoes or yams, add in a little maca powder. (Pro tip: a tablespoon will usually do the trick without being overpowering. It’s best in blended soups).

3. Baked Goods

Maca powder looks like a flour and can certainly act like one, too (in small quantities)! Remove 1-2 tablespoons of flour from your next batch of cookies, brownies or bread, and swap in an equal amount of maca powder. The heat of baking won’t affect maca’s nutrition, and you’ll gain a subtle nutty-caramel flavor, too.

4. Breakfast Meals

Between its energizing qualities and warming taste, maca is an ideal ingredient to up your breakfast game. Stir into oatmeal or warm savory porridges; mix into your favorite nut milk; or whisk into a batch of pancakes or waffles.

Hungry for more maca-filled recipes? Click HERE to browse some of our favorites!