This Superfood Maca Latte is a sweet and creamy pick me up that gives you energy without the crash that comes with caffeine. Maca has been known to increase energy, regulate hormones, and reduce inflammation. Easy to make with 5 ingredients and 1 simple step!
Have you heard of maca? Maca is an adaptogen, and adaptogens are having a moment.
As a very high level overview, because I am not a nutritionist, adaptogens are herbs that help the body handle stress and bring it back to homeostasis. I have read several books on these cool substances, and the best way I have heard them described is that they bring your body back to its natural healthy baseline. Whether your body is overactive or slow to the punch, adaptogens can regulate both extremes.
If you are a researching nerd (and proud of it!) like me, you might want to check this post all about adaptogens.
I have been using adaptogens in my diet for a while now. Staples in my kitchen include, holy basil, licorice root, and reshi mushroom powder. I thought January was the perfect time to introduce you to my favorite of these super herbs: maca.
Maca is a South American root vegetable that is a member of the ridiculously healthy cruciferous vegetable family (think broccoli, cabbage, kale). It grows in very harsh conditions atop mountains in the Andes.
Researchers presume that the harsh conditions that the vegetable had to adapt to is what gives it its adaptogenic properties. It is commonly harvested, dried, and then ground into a powder before being sold.
Health is great, friends, but let's talk about our favorite thing for a moment: FLAVOR.
Maca not only boosts our health, it really boosts the flavor of this drink. It adds a lovely malt-y and subtly sweet flavor. Like a malted milkshake, but the healthy adult version that won't send you into a sugar coma after the crash.
Then, add to that malt-y goodness a dose of carob which is naturally sweet and though it looks like chocolate, it has its own unique flavor. It has earthy caramel notes and is reminiscent of a date, but less intensely sweet.
Combine the malty maca and the caramel like carob with some vanilla extract and you have one superfood super-tasty latte recipe.
If you have any additional questions about these funky herbs called adaptogens, how I use them, recipes, etc. send them my way!
Supertasty superfood.
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Superfood Maca Latte
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Drinks
Description
This Superfood Maca Latte is a sweet and creamy pick me up that gives you energy without the crash that comes with caffeine. Maca has been known to increase energy, regulate hormones, and reduce inflammation. Easy to make with 5 ingredients and 1 simple step!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups non-dairy milk of choice ((I use almond or hemp))
- 1-2 pitted dates
- 1 ½ teaspoons maca
- 1 teaspoon carob powder
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Add the milk and dates to a saucepan and heat until steaming. Add the warm milk and remaining ingredients into a high speed blender. Blend on high until smooth and frothy. Serve.
Notes
If you wanted to make this a traditional latte, add in a shot of espresso or some strongly brewed coffee!
Gorgeous photos. I've been meaning to try maca...I think I need some in my life, ASAP.
Thank you Annie! I tried it for the first time about a year ago, and I have been HOOKED!
I've been searching for an afternoon pick me up that can help get me through my day! I don't drink coffee so this sounds absolutely perfect! I can't wait to try it!!
I am the same way, Bethany! I love a good warm pick me up in the afternoon, but I don't do well on caffeine! Hope you love it!
I've been looking for a caffeine-free drink to replace my usual coffee, hot chocolate, or chai. This seems perfect since I'm also looking to balance my hormones. Also, love your colorful mug!
Hi Fanny! Glad you found the recipe! I first whipped it up when I was looking for a caffeine-free drink, too :) The mug was one of those great Marshal's finds!
This looks great- can’t wait to try it. Can the carob be replaced with anything similar?
Hi Morgan, you can replace it with cocoa or raw cacao powder :)
This is delicious! I'm having it as I write. I used 2 T. cashews with 1.5 cups water and put on Vitamix in smoothie size container for one min. 15 seconds. Added 1 date, 1 tsp cocoa powder, 1/4 tsp stevia (can't have vanilla) and put back on Vitamix for 1 min. 15 seconds and came out frothy and warm. Great pick me up treat in the mid day instead of more dehydrating coffee. Thank you!!!
So glad you enjoyed it, Jane!
Opps, I used 1 tsp Monkfruit instead of stevia.