4 Best Maca Powders For Women (Improve Energy & Hormones)

Contents

1000s of women have improved their energy and libido, fixed irregular hormones like PMS, and stopped anxiety and menopause symptoms.  

Their secret… is “Maca root.” 

With 1000s of Maca powder options available on the market, I’m going to be honest with you–most of them won’t work.

Why? 

Because unfortunately, supplements aren’t regulated, and as a result, many women think that Maca powder won’t work for them when the problem is not maca powder itself, but rather the brand.  

That’s the bad news. 

The good news is that I did the research for you to ensure you find a great option for your needs that’s in your budget. 

I did over 19 hours of research for this review (yeah I counted); I read through multiple studies, forums, and watched countless YouTube videos.  I looked at 21 different Maca brands (tried 3 of them) and called up 11 friends to ask for their experiences with different Maca brands.

By reading this review, you will learn:

  • The top 4 Maca brands for women who want to increase energy, improve libido, decrease symptoms of menopause, and improve levels of anxiety.
  • What to look for when choosing a Maca powder option.
  • Different types of Maca powders and capsules and what/who they are best for 

If you are in a rush, here is a quick summary of the top 3 options:


 
  
 
Our Rating
Best For
Why We Love It
Why do people love it
Premium Gelatinized Red Maca
Our Rating : Organic Gelatinized Red Maca Powder
Best For : #1
Why We Love It : Overall Quality
Why do people love it: Credible brand; specialist in Maca products; 3rd party certified for quality; amazing verified reviews; I regularly take it and trust it
- No digestion problems, - Fast, potent effect
Premium Raw Red Maca
Our Rating : Premium Raw Red Maca
Best For : #2
Why We Love It : Best Budget Option (More Nutrients)
Why do people love it: Same as our #1 option; minimal processing for greater nutrients
-Less processed, more nutrients (but harder to digest)
Organic Maca 1900 mg 150 Veggie Capsules
Our Rating : Organic Maca Root Black Yellow
Best For : #3
Why We Love It : Capsules Form
Why do people love it: Superior potency, Amazon’s Best Seller, Over 18k happy reviews, Manufactured in an FDA registered facility
- Easier to use, - Quick boost in sexual drive and appearance

What I looked for (and you should too) when choosing a Maca option. 

This review isn’t a random list of top products like everywhere else on Google. Below, are the 5 factors I used to rank the list below (and you should too):

  1. Origin of the roots: The plant origin and an organic verification is essential to know a quality product. 
  2. Certified manufacturing process: The processing of the Maca plays a significant role in the quality of the final product. The freshness of roots when processed and the procedure of powder creation and packaging can alter the potency and shelf-life. 
  3.  Ingredients: Maca powders shall only consist of pure Maca roots. No additives except for vegan additives in capsuled powder. 
  4. Type of Maca roots: If it is a pure Red Maca (common in women supplements), our Black Maca (common in men supplements), a yellow Maca (cheaper and less potent variant), or a mix of all. 
  5. Reputation & 3rd Party Certification: Supplements are not regulated by the FDA. That means: you need to look for producers with 3rd party verifications and a history of positive market reputation from actual purchases and reviews over the years.


Our #1 – The Maca Team’s Premium Gelatinized Red Maca (Best Overall)

Maca powder
Features
Our rating
Features
  • Vegan and gluten-free
  • Certified organic, non-GMO, and Fair Trade
  • Potent in antioxidants in comparison to other Maca powders
  • High in phytonutrients, which are chemicals produced by plants to fight off parasites and have antioxidative properties
Our Rating
Our #1 Rated Best Maca Powder
5 out of 5

If you want the best Maca powder, I can’t recommend this one from The Maca Team enough. 

I personally take this every morning, and it’s phenomenal.

Red Maca Root Powder

They are 3rd party certified (see screenshot below), have amazing reviews, tastes great, use excellent (Organic) ingredients, use red maca (which the research shows is better for improving hormonal balance) boosts energy, and increases sex drive (for women specifically).

3rd party certified RED MACA ROOT PWDR

Another thing I love about this one, and it’s just a preference more than anything, is that it’s gelatinized. All this means is that it’s cooked, making it easier to digest.

RED MACA ROOT

I don’t know about you guys, but my stomach can be a wimp sometimes, so getting the gelatinized version has worked wonders for my digestion. 

If you have the stomach of a Samurai warrior, going with the raw version here (also linked below) would be my suggestion, since it will have slightly more nutrients. 

Talking to some of my friends, they’ve said similar things–that it’s the best maca they’ve tried, with the benefits ranging from reduced symptoms of menopause, higher sex drive, more energy, and even lower levels of anxiety. 

Like I mentioned earlier, the reviews are great and  free shipping on orders over $60.

Red Maca Root Powder Reviews

To be honest, I wanted to find some downsides for this one, but can’t find any. It’s $3 more than our 2nd option, but that is such a miniscule difference, I don’t think it should influence your decision. 

If you do decide to go with this one, I highly recommend starting with a lower dose (like 1/4 tbsp.) and gradually increase your serving until you feel a consistent effect (around 2 tbsp. per serving). 

Pros

  • Vegan and gluten-free
  • Certified organic, non-GMO, and Fair Trade
  • Potent in antioxidants in comparison to other Maca powders
  • High in phytonutrients, which are chemicals produced by plants to fight off parasites and have antioxidative properties
  • Shelf life of up to 2 years when stored correctly
  • Higher in the anticancer glucosinolate content
  • Gentle on stomach
  • Best option for getting the benefits of red maca: increased libido, more energy, reduced anxiety, and better hormone balancing

Cons

  • Slightly more expensive than the raw version (link)
  • Limited supply (dependent on harvest seasons)

Verdict

This is the one I personally take and for good reason. If you’re a woman looking for the best maca powder on the market, this is the one you want. With great reviews, 3rd party certification, all Organic ingredients that include Red Maca, you won’t find one better.

Another option for those who don’t have digestive challenges

Like I mentioned above, The Maca Team also offers a more affordable Maca alternative. It provides the same benefits as our #1 option, but in a raw form. In simple terms, it’s less processed, which means more nutrients, but harder to digest.


Our #2 Option: Organic Raw Red Maca (The Maca Team) (Best Budget Option)

Maca powder
Features
Our rating
Features
  • Vegan and gluten-free
  • Certified organic, non-GMO, and Fair Trade
  • Potent in antioxidants in comparison to other Maca powders
  • High in phytonutrients, which are chemicals produced by plants to fight off parasites and have antioxidative properties
Our Rating
Our #2 Rated Best Maca Powder
4.8 out of 5

Like it’s gelatinized counterpart above, this Red Maca from The Maca Team tastes mild and sweet and I find it to be delicious in my morning smoothie.

Verdict

The Raw Red Maca Powder from The Maca Team is the most affordable Maca powder on our list–111 servings (2.2 lb) will cost you $39.94 and last you about 4 months of daily use. It tastes sweet and delicious; however, if you don’t like the taste of Maca, you can have it as capsules or put some drops of the extract in any drink you want.

With any good maca powder (this option included), expect results within the first month. Some people would feel the difference quickly through the disappearance of hormone-related acne in the first weeks of usage.


Our #3 – Organic Maca Powder (Navitas Naturals)

Maca Powder
Features
Our rating
Features
  • Vegan
  • Gluten-free
  • Kosher 
  • USDA organic and non-GMO
Our Rating
Our #3 Rated Best Maca Powder
4.7 out of 5

Women who tried this one from Navita reported mental clarity and better agility during exercising. One tbsp. in the morning-smoothie was enough for many to control stress and elevate their mood for the rest of the day. 

Many women said that they stopped taking other Maca products because they simply tasted odd. Navitas’s success with the Maca powder comes from their secret ingredients – added sweetness. 

People especially loved the flavor of this powder when mixed with their smoothies or oatmeal. 

I rated this product as the Best Budget Option because you can simply choose a smaller package. Try the product out for a while, learn your optimum serving and doses, then regularly buy what fits your need without having to invest so much in the beginning. 

Pros

  • Vegan
  • Gluten-free
  • Kosher 
  • USDA organic and non-GMO
  • Available as a raw and gelatinized powder
  • Delicious butterscotch-like flavor
  • Good for stress relief and boosting energy.

Cons

  • Only available in powder form
  • It carries California’s proposition 65 warning
  • No 3rd party certification

Verdict

The Maca powder from Navitas is excellent for women looking to boost their energy and mood naturally. While this looks like a solid option, I don’t see any 3rd party certification. This is a deal breaker for me and should be for you, too. There are better options.


Our #4 – Organic Maca 1900 mg 150 Veggie Capsules (NaturaLifeLabs)

Maca Powder
Features
Our rating
Features
  • Vegan
  • Non-GMO
  • Certified organic
  • Manufactured in an FDA registered facility in accordance with GMP
  • High contents of amino acids, essential minerals, and phytonutrients 
  • Suitable for men
Our Rating
Our #4 Rated Best Maca Powder
4.6 out of 5

NaturaLifeLabs offer 100% pure Maca root powder gelatinized veg capsules. They claim this product is superiorly potent, and we can understand why: it delivers 1900 mg of pure organic Maca powder. 

It combines all three colored Maca: black, yellow, and red. Many women highly recommend this option for improving reproductive and sexual health. Some claim that their infertility problems were resolved upon using this supplement. 

Women using it reported a lift in sexual drive and a bonus effect of getting curves (increased cup sizes and butt weight). 

Especially among 40+ women, the reviews claim a substantial increase in libido already in the first two months of taking these capsules, with no adverse hormonal side effects.

Organic Maca 1900 mg 150 Reviews

Additionally, this Maca powder is also gelatinized for easier digestion, so it is a great option for people with stomach issues.

Pros

  • Vegan
  • Non-GMO
  • Certified organic
  • Manufactured in an FDA registered facility in accordance with GMP
  • High contents of amino acids, essential minerals, and phytonutrients 
  • Suitable for men

Cons

  • Due to high demand, it is often out of stock from the producer’s website (available instead by retailers).

Verdict

Among all the products we recommended, this one from NaturaLife is the only one to combine all three colors of Maca and combine the benefits. Additionally, if you prefer supplements in capsules, this is your choice, hands down. 

While I like the idea of combining maca powders, based on the research, red maca is the one best for most women, which is why I’d still go with our #1 or #2 options.


What makes a good maca powder? 

All Maca but legitimate sources are effective, but some Maca powders are more effective than others for certain desired outcomes.

Below, you’ll find 5 things to look for when choosing a maca powder:

1- The type of Maca roots.

Maca comes in 3 colors; yellow, red, and black. Yellow is the most grown yet has a relatively minor effect. Red and black are rare and considered more potent in their libido, energy, and anxiety control impacts. 

Some producers would mix “cheaper” yellow roots into their products to cut their costs. For higher quality, pure red or black Maca is better.  

2- The origin of the roots. 

Traditionally, Maca roots grew in The Peruvian Andes, yet everyone can possibly try to grow them anywhere in the world. The quality of the final product will differ. Maca needs a long frost-free growing season, and it grows poorly wherever summer temperatures exceed 23°C.

Verified products from Peruvian origin are considered of higher quality. 

3- Roots harvest and processing.

Typically Maca roots will be directly sundried after harvest to be stored up to 7 years, and later at some point, they would be processed as final products.  

Now the sooner the processing happens, the higher the quality of the final powder. Premium Maca is usually instantly fresh processed. Poor quality products would usually come from a low-quality harvest that has been stored for longer periods. 

Powders from fresh roots are way more potent. 

4- Capsuled or powder.

Choosing between capsules and powder is tricky. On the one hand, capsules are more practical, mobile, easier to use anywhere, and tasteless. Yet, many people find them hard to “swallow,” or their bodies react poorly to taking pills. 
On the efficiency side, the powder has quicker absorption and is usually more concentrated and thus more efficient in delivering the nutritional value intended.

5- Ingredients.

Most powder products are pure organic Maca root powder. The Maca capsules usually have other neutral ingredients like hypromellose and stearic acid, which don’t affect the product’s efficiency.


The History & Science Of Maca Powder

Lepidium meyenii, known as Maca, is a Peruvian plant mostly available in powder or supplements form. 

Traditionally, it was used for thousands of years to increase sex drive and fertility. 

Although Maca powder has many health benefits such as boosting energy, increasing sex drive, and even strengthening bones, this plant is the most popular among women for its benefits such as [1]:

  • Managing menopausal symptoms
  • Regulating hormones
  • Boosting mood 

Many women use Maca root as a natural treatment for Poly-Cystic Ovaries Syndrome (PCOS) with excellent results [2].

It helps women in so many ways such as sexual well-being, reproductive health, hormonal imbalance, and energy boost. 

It is most prevalent in powder form, yet Maca has a strong nutty flavor that is hard to get used to. There are many recipes on the internet that include  Maca powder and are delicious. Our favorite way to have Maca powder is either with a banana smoothie or as tablets.


Wrapping things up – Which Maca supplement should you choose?

If you are looking for the best maca powder, to help naturally increase energy, improve your sex drive, reduce symptoms of menopause, regulate your hormones, and reduce your anxiety, I highly recommend this gelatinized Red Maca from The Maca Team.

It’s the one I use, and I recommend it to all my friends. 
However, if you prefer capsules over powder, we found that the Capsules from NaturalLife Labs are the best option.


Still Unsure Which Option Is Best For You? Here’s The Recap, Based On Our Testing & Research

  • The Maca Team’s Premium Gelatinized Red Maca: This is the best overall quality maca powder for women who want to increase energy and regulate hormones. It is made by a credible brand that specializes in maca products and has third-party certification for quality. It also has amazing verified reviews and no digestion problems.
  • Premium Raw Red Maca From The Maca Team: This is the best budget option for women who want more nutrients from maca powder. It is less processed than gelatinized maca, which means it retains more of its natural compounds. However, it may be harder to digest for some people. It is also made by the same reputable brand as the first option.
  • Organic Maca 1900 mg 150 Veggie Capsules from NaturaLife Labs: This is the best capsule option for women who want a convenient and potent way to take maca. It is Amazon’s best seller, with over 18k happy reviews. It is manufactured in an FDA registered facility and has a superior potency of 1900 mg per serving. It may also provide a quick boost in sexual drive and appearance.

Nolwen Cameron

Nolwen Cameron has had a lifelong passion for exercise and nutrition. She loves to educate and coach people to help them feel and look healthy inside and outside. She is an ISSA Certified Specialist in Fitness Nutrition and NASM Certified Personal Trainer.

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  • Written by: Nolwen Cameron
  • NASM CPT
    ISSA
    NASM Nutrition Coach
  • Last Updated on August 3, 2023

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