Maca is a vegetable that grows at high altitudes in the Peruvian Andes mountain range and historically has been used for both food and medicine—with health claims ranging from improving energy, athletic performance, and fertility to having positive impacts on libido and mood.
So, it’s easy to see why it might appeal as a supplement. The promise of more energy and increased mood can be appealing, especially for working professionals who may be sitting at a desk all day and experiencing periodic energy dips.
We tested a few widely available options to find the best maca root supplement for you. Here’s what our tester had to say about each of them.
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Our team of expert testers has tried hundreds of the most popular supplements on the market today, using our comprehensive supplement testing methodology to find the best products for all folks.
Best Maca Root Supplements of 2026
- Best Overall Maca Root Supplement: Nutricost Maca Root
- Best Maca Root Supplement with Ashwagandha: ELMNT Black Maca
- Best Budget Maca Root Supplement: Double Wood Maca Root
Best Maca Root Supplements Comparison Table
Best Maca Root Supplement Overall: Nutricost Maca Root
Nutricost Maca Root
| Fortune score | 4/5 |
at Nutricost
- Our thoughts: A straightforward supplement that requires just one capsule
- Who it’s for: People looking for a lower dosage maca root option
- What makes it different: It’s organic and third-party tested, at a good price
Pros
- Third-party tested
- Organic
- Good value
Cons
- Lower potency
- Website doesn’t give much info about product benefits
- Some online reviews question the product’s efficacy
Our Thoughts on Nutricost Maca Root
Nutricost offers organic maca root sourced from Peru in a capsule form. The company says its non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegetarian, and that it’s third-party tested. There isn’t much additional product information on the company’s website aside from usage instructions—which instruct adults to take one capsule daily with 8 to 12 ounces of water, or as directed by a healthcare professional.
Our tester Pete tried Nutricost’s organic maca root. He found the bottle easy to open and close, with clear instructions. He rated the instructions a 5 out of 5.
Pete is a nutrition coach and noted that the supplement itself comes in a clear capsule and “the powder inside is light tan in color; it looks similar to sand.” He reported that the capsule was average size and had no taste, giving it a 3 out of 5 for its flavor. Pete rated it a 3 out of 5 for how easy it was to swallow.
As for side effects, Pete said, “I didn’t experience any negative side effects or digestive issues when using this product,” and explained that he hadn’t taken the supplement long enough to have noticed any potential benefits. He also remarked on the relatively low price, saying he thought this product offered “excellent value.”
One potential drawback: Pete said, “The dose is slightly less than what’s commonly used in clinical research. The 750 milligrams of maca root per capsule means you’d need to take two to three capsules daily to hit the recommended 1,500 to 2,000 milligrams that research generally supports.”
However, our tester appreciated that this maca root supplement is made in a GMP-compliant facility with third-party testing.
Specs:
- Form: Capsule
- Main Ingredients: Organic maca root powder
- Servings per Container: 180
- Price: $17.97
Best Maca Root Supplement with Ashwagandha: ELMNT Black Maca
ELMNT Black Maca
| Fortune score | 4/5 |
at ELMNT
- Our thoughts: A solid option for libido support, though the claim may be overstated
- Who it’s for: Those seeking support for energy, stress, and libido
- What makes it different: The formula also includes ashwagandha and black pepper extract
Pros
- Thid-party tested
- Organic maca root
- Ashwagandha for added support
Cons
- High-concentration claim likely overstated
- Some people may prefer only maca root
- Most expensive cost per serving
Our Thoughts on ELMNT Black Maca
ELMNT markets its black maca as a “highly concentrated extract formula” meant to support energy and drive, especially in men. The product also contains ashwagandha, which the company says helps with stress and has a synergistic effect when combined with maca. ELMNT’s formulation includes BioPerine (black pepper extract) as well, which is used here similarly as it is in turmeric supplements—to help enhance absorption.
Pete, our tester and nutrition coach, tried ELMNT’s Black Maca + Ashwagandha and immediately noted that, “The label design looks sharp—it’s all black with some gold and white text that stands out against the black label.” He then read the instructions, which are to take two capsules daily with food or as directed by a healthcare professional. Pete rated the product’s instructions a 5 out of 5.
According to Pete, the supplement comes in a clear capsule with a tan powder inside. When he actually took the supplement as instructed, he reported that the capsules were tasteless. He rated them a 3 out of 5 for their taste, and another 3 out of 5 for how easy they were to swallow.
After he took the product, Pete reported, “I didn’t notice any digestive issues or negative side effects,” and he added that he hadn’t used the product long enough to have noticed any significant benefits.
Pete also explained that ELMNT’s maca root supplement “comes with a few additional ingredients” including ashwagandha and BioPerine (black pepper extract), and noted that despite the additional ingredients, “people would use this product for the same general reasons as regular maca—energy, libido, and stress support.”
Our tester added that the big marketing hook with this product is the 40,000 milligrams, about 40x strength claim, but he said, “That number is pretty misleading. It’s not 40,000 milligrams of actual maca, it’s a concentrated extract that they’re converting back to an equivalent raw weight, which is a common supplement marketing tactic.”
Specs:
- Form: Capsule
- Main Ingredients: Organic black maca root 40:1 extract
- Servings per Container: 30
- Price: $23.95
Best Budget Maca Root Supplement: Double Wood Maca Root
Double Wood Maca Root
| Fortune score | 4/5 |
at Double Wood
- Our thoughts: A great all-around option, at an excellent value
- Who it’s for: People seeking support for energy, mood, or vitality
- What makes it different: We appreciated the informative website and low price point
Pros
- Third-party tested
- Very informative website
- Excellent value
Cons
- Some claims may be overstated
- No noticeable benefits
- Large container
Our Thoughts on Double Wood Supplement’s Maca Root
Double Wood Supplement’s maca root is designed to support energy, mood, vitality, and athletic performance. The company recommends a dosage of 1,000 milligrams to 2,000 milligrams (or two to four capsules) per day, taken on an empty stomach. Double Wood cautions against taking more than 4,000 milligrams per day.
Our tester Pete tried the Double Wood Supplements maca root and immediately noticed that the bottle is fairly large. He said, “I wouldn’t consider the bottle to be travel friendly.” He did appreciate that the label was very easy to read, though, and rated the instructions a 5 out of 5.
Pete said the maca root supplement from Double Wood Supplements comes in a clear capsule, and that the powder inside is brown. He added that the capsules themselves were average in size. When he actually took the supplement, he noted that the capsules were tasteless. Pete rated this supplement a 3 out of 5 for how it tasted, and a 3 out of 5 for how easy it was to swallow.
As for how he felt after taking the maca root, Pete said, “I didn’t notice any negative side effects or digestive issues. I also didn’t feel any benefits in terms of energy or libido, which are two of the primary benefits the supplement claims to support.”
Pete also added a quick explanation on the purported benefits of maca root, saying, “Maca root is primarily used for two things: boosting libido and fighting fatigue. There’s also some research suggesting it can support mood and athletic performance, which gives it broader appeal beyond the energy and potential bedroom benefits.” Pete noted that the first two claims have “some science” behind them, but that the mood and athletic performance claims are “much weaker.”
Our tester said the dosage recommended by Double Wood Supplements “lines up reasonably well with what most studies use,” and that, “the value this supplement provides is also solid, providing consumers with 300 capsules for under $20”—calling it a “genuinely a good deal.”
Specs:
- Form: Capsule
- Main Ingredients: Maca root powder
- Servings per Container: 150
- Price: $19.95
How We Tested and Selected the Best Maca Root Supplements
There can be a lot of variation in supplement quality. Here’s what we paid close attention to during testing.
Taste and Swallowability
We noted whether the products had any particular taste, and we also noted how easy or difficult each product was to swallow. We not only looked at the form of the supplement—for example a powder versus a capsule—but also how many servings were required per day.
Formula
We partner with a registered dietitian to assess product formulas, and to find out whether product dosages are clinically supported and in line with recommended daily values.
Third-Party Testing
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve dietary supplements for safety or efficacy, so ingredients and their amounts may be different from what’s on the label. We look for products that have been third-party tested to confirm safety and accuracy.
Value
Here’s a closer look at each product’s cost breakdown.
How to Find the Best Maca Root Supplements for You
Here are some things to consider when you’re shopping for a turmeric supplement.
Your Wellness Goals
Consider your unique health and wellness goals, and what specifically you’re looking for in a supplement. What are you hoping to accomplish by taking a supplement? We also encourage you to speak with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. Your healthcare provider should also be able to help you set realistic health goals if you need support.
Form
Choose a supplement type that you don’t mind taking—whether capsules, powder, or something else. If you don’t enjoy taking a certain type of supplement, you may be more likely to skip it altogether.
Cost
Consider your budget before buying, factoring in the prospect of repeat purchases if you continue taking the supplement. And remember that being more expensive doesn’t necessarily mean better.
Third-Party Testing
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t approve dietary supplements for safety or efficacy, so ingredients and their amounts may differ from what’s on the label. For that reason, we look for products that have been third-party tested to confirm safety and accuracy.
Types of Maca Root
Maca is nutrient-dense and has historically been used as food and for its medicinal properties—mainly in enhancing energy and fertility. Maca is often ground into a powder and consumed that way or in capsule form.
Researchers have identified 17 different colors of maca, each with distinct nutrition content, phytochemical profiles, and clinical applications. Black, red, and yellow maca are the predominant colors, and a 2024 review identified some of their benefits—though throughout the review, the researchers not that evidence was often scant or not conducted in humans. We recommend speaking with a healthcare provider before beginning a maca root supplement.
Black maca
This maca variety was found to be rich in protein, and according to the 2024 review research suggests that black maca might help support men’s fertility, spermatogenesis in animals, memory, and physical endurance in both men and women.
Red maca
Red maca was found to have higher protein and potassium content than other types. Additionally, red maca is considered therapeutic for prostate health, but its effects on men’s reproduction, including sperm count and sperm motility, are less substantial than compared to yellow and black maca.
Red maca is also thought to have anti-inflammatory properties, with the possibility of helping with skin healing—though that finding was based on an animal study.
Yellow maca
This variety of maca was found to be high in carbohydrates, and there’s less available research on yellow maca as compared to black or red maca.
However, yellow maca has been tested for its ability to enhance reproductive measures in both male and female animals, and it’s considered to have benefits for sperm production but not to the same degree as black maca.
Benefits of Maca Root Supplements
In general, there isn’t a robust amount of research showing the efficacy of maca root. Existing research shows the strongest benefit for sexual function, but there’s less support for other wellness claims.
- May improve antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction in women: A 2015 study showed that maca root may alleviate SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women.
- May improved sexual function: An older study, in 2010, showed limited evidence for the effectiveness of maca in improving sexual function. Study authors noted that more rigorous studies were needed, however.
How to Take Maca Root Supplements
The supplements we tested all come in capsule form, which are taken with liquid. Be sure to reach the product instructions carefully as directions can vary from brand to brand; for example, some may advise taking the capsule on an empty stomach.
Maca root is available in other forms, including as a powder, so if you choose another form be sure to read all instructions prior to use.
What to Avoid in Maca Root Supplements
Be sure to review the ingredients in any supplement you purchase. We recommend avoiding:
- Unnecessary fillers like artificial colors or excessive binding
- products that haven’t been third-party tested for safety or efficacy
Frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of maca root?
Maca root supplements usually come with a range of claims, including things like helping boost energy, improving libido, promoting vitality, supporting athletic performance, and improving mood. However, there haven’t been robust studies in humans confirming these effects with certainty.
Can maca help with bone density?
There isn’t a lot of available research on maca and bone density, and what little research exists involves animal studies—so findings can’t necessarily be applied to humans.
Does maca help with adrenal fatigue?
Again, there isn’t a significant amount of research on the subject of maca and adrenal fatigue. More studies, using human subjects, would need to be conducted in order to determine whether maca can help with adrenal fatigue.
