Is Navitas Maca Powder Gelatinized?

November 15, 2025 •

3 min read

Gelatinization is a process that uses water and heat to break down the starch in maca root, and Navitas Organics confirms they specifically manufacture a 100% gelatinized version for improved digestibility. This gentle processing step makes the popular superfood more bioavailable and easier on the stomach for many consumers.

Quick Summary

This article clarifies that Navitas Organics' maca powder is indeed gelatinized, explaining the process and its benefits for digestion and nutrient absorption. It contrasts gelatinized and raw maca to help users choose the right supplement for their needs.

Key Points

Confirmation: Navitas Organics' maca powder is 100% gelatinized, a process that removes starch for easier digestion.
Not Gelatin: The term 'gelatinized' refers to heat processing, not animal-based gelatin, making it vegan-friendly.
Improved Digestion: Gelatinized maca is gentler on the digestive system, reducing the likelihood of gas, bloating, and stomach discomfort common with raw maca.
Enhanced Absorption: By breaking down starches, gelatinization improves the bioavailability and absorption of maca's beneficial nutrients.
Concentrated Nutrients: The removal of starch results in a more concentrated powder, meaning a smaller dose provides a powerful nutritional punch.
Exclusive Offering: Navitas transitioned to offering only gelatinized maca powder in its general product bags to provide a superior, easier-to-digest product.
How to Verify: You can confirm if a Navitas product is gelatinized by checking the ingredient list on the packaging.

Is Navitas Maca Powder Gelatinized? Answering the Digestion Question

For those seeking to incorporate the adaptogenic benefits of maca into their diet, understanding the difference between raw and gelatinized processing is crucial. The primary concern for many is digestibility, as some people experience stomach discomfort with raw maca due to its high starch content. So, is Navitas maca powder gelatinized? The answer is a clear yes. Navitas Organics specifically highlights this processing method on its product packaging and website, confirming that their maca undergoes a heating process to remove starches.

What is Gelatinized Maca?

Despite the name, "gelatinized" maca has nothing to do with animal-derived gelatin. It is a heat- and pressure-based process that breaks down the starch molecules in the maca root. In traditional Peruvian cooking, maca root is boiled to make it digestible, and the modern gelatinization process mimics this practice.

Benefits of gelatinized maca include:

Improved Digestion: The removal of starch reduces the likelihood of bloating, gas, and stomach upset, making it ideal for those with sensitive digestive systems.
Enhanced Nutrient Absorption: By breaking down tough starch bonds, the body can more easily absorb the root's beneficial nutrients.
Concentrated Nutrients: Because the process removes starch, the final powder is more concentrated, meaning you get more nutrients per gram compared to raw maca.

Conversely, raw maca powder is simply dried and milled at low temperatures to preserve heat-sensitive enzymes and vitamin C. However, this leaves the starch intact, which can cause digestive distress for some individuals.

Gelatinized vs. Raw Maca: A Comparison

Choosing between gelatinized and raw maca depends on your specific needs and how your body reacts. The following table provides a quick comparison to help you decide.


Feature	Gelatinized Maca	Raw Maca
Processing	Heated and pressurized to remove starch.	Dried and milled at low temperatures.
Digestibility	Easier to digest; ideal for sensitive stomachs.	Can cause digestive upset, gas, or bloating for some people.
Nutrient Absorption	Higher bioavailability due to starch removal.	Absorption may be inhibited by high starch content for some.
Nutrient Concentration	More concentrated per gram since starch is removed.	Less concentrated due to intact starch content.
Heat-Sensitive Nutrients	Heat-sensitive enzymes and Vitamin C are lost.	Preserves heat-sensitive enzymes and Vitamin C.
Taste Profile	Milder, slightly sweeter, less bitter.	Stronger, sometimes unpleasant, bitter taste.

Why Did Navitas Switch Exclusively to Gelatinized?

For many years, Navitas Organics sold both raw and gelatinized maca products. However, the company transitioned to manufacturing only gelatinized maca powder for its general product line. According to the brand, this was a strategic decision based on customer feedback and general wellness best practices. For the majority of consumers, gelatinized maca is simply easier to absorb and more gentle on the digestive tract. This decision aligns with the traditional use of maca, which was always cooked before consumption.

How to Verify the Processing of Your Navitas Maca

If you have an older package or simply want to be sure, the easiest way to verify if your Navitas maca powder is gelatinized is to check the ingredient list. The label will specify "Certified organic gelatinized maca powder". This eliminates any confusion, especially since both raw and gelatinized versions were available in the marketplace during the transition period.

The Final Word on Navitas Maca Powder

For anyone concerned about stomach sensitivity or simply looking to maximize the absorption of maca's powerful adaptogenic benefits, Navitas Organics' gelatinized maca is an excellent choice. The processing makes it more bioavailable and concentrated, providing a reliable way to get the most from this ancient superfood. Remember that the color of maca (yellow, red, or black) also plays a role in its specific health benefits, but the gelatinization process is a separate consideration for digestibility.

Note: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Navitas maca powder is 100% vegan. Despite the name, the gelatinization process does not use animal products; it simply uses water and heat to break down starches.

Raw maca is dried and milled at low temperatures, retaining its starches. Gelatinized maca is heated to remove these starches, making it easier to digest and more concentrated, though it loses some heat-sensitive enzymes.

The gelatinization process removes some heat-sensitive nutrients, like certain enzymes and Vitamin C. However, it also concentrates other nutrients and makes the root's phytochemicals more bioavailable.

Navitas transitioned to exclusively offering gelatinized maca because, for the majority of consumers, it is easier to absorb and gentler on the digestive tract. This aligns with the traditional preparation of cooked maca root.

To be certain, check the ingredient list on the product packaging. It will explicitly state "Certified organic gelatinized maca powder".

For those with sensitive digestive systems, gelatinized maca is highly beneficial because the heating process breaks down the complex starches that can cause gas, bloating, and discomfort.

Gram for gram, gelatinized maca is more nutritionally dense because the starch is removed. This makes it more concentrated and potentially more efficacious for absorption, particularly for those with digestive sensitivities.