Maca extracts (4:1, 10:1, 20:1) are increasingly used by supplement formulators who want potency in a smaller capsule. This guide explains what the ratios actually mean, what processing methods are used, and what lab data to demand on the COA before specifying a maca extract for your formulation.
What „4:1“ or „20:1“ actually means
A 10:1 maca extract means it took 10 kg of raw maca powder to produce 1 kg of extract. The number represents concentration ratio, not standardization. A 20:1 extract is more concentrated (and more expensive) than a 4:1 extract, but the ratio alone tells you nothing about which active compounds were retained or at what density.
The misunderstanding: a 20:1 extract is not automatically „20 times stronger.“ If the concentration method (ethanol, hot water, solvent type, temperature) preserves the active compounds, you get a meaningful concentration. If the method destroys or excludes the actives, you have an inert powder with a marketing claim.
How maca extracts are made
Hydroalcoholic extraction (ethanol/water)
The most common and most reliable method. Maca powder is macerated in a 30–70% ethanol-water mixture, the liquid is concentrated under reduced pressure (vacuum evaporation, low temperature), and finally spray-dried with maltodextrin or other carrier. Yields the broadest spectrum of actives: macamides, glucosinolates, phenolics and minerals all carry over.
Standard ratios: 4:1, 8:1, 10:1 hydroalcoholic.
Hot-water extraction
Water-only extraction at 70–90 °C. Cheaper, kosher- and halal-friendly, but loses some lipophilic macamides. Yields fewer concentrated actives. Acceptable for cost-sensitive applications.
Standard ratios: 4:1, 6:1 hot-water.
CO₂ supercritical extraction (premium)
Supercritical CO₂ at 31 °C, 73 bar selectively extracts non-polar compounds. Best for isolating specific macamides. Higher cost, lower yield, but produces the cleanest, most-standardized extract. Used primarily for ultra-premium black-maca-specific formulations.
Standard ratios: typically standardized to specific macamide percentages rather than concentration ratio.
What ratios make sense for what application
| Ratio | Method | Typical cost (USD/kg) | Best B2B application |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4:1 | Hot-water or ethanol | $45–65 | Mid-tier capsules, broad-spectrum positioning |
| 8:1 / 10:1 | Hydroalcoholic | $70–110 | Premium capsules, balanced potency |
| 20:1 | Hydroalcoholic, multi-pass | $140–200 | Ultra-premium positioning, smaller capsules |
| CO₂ supercritical, standardized macamide % | SCFE | $220–350 | Black-maca-only premium, defined macamide claims |
What to demand on the COA
Beyond the ratio, your COA should include:
| Parameter | Acceptable target |
|---|---|
| Concentration ratio | As specified (4:1, 10:1, 20:1) |
| Macamide content (HPLC) | 0.5–2.5% (depending on ratio and chemotype) |
| Glucosinolate content | 0.05–0.30% |
| Solvent residue (if ethanol) | < 50 ppm (Class 3 limit) |
| Loss on drying | < 5% |
| Heavy metals | Below FDA/EU/Prop 65 |
| Microbio | Standard supplement panel |
| Carrier identification (if spray-dried) | Maltodextrin or other clearly labeled |
| Chemotype source | Black, Red, Yellow, or blend (specify on PO) |
The „ratio inflation“ issue
Watch for ratio inflation: some suppliers label hydroalcoholic 4:1 extracts as „10:1“ by including the dry weight of the spent maca cake in their numerator. This is misleading. The honest ratio is starting material : final extract weight. Demand verification: ask your supplier how many kg of maca powder produced how many kg of extract, and confirm via the spray-dryer batch records.
Amazon Andes extract supply
| Format | Method | MOQ | Lead time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maca Extract 4:1 (yellow/blend) | Hot-water | 10 kg | 30 days |
| Maca Extract 10:1 (yellow/blend) | Hydroalcoholic | 5 kg | 30 days |
| Maca Extract 20:1 (yellow/blend) | Hydroalcoholic multi-pass | 5 kg | 45 days |
| Black Maca Extract 10:1 | Hydroalcoholic | 5 kg | 45 days (harvest seasonal) |
| Liquid Maca Extract (1:1 hydroalcoholic, 30% ethanol carrier) | Hydroalcoholic | 10 L | 30 days |
Sourcing a high-potency maca extract? Our R&D team will walk you through method/ratio trade-offs for your formulation.