Natural Powder Pantry Guide: Beetroot, Turmeric, Matcha & Spirulina Uses
- Astrid van Essen
- Dec 21
- 4 min read
A colourful guide to using plant powders beyond lattes
A small collection of natural powders can completely change the way you cook, drink, and create simple rituals at home. Beetroot, turmeric, matcha, and spirulina are not just for colourful lattes – they are versatile pantry staples that bring gentle flavour, natural colour, and a sense of intention to everyday moments. And let's face it...they are incredible pretty to look at as well!
This is not about superfood hype or complicated wellness rules. Think of it as a quiet, useful pantry edit: a few well-chosen powders you reach for again and again.
What Is a Natural Powder Pantry?
A natural powder pantry is a curated selection of finely ground plant ingredients made from roots, leaves, or algae. They dissolve easily, store well, and add colour and flavour without artificial additives.
At its best, it is:
Small and intentional
Easy to use across drinks and food
Calm in colour, not neon
Stored beautifully and used often
Beetroot Powder
Earthy, gently sweet, naturally pink
Flavour profile: mild sweetness with an earthy base
Colour: soft blush pink
Ways to use it: Beetroot powder works beautifully in pink lattes and iced milk drinks, but it is just as useful stirred into yoghurt or overnight oats. It can be added to pancake or waffle batter for natural colour, or mixed into simple frostings and glazes for a muted pink tone.
Pantry tip: Always whisk beetroot powder with a small amount of liquid first to keep both texture and colour smooth.
Turmeric Powder
Warm, grounding, quietly comforting
Flavour profile: warm, earthy, slightly bitter
Colour: deep golden yellow
Ways to use it: Turmeric is best known for golden milk lattes, but it also adds warmth to soups, lentils, and rice dishes. A small pinch stirred into rice while cooking creates gentle colour, while mixed with honey and warm milk it makes a comforting evening drink.
Pantry tip:A pinch of black pepper helps bring out turmeric’s warmth and depth, both in flavour and function.
Matcha Powder
Fresh, grassy, clean energy
Flavour profile: grassy, slightly umami
Colour: soft, leafy green
Ways to use it: Matcha works well in both hot and iced lattes, but it can also be whisked into yoghurt, smoothies, or porridge for a gentle morning lift. It adds subtle flavour and colour to simple bakes such as muffins or shortbread.
Pantry tip:Use hot but not boiling water when mixing matcha. Excess heat dulls both the colour and the delicate flavour.
Blue Spirulina Powder
Visually calming, surprisingly neutral
Flavour profile: very mild
Colour: soft sky blue
Ways to use it: Blue spirulina is ideal for blue lattes and iced drinks, smoothie bowls, or natural colouring for chia puddings and frostings. Mixed into coconut yoghurt, it creates a soft pastel tone that feels calm rather than dramatic.
Pantry tip:A little goes a long way. Start with ¼ to ½ teaspoon for the cleanest colour.
How to Store Natural Powders
To keep natural powders vibrant and fresh, store them in airtight jars away from heat and direct sunlight. Use dry spoons only and label jars clearly, including the date they were opened. A small, well-organised selection is easier to maintain and far more likely to be used.
Beyond Recipes: Making It a Ritual
These powders work best when they are part of a rhythm rather than a rule. A pink beetroot latte on slow mornings, golden turmeric milk in the evening, matcha when you need focus, or blue spirulina when you want something visually calming.
A natural powder pantry supports small, repeatable moments that quietly improve your day without adding pressure or complexity.
Final Thoughts
A natural powder pantry is not about trends. It is about choosing ingredients that are useful, beautiful, and easy to live with. With just a few jars, you can add colour, warmth, and intention to drinks and food throughout the week – without artificial colourings and without fuss.
Natural Powder Pantry Guide: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are natural powders safe to use every day?
Yes, when used in moderate amounts as part of a balanced diet. These powders are concentrated, so a small quantity is usually enough.
2. Do natural powders affect the taste of food strongly?
Most add a gentle flavour rather than an overpowering one. Beetroot and turmeric are more noticeable, while blue spirulina is very mild.
3. Can I mix different powders together?
You can, but it is best to start simple. Mixing too many powders at once can dull both flavour and colour.
4. What is the best milk for powder-based drinks?
Barista-style oat milk is a popular choice for its neutral flavour and good frothing ability. Almond, soy, and dairy milk also work well.
5. How long do natural powders last once opened?
Most keep well for several months if stored correctly. If colour fades or flavour dulls noticeably, it is time to replace them.
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