Boost the start of your day with a healthy, homemade Misugaru Latte (Misutgaru Latte). This Korean multigrain shake is not only nutritious but also delicious, offering a nutty and rustic taste.

It’s filling and can serve as a quick breakfast when you’re on the move. What’s more, it’s a perfect drink to cool you down on a hot summer day!

During my senior year of high school, my days were very long. My alarm clock would ring at 6 am, and by 7 am I was out the door, heading to school. I would usually reach school around 7:30 am, and my day wouldn’t end there until 11 pm – an incredibly lengthy day filled with intense studying.

I wasn’t alone in this grueling routine, but still, I knew I needed a good balance of food to keep going or ‘survive,’ as I would say.

A traditional Korean breakfast – complete with rice, soup, and various Korean side dishes – was my usual morning fuel. However, on those mornings when I either overslept or found myself running late, my mom had the perfect solution: a multigrain shake known as Misugaru Latte. She would hand it to me as I rushed out the door, ensuring I had the energy to power through another long day.

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What is Misugaru

Misugaru (미수가루) or Misutgaru (미숫가루) is a mixed multigrain powder traditionally crafted with a combination of steamed, roasted, and ground grains.

Common grains used include sweet rice (찹쌀), brown rice (현미), barley (보리), black rice (흑미), Job’s tears (율무), black beans (서리태), oats (귀리), soybeans (콩), and sesame seeds (참깨) etc. Typically, each misugaru package contains between five to twenty different grains, depending on the brand.

For those seeking a personalized touch, you have the option to create your own grain mix. This is a common practice in Korea where individuals take their preferred grains to a rice cake shop or mill (떡집 / 방앗간) and request a custom misugaru powder.

While this might be challenging if you live in a country with limited Korean outlets, it provides an opportunity to tailor the grain composition according to your taste and dietary preferences.

The picture below gives you a glimpse of what misugaru powder looks like. Just a heads-up, this specific brand includes peanuts, so if you’re allergic, make sure to scrutinize the ingredients list even more carefully.

The price of this smooth, sand-colored powder can vary widely, ranging from USD $10 to $40, depending on the brand and quantity.

It’s also interesting to point out that misugaru has gained popularity among those on weight-loss diets, thanks to its rich protein and dietary fiber content, coupled with being low in calories.

Where to Find Misugaru and Misugaru Latte

You can find misugaru at most Korean grocers. Each store carries different brands that might not be available elsewhere, so please don’t ask what’s the best misugaru brand. 😉 My recommendation is read the ingredients label and choose the one that most appeals to you. Some of them include sugar, so I try to avoid those. I prefer adding sweetener according to my taste when I make misugaru latte.

If you’re in Korea and keen on trying misugaru latte, you can easily find it at popular spots like Sulbing (설빙), Paik Dabang (빽 다방), Mega Coffee (메가커피), and Caffe Bene (카페 베네). Interestingly, at Mega Coffee and Caffe Bene, they refer to it as Ogok Latte (오곡 라떼) instead of Misugaru Latte, which directly translates to five grain latte.

How To Store Misugaru

Usually, after I’ve opened the packet, I transfer the misugaru to an airtight glass container or one that’s BPA-free. Even though some brands provide resealable packets, I find it best to shift the content into a container, especially if I’m not planning on using it all within a week.

I also like to keep it in the freezer to prolong its shelf life. While storing it at room temperature is feasible for a few months, the lifespan tends to be shorter due to factors like humidity and temperature, which play a crucial role.

How to Enjoy

When it comes to making a misugaru latte (a Korean multigrain shake), the possibilities are endless! Here are some options you might want to consider:

Sweeten it with a touch of sugar or honey.
Blend it with either water or milk.
Tweak the consistency by adding extra water or milk for a lighter drink, or more misugaru if you prefer it thicker.
Enjoy it hot or cold – toss in some ice cubes for a cool summer treat.
Shake it up using a shaker, a blender, or simply give it a good stir with a teaspoon.

Traditionally, misugaru is enjoyed mixed with water, sugar, and ice – a popular choice during those sweltering summer months. That’s exactly how my grandmother used to prepare it. However, I must admit, it often ended up being quite thick and clumpy, and the flavors felt somewhat unbalanced. To be honest, it wasn’t my favorite way to enjoy it.

Here’s the recipe for misugaru latte, just like my mom used to make. I find it incredibly delicious and satisfying, and I hope you will too. Bon appétit!

Ingredients for Misugaru Latte

2 Tbsp misugaru (Korean roasted multigrain powder)
1.5 cups of milk (substitute with water if preferred)
2 ice cubes (add more according to your taste)
1.5 Tbsp of honey (sugar can be used as an alternative)

* 1 Tbsp = 15ml, 1 Cup = 250ml

How to Make Misugaru Latte

Combine the listed ingredients in a blender and blend until well-integrated. If you prefer to maintain the ice cubes in their solid form, use a shaker bottle instead. Alternatively, you can also use a spoon to stir the mixture vigorously then add the ice cubes afterwards.

Other Korean Drinks You Might Like

If you like misugaru latte, you may also enjoy exploring these other delightful Korean drinks.

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