Introduction

Misutgaru (미십가루) is a fine powder made from roasted grains and beans. Koreans stir it into cold water or milk with a little honey to make a nutty, lightly sweet drink that is filling enough to replace a quick breakfast. It is a classic summer drink, sold at traditional markets and now also as the trendy “misutgaru latte” in Korean cafes. If you like oat milk or roasted barley tea such as boricha, misutgaru will feel instantly familiar.

Misutgaru at a Glance

Quick facts

• What it is: roasted multigrain powder for drinks
• Main ingredients: roasted brown rice, glutinous rice, barley, soybeans, black beans, black sesame and other grains
• Taste: toasty, nutty, earthy and very lightly sweet
• Main uses: misutgaru drink, lattes, smoothies, bingsu topping, baking

What is Misutgaru Made Of?

Each grain is steamed or soaked, dried, roasted and then ground very finely. Common blends include brown rice, sweet (glutinous) rice, barley, soybeans, black beans, sorghum, millet and black sesame; some products count more than 20 ingredients. Because everything is already cooked, the powder can be mixed and eaten without further cooking.

Types of misutgaru

• Classic multigrain misutgaru: a balanced blend of rice, barley and beans.
• Black grain misutgaru: heavy on black beans, black rice and black sesame.
• Sweetened instant misutgaru: premixed with sugar or powdered milk; just add water.
• Single-grain powders: such as roasted soybean powder (konggaru), used for injeolmi.

What Does Misutgaru Taste Like?

It tastes like toasted cereal and roasted nuts, with an earthy note from beans and a natural mild sweetness from rice. Mixed with milk, it becomes creamy and comforting, a bit like a toasted oat or grain latte. The texture is slightly thick and can be a little grainy.

Popular Korean Foods and Drinks That Use Misutgaru

Misutgaru drink

The traditional version: powder, cold water, honey and ice.

Misutgaru latte

A creamy cafe-style drink with milk. Recipe below.

Bingsu

Korean shaved ice is often dusted with misutgaru or roasted soybean powder.

Misutgaru smoothie

Blended with banana, milk and ice for a filling breakfast shake.

Easy Misutgaru Latte Recipe (Serves 1)

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp misutgaru
• 1 cup (240 ml) cold milk or plant milk
• 1–2 tbsp honey or syrup, to taste
• 2 tbsp warm water
• Ice cubes

Instructions

1. Put the misutgaru and honey in a glass or shaker and add the warm water.
2. Stir into a smooth paste so there are no dry lumps.
3. Pour in the cold milk and stir or shake well.
4. Add ice, stir again and drink right away, stirring as you go because the powder settles.

Tip: For the smoothest drink, shake it in a lidded jar or blend it for 10 seconds. A pinch of salt makes the nutty flavor stand out.

Where to Buy Misutgaru

United States

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Canada

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Europe

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How to Store Misutgaru

Because it contains roasted grains and beans with natural oils, misutgaru can go stale or rancid if left warm and open. Seal it tightly and keep it in the refrigerator or freezer after opening, and use it within a few months. Mixed drinks should be enjoyed right away.

Misutgaru FAQ

Is misutgaru gluten-free?

Usually not. Most blends contain barley and sometimes wheat, so check the label if you avoid gluten.

Can I drink misutgaru with hot milk?

Yes. Make a paste first, then add warm milk for a cozy grain latte. It is traditionally served cold, but warm is just as tasty.

Is misutgaru the same as konggaru?

No. Konggaru is roasted soybean powder only, used to coat rice cakes. Misutgaru is a blend of many grains and beans.

Conclusion

Misutgaru is Korea’s original grab-and-go drink: roasted grains, a splash of milk or water and a little honey. Try it as an iced latte this week. For more Korean drinks, see our guides to boricha and maesil-cheong.