What is a tiger nut drink?
Tiger nut drink, often called atadwe milk in Ghana, is a creamy, naturally sweet drink made by blending soaked tiger nuts with water and straining the liquid. Many Ghanaian women love it because it tastes good and also feels nourishing. In fact, some people believe it helps with weight gain, curves, and even fertility.
But how much of that is true? In this guide, you will first learn what is inside tiger nuts. Then, you will see what the drink can and cannot do, how to make it at home, and how to store it safely.
Tiger nut nutrition: what is inside?
Despite the name, tiger nuts are not nuts. Instead, they are small tubers, like tiny root vegetables. According to a review in the journal Foods, tiger nuts contain fats, protein, starch, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Also, the review notes that tiger nut oil is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, so its nutritional value is similar to olive oil.
| Nutrient | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Healthy fats | Because they add calories, they help with weight gain. |
| Starch and natural sugars | So the drink gives you energy. |
| Fibre | Since it supports digestion and keeps you full |
| Minerals | Also support your overall health. |
However, tiger nut drink is not high in protein. That is why it works best alongside protein foods like eggs, milk, beans, or fish.
Can tiger nut drink help with weight gain and curves?
Tiger nut drink can help with weight gain because it adds healthy calories in an easy, tasty form. So, if you are slim and struggle to eat enough, one glass a day between meals can make a difference over time.
However, it cannot send weight to your hips or butt. Where your body stores fat depends mostly on your genes and hormones. For example, a review on the genetics of body fat distribution estimates that 31% to 76% of the differences between people are inherited. That is why glute exercises matter so much if you want curves.
Also, many people in West Africa believe tiger nuts boost fertility and libido. While this is a long tradition, strong human research to prove it is still lacking.
How to make tiger nut drink at home
This simple recipe makes about 1 liter, which is enough for 3 to 4 glasses.
Ingredients:
- Two cups of dried tiger nuts (atadwe)
- Five to eight pitted dates
- A small piece of fresh ginger
- 1 litre of clean water
- Half a teaspoon of cinnamon or a few cloves (optional)
Method:
- First, wash the tiger nuts well, then soak them in clean water for 12 to 24 hours, so they soften.
- Next, drain the water and add the soaked tiger nuts, dates, and ginger to a blender.
- Then, add 1 liter of fresh water and blend for 2 to 3 minutes until smooth.
- After that, strain the mixture through a clean cloth or fine sieve, and squeeze out all the liquid.
- Finally, chill the drink in the fridge and enjoy it cold.
Also, keep the leftover pulp, because you can add it to oats or baking for extra fiber.
3 tasty tiger nut drink variations
Banana tiger nut shake
For more calories, blend one glass of tiger nut drink with a ripe banana and a spoon of groundnut paste. As a result, you get a filling shake that also contains more protein.
Coconut tiger nut milk
Add a handful of fresh coconut pieces before you blend. This gives a richer, creamier taste, while the coconut adds extra healthy fats.
Maca, tiger nut drink
Stir a teaspoon of pure maca powder into a glass of chilled tiger nut drink. Since tiger nuts are naturally sweet, they hide maca’s earthy taste well. However, keep in mind that maca does not enlarge the hips or butt.
How to use tiger nut drink for weight gain
- Drink it between meals: For example, mid-morning or mid-afternoon, so it adds calories without spoiling your appetite.
- Pair it with protein: Because the drink is low in protein, also eat eggs, beans, fish, chicken, or milk at your meals.
- Start with one glass a day: Then add a second only if you are still not gaining after two weeks.
- Make it richer: Blend it with banana, groundnut paste, or coconut when you need more calories.
- Stay consistent: Most people gain about 1 to 2 kg a month, so give it at least 8 to 12 weeks.
The NHS advice on healthy weight gain also suggests adding about 300 to 500 extra calories a day, and a glass of tiger nut drink can be part of that.
How to store tiger nut drink safely
Fresh, homemade tiger nut drink spoils quickly, especially in Ghana’s heat. So, follow these simple rules:
- Chill it at once: Put the drink in the fridge as soon as you finish straining it.
- Drink it within 24 to 48 hours: After that, throw away any leftovers.
- Use clean equipment: Wash your blender, cloth, and bottles well, because germs grow fast in milky drinks.
- Smell before drinking: If it smells sour or fizzy, then do not drink it.
Also, buy tiger nuts from a clean, trusted seller, and wash them well before soaking.
Who should be careful?
Tiger nut drink is safe for most people. However, speak to a doctor first if you have diabetes, since dates and the natural sugars in tiger nuts can raise blood sugar. Also, start with a small glass if you have a sensitive stomach, because the fiber may cause gas or bloating at first.
Pair the tiger nut drink with glute training.
Extra calories alone may add weight to your tummy. On the other hand, strength training helps your body turn those calories into muscle and shape. So, try this routine 3 times a week:
| Exercise | Sets and reps |
|---|---|
| Hip thrusts or glute bridges | 3 sets of 15 |
| Squats | 3 sets of 12 |
| Reverse lunges | 3 sets of 10 per leg |
| Side-lying leg raises | 3 sets of 15 per side |
In fact, the World Health Organization recommends muscle-strengthening activities on at least 2 days a week.
Shop at Albee Nutriland.
At Albee Nutriland, you can also find products to make your tiger nut drink more nourishing. So, open each product page for full ingredients and directions.
| Product | How to use it | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Pure Maca Powder | Stir a teaspoon into a glass, then enjoy | GHS 330 |
| Ultimate Maca Powder | Blend into a tiger nut shake, then drink. | GHS 330 |
| Ultimate Maca Collagen Peptides | Mix into the drink, then shake well. | GHS 400 |
Prices are correct at the time of writing and may change, so check each product page for the latest price. Also, browse our Seeds and Nuts, Organic Powders, and Weight Gain collections.
How to order
- Shop online: Visit albeenutriland.com/shop when it suits you.
- Order on WhatsApp: Message +233 59 901 7504, and our team will also answer your questions.
- Visit a branch: Go to Accra (Lapaz), Kumasi (Afful Nkwanta), Takoradi (Anaji), or Tamale (Changli). Then, see our Contact page for directions.
FAQs about tiger nut drink
Does tiger nut drink make you gain weight?
It can help, because it adds healthy calories in a drink that is easy to finish. Still, you need to eat enough food overall and include protein for healthy weight gain.
Does it increase hips and butt?
No food can choose where your body stores weight. Instead, combine extra calories with glute exercises, so your body builds curves where you want them.
How often should I drink it?
One glass a day between meals is a good start. Then, add a second glass if you are not gaining after two weeks.
Can I buy ready-made tiger nut drink?
Yes, but check the label for added sugar, and make sure the seller keeps it cold. Also, a homemade drink lets you control what goes in.
Final word
To sum up, tiger nut drink is a tasty, nourishing way to add healthy calories, especially if you have a small appetite. It is easy to make at home with tadwe, dates, and ginger. However, it cannot choose where your body stores weight, so pair it with protein-rich meals and glute training. Also, keep it cold and drink it within a day or two.
Ready to start? Then shop at Albee Nutriland or WhatsApp us on +233 59 901 7504. Also, for more guides, read our health articles.
Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and is not medical or dietary advice. Because results vary from person to person, speak to a qualified doctor or dietitian before you make big changes to your diet, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medicine, or have a medical condition.