Getting enough fruits and vegetables daily can be tough, especially if you’re a picky eater or have a busy schedule. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults consume 1.5 to 2 cups of fruits and 2 to 3 cups of vegetables per day. “Other recommendations suggest even higher targets of daily vegetable intake,” explains Dr. Jennie Stanford, M.D., FAAFP, DipABOM. If you’re falling short of these targets, a greens powder might be a helpful addition to your routine. Made from a blend of fruits, vegetables, and herbs, greens powders offer essential nutrients your diet may be lacking, potentially rivaling even some of the best multivitamins.
Our team sampled dozens of the top-selling greens supplements to find our favorites. We eliminated several products to highlight those with the best quality formulations, solubility, and flavor. Whether you’re looking to boost energy, fill nutrient gaps, or enhance gym performance, our list of the best greens powders has something for you.
The 10 Best Greens Powders of 2024
- Best Greens Powder Overall: Athletic Greens AG1
- Best Greens Powder for Fiber: Transparent Labs Prebiotic Greens
- Best Tasting Greens Powder: Live It Up!
- Best Greens Powder with Minimal Ingredients: Legion Genesis Greens
- Best Greens Powder for Digestion: Pro Health Longevity Greens
- Best Organic Greens Powder: Nested Naturals Super Greens
- Best Greens Powder for Weight Loss: Huel Daily Superblend
- Best Greens Powder For Bloating: Ora Organic Greens
- Best Affordable Greens Powder: Jacked Factory Green Surge
- Best Greens Powder for Gut Health: 1st Phorm Opti-Greens 50
Medical disclaimer: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine. Individual needs for vitamins and minerals will vary.
Best Greens Powder Video Review
Join BarBend expert tester Jake Herod, NASM-CNC, and registered dietician nutritionist Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD, as they discuss our picks for the best (and most budget-friendly) greens powders.
Best Greens Powder Overall: Athletic Greens AG1
This nutritious greens powder is NSF certified for sport and includes 75 absorbable ingredients and is free of gluten, sugar, dairy, eggs, and peanuts. It is compatible with vegan, keto, and paleo diets.
Specs
- Available Flavors: Pineapple Vanilla
- Certifications: NSF Certified for Sport®
- Nutrition Per Scoop: 50 calories, 6g carbs, 2g protein
- Key Ingredients: 7.2 billion CFU probiotics, Digestive enzyme blend, CoQ10, Milk thistle, Folate, Zinc
- Sweeteners Used: Stevia
- Price: $79
- Price Per Serving: $2.63
- Servings: 30
Athletic Greens AG1 is packed with superfoods, herbs, antioxidants, digestive enzymes, and probiotics. Combined, these ingredients work to improve gut health, immunity, mood, and energy. Just one scoop mixed with eight ounces of cold water delivers a powerful dose of nutrients to help your body thrive.
“The grassy flavor you get with most greens powders is mild here,” our tester says, rating this a 4.5 out of 5 for flavor. “It’s a Pineapple Vanilla flavor that’s tasty but light, so it can mix well with other ingredients or alone.”
Athletic Greens has an impressive nutrient profile. One serving provides more than 100%of the daily value of vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B12, and zinc, which support the immune system, red blood cell production, energy metabolism, and healing. (1)(2)(3) It also contains a digestive enzyme blend to aid in breaking down food for better absorption, as well as a probiotic supplement blend to support a balanced gut microbiome, which may improve gut health and immunity. (4)
Furthermore, it’s dairy-free and has no fillers, artificial colors, preservatives, or animal byproducts. (5) Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RD, notes: “AG1 Athletic Greens provide a concentrated source of nutrients, along with beneficial probiotics. It gets a 3 out of 5 for its formulation, with major deductions for its proprietary blends and cost. For many, the cost doesn’t match the purported benefits.”
In terms of user experience, our tester notes, “As with other popular greens powders, like Bloom Greens, I have to use an electric stirrer when mixing my scoop, and even then, it tends to settle since I like to sip my greens throughout the morning.” They rate solubility a 3.5 out of 5.
According to Gianna Masi, RDN, a registered dietitian and certified personal trainer, the NSF Certified for Sport label is something athletes should prioritize. “When I’m working with professional or collegiate athletes, I especially want to make sure I’m providing tested products such as ‘NSF Certified for Sport’ or ‘Informed Choice for Sport,’ so I don’t impact their eligibility in addition to their health.”
Each container is $79.00 and includes 30 servings, which each cost $2.63. Most other greens powders are just over $1 per serving, so we give Athletic Greens a 1 out of 5 for price per serving. However, this greens powder contains a lot more ingredients than most others on our list, so it may be worth the extra cost.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, you may want to check out our next pick instead, Transparent Labs Prebiotic Greens.
Read our full Athletic Greens AG1 Review.
Best Greens Powder with Fiber: Transparent Labs Prebiotic Greens
A simple but effectively-dosed supplement that emphasizes sea greens and prebiotic fiber, and contains other ingredients in full doses backed by science.
Specs
- Available Flavors: Peach Mango, Unflavored, Pineapple Coconut
- Certifications: Informed Choice
- Nutrition Per Scoop: 50 calories, 10g carbs, 4g protein
- Key Ingredients: Organic prebiotics, Algae greens
- Sweeteners Used: Stevia
- Price: $45.99
- Price Per Serving: $1.53
- Servings: 30
If bowel regularity is a challenge, Prebiotic Greens is one of the best prebiotic supplements among greens powders. Prebiotic fiber helps nourish beneficial gut bacteria, promoting improved gut health. (6) Some greens powders may not contain sufficient dietary fiber and other prebiotics, but this one has good prebiotic content — a huge plus in its favor.
Registered dietitian Chelsea Rae Bourgeois rates this formulation a stellar 4.5 out of 5. She explains: “I’m a huge fan of the nutrition facts for Transparent Labs Prebiotic Greens. The greens powder contains a list of health-promoting vegetables that provide 6 grams of fiber and 4 grams of protein per scoop. And there are no artificial flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives — you’re paying for high-quality ingredients, not fluff! And it’s Informed Choice certified.”
It’s not just great ingredients and third-party testing — it tastes awesome, too. “I really enjoyed the Peach Mango flavor,” says our product tester, who rates the taste a 4 out of 5. “The flavor is definitely sweet but not too much and still a little earthy.” However, another product tester thinks it tasted “too grassy,” so it really comes down to personal preference. The product is naturally sweetened with stevia. (7)
Our testers haven’t experienced any difficulty mixing this product with water, so they rate solubility a 4.5 out of 5. “I didn’t have a problem with the powder clumping up, and I didn’t need to constantly remix it as I sipped my drink,” says our tester.
When it comes to actual value and price, the 30-serving container costs $45.99, or $1.53 per serving, which isn’t particularly expensive. However, you can find cheaper products with comparable formulations.
While we love the fact that Transparent Labs has added prebiotic fiber, we know that not everyone wants additional fiber in their greens powder. If you’re looking for a great option that’s lighter on fiber, we recommend Legion Genesis, which only contains 1 gram of fiber per serving.
Best Tasting Greens Powder: Live It Up Super Greens
Live It Up Supergreens pack more than 100 percent of plenty vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin B1, and vitamin B12, to name a few. It also has a refreshing minty flavor.
Specs
- Available Flavors: Original, Wild Berries
- Certifications: Third-party tested
- Nutrition Per Scoop: 30 calories, 5g carbs, 1g protein
- Key Ingredients: Superfoods, probiotics, digestive enzymes
- Sweeteners Used: Monk fruit extract
- Price: $59.99
- Price Per Serving: $1.99
- Servings: 30
It’s no secret that greens powders don’t always taste great. Many have an earthy, grassy flavor that isn’t particularly favored by many. Luckily, that wasn’t our experience with Live It Up greens powder, which had a much more pleasant taste and was kinder on the taste buds. After using this product for six months, our tester gives the overall flavor a 4.5 out of 5.
“The Original flavor is kind of like mint,” our tester says. “I’d say it definitely tastes as described. At first, I thought the flavor was a little overwhelming, but I actually think it’s one of the best greens drinks I’ve had.”
The formula is another win. Live it Up contains more than 20 natural superfoods, including chlorella and spirulina, which are bursting with antioxidants. (13) You also get over 50 percent of the daily recommended value of vitamin A and B vitamins — B1, B9, and B12. It also features digestive enzymes and probiotics for improved digestion. (6)(8)(9) That said, we wish the brand didn’t use proprietary blends, which don’t specify the exact amount of each ingredient.
[Related: Best Vegan Protein Powders]
“Live It Up Greens scores a 2.75 out of 5 in the formulation category,” according to Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., RDN, LD. She also highlights it as a good vegan protein source. “It contains a small amount of plant-based protein, whereas many other greens powders do not. However, its nutrient content leaves you wanting more based on the cost per serving, and many ingredients are part of proprietary blends.”
“This powder doesn’t totally dissolve, and I need to remix it if I let it sit for too long,” says our tester who gives solubility a 3 out of 5. According to our testers, the product leaves some powder at the bottom of the cup no matter how much shaking they do. A blender might help, but not everyone wants the hassle of making a smoothie every time they need their greens powder fix.
At $1.99 per serving ($59.99 per bag), this is a more expensive greens powder. However, you can subscribe to monthly deliveries for $39.99 ($1.33 per serving). Nevertheless, we know this product may not be within every athlete’s budget, and if you’re looking for something easier on the wallet, Jacked Factory Green Surge is our pick for the best affordable greens powder.
Read our full Live It Up Super Greens Review.
Best Greens Powder with Minimal Ingredients: Legion Genesis Greens
This greens powder contains 5g of spirulina, 3g of reishi mushroom, 3g of astragalus membranaceus, 1.25g of dong quai root, and 1.5g of maca root extract. It comes in two flavors — Original and Acai Berry — which are both naturally sweetened and flavored.
Specs
- Available Flavors: Acai Berry, Original
- Certifications: None
- Nutrition Per Scoop: 70 calories, 12g carbs, 4g protein
- Key Ingredients: Algae greens, mushrooms
- Sweeteners Used: Stevia
- Price: $41.99
- Price Per Serving: $1.40
- Servings: 30
If you’re looking for a greens supplement with a simple, effective, clinically-dosed list of ingredients, it’s hard to beat Legion Genesis. This potent greens formula only contains five types of greens, carefully chosen to provide a variety of scientifically proven health benefits.
One dose of Legion Genesis boasts an impressive five grams of organic spirulina, a blue-green algae packed with iron, beta-carotene, and B vitamins. (13) Spirulina is also rich in antioxidants, which may help reduce inflammation and cell damage caused by free radicals. (14) Furthermore, research has linked consistent spirulina intake with improved health outcomes related to weight, blood pressure, and endothelial function. (15)
Alongside the spirulina, this super greens powder includes maca root extract, dong quai root, reishi mushrooms, and astragalus root extract, earning this powder a 4 out of 5 for formulation. (16) These ingredients may support a variety of functions, including boosting immunity, regulating blood sugar levels, and promoting heart and kidney health, yet more research is needed. “Plus, it’s third-party tested, giving you further peace of mind when adding the greens powder to your supplement routine,” says Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., RDN, LD.
“We specifically like Legion as one of the best super greens powders because you can actually read through the benefits of each ingredient,” says our product tester Kate Meier, BarBend editorial staff member and competitive weightlifter. “The formula is lab tested, and Legion provides research to prove its ingredients are in effective doses.”
This product comes in two flavors: Acai Berry and Original. “I sipped the acai berry and actually thought the flavor was okay — it tasted like berries mixed with greens,” Meier says, giving the flavor a rating of 4 out of 5. “I finished the whole scoop and actually enjoyed it.”
What’s more, it blends easily without any clumps or floaties, earning a solubility rating of 4.5 out of 5. “It takes a bit of stirring to get it to all dissolve, but it blends great,” says Meier.
The 30-serving container costs $41.99, which is about $1.40 per serving. We rate the price per serving a 4 out of 5. While there are cheaper options for those shopping on a budget, this cost is pretty reasonable.
The minimal ingredient list is simple and effective, but if you prefer a larger spectrum of ingredients in your greens, Athletic Greens AG1 is another great choice that’s packed with a variety of superfoods.
Best Greens Powder for Digestion: Pro Health Longevity Greens
Start your day with this impressive greens powder that can be ideal for immune health, cellular health, and digestion. Plus, included servings of moringa leaf, ginger, broccoli, kale, berries, and cabbage can potentially be helpful for liver detoxification.
Specs
- Available Flavors: Apple Banana
- Certifications: USDA Organic
- Nutrition Per Scoop: 30 calories, 8g carbs
- Key Ingredients: 500 million CFU prebiotic and probiotic blend, detoxifying enzyme booster blend, organic immuno antioxidant blend
- Sweeteners Used: Sugar, organic flavors, stevia rebaudioside A
- Price: $64.95
- Price Per Serving: $2.17
- Servings: 30
Pro Health Longevity Greens contains prebiotics, probiotics (500 million CFUs from seven bacterial strains), and digestive enzymes to help bolster digestion. This potent formulation includes several blends designed to support cellular health, enhance liver detoxification, and strengthen the immune system.
The prebiotic and probiotic blend helps nourish and diversify beneficial gut bacteria that support digestion, boost immunity, and promote overall gut health. Digestive enzymes aid digestion by breaking down the food we eat into smaller molecules, allowing the body to absorb nutrients for energy and muscle growth. (6)(8)(9) “I didn’t experience any bloating or GI issues,” says BarBend editorial member Matt Cummings, a potential testimony to this greens powder’s gut-supporting blend.
Cummings rated its flavor a 4 out of 5. “It was pretty sweet, but not overwhelming,” he says. “I thought it tasted somewhat like an apple, but I didn’t register much banana.”
Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., RDN, LD, considers this formulation fairly standard, giving it a 3 out of 5 rating for its category. “If you’re deficient in vitamin B12, Pro Health Longevity Greens Powder may be a valuable addition to your treatment under the guidance of your healthcare provider,” she adds. “But it’s important to remember that the body doesn’t store unused vitamin B12, so any of the 1,500 milligrams that go unused will just be excreted.” (2)
Bourgeois points out that Pro Health Longevity Greens contains proprietary blends, which she dislikes because it reduces transparency about the actual doses of each ingredient. If you’re looking for more exact servings of ingredients like maca root, spirulina, moringa leaf, ashwagandha root, and others, it may be best to avoid powders featuring proprietary blends.
Finally, Pro Health Longevity Greens Powder is somewhat expensive when compared to the average costs of other greens supplements. “You’re paying a little more than $2 per serving to get anywhere from 3 to 50 percent of your daily value for various nutrients, with the exception of vitamin B12,” says Bourgeois. Still, for those wanting the extra digestive enzymes, prebiotics, and probiotics, it may be worth it.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option that still provides additional prebiotic fiber to support digestive health, Transparent Labs Prebiotic Greens is a good choice that only costs $1.53 per serving.
Best Organic Greens Powder: Nested Naturals Super Greens
Nested Naturals Super Greens blends micronutrients with digestion-focused ingredients, including probiotics and digestive enzymes. You can get this product in a handful of flavors with different objectives, including immunity or energy.
Specs
- Available Flavors: Original, Chocolate
- Certifications: Third-Party Verified, USDA Organic
- Nutrition Per Scoop: 30 calories, 5g carbs, 2g protein
- Key Ingredients: 1.67 billion CFU probiotics, Digestive enzyme blend, Fiber blend, Chlorella
- Sweeteners Used: N/A
- Price: $26.95
- Price Per Serving: $0.90
- Servings: 30
Like all the best organic protein powders, multivitamins, and greens powders, finding a formula with certified organic ingredients can be a challenge. Nested Naturals Super Greens hit this mark perfectly, as it’s made with organic, non-GMO, vegan-friendly ingredients designed to promote overall health and wellness.
This formula has a probiotic blend with 1.67 billion colony-forming units (CFU), digestive enzymes, and a fiber blend, all of which are helpful for digestion. (6)(8)(9) Probiotics may reduce gas and bloating, digestive enzymes aim to improve nutrient absorption, and fiber is great for bowel regularity and managing blood sugar.
“Nested Naturals Super Greens contains multiple proprietary blends,” says Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., RDN, LD. “So, while they may offer many purported health benefits, you can’t be sure exactly how much of each ingredient you’re consuming.” Still, she likes the whole foods aspect of the product: “Each serving contains 20 whole foods, providing the gut with many different nutrients that support energy, mood, and digestion.” Ultimately, she gives the formula a 3.75 out of 5, deducting points because it contains proprietary blends and a relatively low CFU count.
And while it does contain fiber and probiotics, they’re not in potent doses. The 2 grams of fiber provide 7% of the daily value, offering only a small contribution to your overall fiber goal, which is usually about 25-30 grams per day, depending on individual needs. And the 1.67 billion CFU is beneficial but some probiotic supplements contain as many as 50 billion CFU or more per dose. (10) This gut support is evident by our tester, who says, “I didn’t experience any GI issues or bloating.”
This supplement comes in two flavors, Original and Chocolate. “I had the Original, and it tasted like a lot of other greens powders I’ve sipped,” our tester says, rating the flavor a 3 out of 5. “The flavor tastes green — that’s the best way I can put it. I can get it down with just water, but I’d definitely recommend mixing it with juice.”
Each package costs about $24.99 for 30 servings, which is about $0.83 per serving, making this one of our budget-friendly options. We rated the price per serving a 4.5 out of 5.
Nested Naturals has added a variety of superfood-containing blends. This ensures you’re getting a wide variety of nutrients, but if you prefer a simpler approach, Legion Genesis Greens is a good choice that only includes five types of greens.
Read our full Nested Naturals Super Greens Review.
Best Greens Powder for Weight Loss: Huel Daily Superblend
Huel Daily Superblend is a plant-based, nutritionally complete, 250-calorie meal replacement that's loaded with vitamins and minerals sourced from wholefood ingredients. This powder is gluten-free, soy-free, and dairy-free.
Specs
- Available Flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla
- Certifications: N/A
- Nutrition Per Scoop: 250 calories, 25g protein, 6g fiber
- Key Ingredients: Plant-based protein, fiber, adaptogens
- Sweeteners Used: Monk fruit extract
- Price: $57
- Price Per Serving: $3.00
- Servings: 19
Huel Daily Superblend is loaded with ingredients that promote satiety, which could reduce overeating and support weight loss. As our expert reviewer Gabrielle Fundaro explains in her article about calorie deficits, reaching your weight loss goals requires taking in fewer calories that you expend. “Your body requires a certain amount of energy — measured in calories — to stay alive and perform all of your daily activities,” she says. “When you’re in a calorie deficit, you will usually lose weight because your body has to release the energy stored in your body fat in order to meet your energy needs,” Fundaro adds.
This greens powder has 250 calories, which is higher than most. However, these calories come from added protein and fiber. The 25 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber in this powder can help you build and maintain muscle, while keeping you fuller between meals, supporting weight loss efforts. Diets higher in protein and dietary fiber may help support healthy weight maintenance. (22)
For registered dietitian Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, this formulation is pretty impressive, earning a 4 out of 5 for its formula. “The proprietary blends and sodium and saturated fat content influence the score deductions. But the impressive vitamin and mineral profile support a pretty impressive formulation score.”
When certified personal trainer and BarBend expert reviewer Kate Meier tried it out, she wasn’t sure what to expect. “This was my first protein and greens blend, and I liked it a lot more than I thought I would,” she says.
When it comes to taste, Meier rates the Chocolate flavor a 4.5 out of 5. “If you’ve ever put cacao nibs in your smoothie, this tastes like that,” she says. “The cacao was quite strong, but in a good way. And there was just a slight green-y taste at the end.”
The high levels of protein and fiber, along with hearty dosages of vitamins A, B12, C, D, E, and K are impressive, but Meier dislikes the high price tag. “If it wasn’t for the insane price, I’d totally use this myself, but $3 per serving is a lot,” she says, rating the price per serving a 2 out of 5. “Unless you’re constantly on the go, I think there are better options out there.”
With such a high rating for the flavor, don’t be discouraged by the high price. If you want to try a different great-tasting greens powder that won’t break the bank, Live It Up Super Greens is our pick for the best-tasting greens powder.
[Read More: The Best Weight Loss Programs]
Best Greens Powder For Bloating: Ora Organic Greens
With 21 organic greens —from sea kelp, and spirulina, to wheat grass, and chlorella — this powder provides three servings of greens with each scoop. With a slight citrus flavor, this product is vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and sustainably sourced.
Specs
- Available Flavors: Orange
- Certifications: Certified USDA organic
- Nutrition Per Scoop: 30 calories, 5g carbs, 2g protein
- Key Ingredients: Organic prebiotics, Fiber
- Sweeteners Used: Organic Monk Fruit
- Price: $35.99
- Price Per Serving: $1.20
- Servings: 30
Worrying about how to prevent bloating when using a greens powder can be a major concern for some people. Ora Organic Greens features all-natural ingredients, including prebiotics, that may support digestion and help reduce gas and bloating. (6)
BarBend editorial member and certified personal trainer Kate Meier rated its potential side effects — like bloating — a 5 out of 5. “I felt zero bloating or really any side effects at all,” she says. “And that’s saying something for a greens powder.”
When our expert reviewer Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD took a look at the formula, she was pleased to see that Ora Organic Greens is Certified USDA Organic. This means the ingredients are made without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. (11) “I like that it doesn’t contain added sugars, filler ingredients, or artificial sweeteners,” she adds.
Overall, though, she rates the formula at a 2 out of 5 because it doesn’t contain as many nutrients as other competitive brands. Bourgeois also points out that this product doesn’t offer potent amounts of key micronutrients. “The nutrition facts show that each serving provides a very low percentage of your needs for the limited nutrients included,” she explains.
On the taste side, while the organic monk fruit means you won’t be taking in any artificial sweeteners, Meier is slightly underwhelmed by the citrusy flavor. (12) “It was close to the orange flavor, but it tasted a little artificial,” she says, rating its flavor 3 out of 5. “ It wasn’t bad, though, and it was way less grass-y than other greens powders.”
The main downside here is the low score for the formulation. If you’re looking for a greens powder that has clinical dosing for all of the ingredients, we recommend Legion Genesis Greens, which provides transparent labeling and plenty of research supporting the included dose of each ingredient.
Best Affordable Greens Powder: Jacked Factory Green Surge
This greens supplement costs only about $0.83 per serving, making it one of the most cost-friendly greens powders on the market. However, it's also loaded with digestive enzymes, probiotics, and essential nutrients.
Specs
- Available Flavors: Sour Apple, Lemon Lime
- Certifications: None
- Nutrition Per Scoop: N/A
- Key Ingredients: Digestive enzymes, probiotics, essential micronutrients
- Sweeteners Used: Sucralose
- Price: $22.49
- Price Per Serving: $0.75
- Servings: 30
You don’t have to spend a fortune on supplements to reap the benefits. Jacked Factory’s Green Surge is a budget-friendly option that only costs $0.83 cents per serving ($22.49 for 30 servings). We rate the cost a perfect 5 out of 5.
The formula combines whole-food superfoods ingredients with a probiotic blend to support digestive health for athletes and non-athletes alike. The spirulina and leafy greens offer a good source of vitamin A and magnesium, which boost muscle function and eye health. (17)(18) However, we had to rate formulation a 3 out of 5 due to the use of proprietary blends. “Jacked Factory Greens Surge gets a 4 out of 5 for its formula,” says Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., RDN, LD. “It includes many nutrient-dense ingredients that support gut and immune health, but the probiotic blend is proprietary.”
Unlike most other greens powders, this one comes in several flavors, including Mixed Berry, Unflavored, Mint Chocolate, Sour Apple, and Lemon Lime. “I sipped on the Mixed Berry, and I really enjoyed it,” says our product tester, giving the flavor a 4.5 out of 5. “It still tastes a little bit grassy, but the added berry flavor makes it more appetizing.”
Our tester hasn’t experienced any unwanted side effects but notes the product’s inclusion of artificial sweeteners. (19) “It does contain sucralose as a sweetener,” she says, giving a 4 out of 5 for side effects. “Sucralose can cause unwanted digestive issues for some athletes, so if you have trouble with artificial sweeteners, this may not be the best product.”
If you’re looking for a greens powder that doesn’t contain any artificial sweeteners, Legion Genesis Greens has a minimal ingredients list that’s free of artificial sweeteners, flavors, or food dyes.
Green Surge ships across the world and has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so if you’re not satisfied with your purchase, you can return it. However, given the large number of 5-star reviews on the company website, there’s a good chance you won’t need to.
[Related: Best Prebiotics Foods]
Best Greens Powder for Gut Health: 1st Phorm Opti-Greens 50
Opti-Greens 50 contains digestive enzymes and probiotics to help combat any unwanted bloating. Plus, you can buy this product in single-serving packets for easier on-the-go supplementation.
Specs
- Available Flavors: Natural Berry
- Certifications: Informed Choice Tested, 100% non-gmo
- Nutrition Per Scoop: 30 calories, 5g carbs, 2g protein
- Key Ingredients: Probiotics, organic grasses, digestive enzymes
- Sweeteners Used: Stevia
- Price: $69.99
- Price Per Serving: $2.33
- Servings: 30
1st Phorm Opti-Greens 50 combines digestive enzymes and probiotics, including amylase, protease, peptidase, and lipase, which is great for those wondering how to improve gut health. (6)(8)(9) Plus, this only has 1 gram of fiber, which is ideal if you’re concerned about bloating and you already eat plenty of fiber through whole foods, as high-fiber diets can sometimes cause extra bloat. (20)
“I’m super impressed that each serving of 1st Phorm Opti-Greens 50 contains a probiotic with 5 billion colony forming units (CFUs),” states Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., RDN, LD. “With gut health-promoting ingredients like that, bloating shouldn’t be a problem with this greens powder.”
This formula contains some whole-food sourced ingredients, like barley grass, spirulina, wheatgrass, kale, and spinach, which are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall health. “1st Phorm BCAAs score 4 out of 5 for formulation with deductions for the proprietary blends,” Bourgeois says. “Additionally, the BCAA ratio falls just short of that 2:1:1 ratio for leucine, isoleucine, and valine.” (21)
[Related: A Healthier Gut Could Mean More Muscular Strength]
Although we wish there were more than just the Natural Berry flavor, we’ve been pleasantly surprised by its taste. “I actually enjoyed how this tasted,” our tester, BarBend editorial member and certified personal trainer Rosie Borchert says, rating the flavor a 4 out of 5. “Unlike some others, it’s actually not very grassy at all, which is unique.” Also, the solubility was excellent, with no issues mixing or dissolving the product.
Borchert rates side effects a 5 out of 5, as there were no unwanted digestive or gut issues. “I didn’t experience any side effects at all,” Borchert says. “Also, it seems other customers really enjoy this product for bloating issues.”
We give this product a 3 out of 5 for price, as it sits in the middle of the road. While it’s certainly not the most expensive option, you can also find more affordable greens powders. One bag costs $70 for 30 servings, which is about $2.33 per serving.
If you want to support a healthy gut with a more affordable option, Transparent Labs Prebiotic Greens is another great choice. Each serving contains a blend organic prebiotics to support gut health, and it only costs $1.53 per serving.
Read our full 1st Phorm Opti-Greens 50 Review.
How We Tested and Chose the Best Greens Powders
We analyzed several factors while testing products to narrow down our top picks. Using our supplement testing methodology, our team of experts tested about 39 different greens powders, paying close attention to their ingredients, flavor, solubility, and more.
Quality Ingredients
We prioritized products made from a variety of quality plant-based ingredients to ensure a diverse nutrient profile.
Third-Party Testing
Our team gave preference to products that are third-party tested for quality and safety. This testing ensures label accuracy and verifies the product doesn’t contain harmful levels of heavy metals or other contaminants.
Product Taste
Some greens powders taste like straight-up grass, so we made sure to eliminate those options. Our team selected products that taste great so you’ll look forward to taking them daily.
Solubility
All the greens powders in our list dissolve well in water with a spoon or shaker bottle. We also made note of any clumps or ingredient settling as we tried each supplement.
Side Effects
As we tried each powder, we kept track of any bloating or digestive discomfort. For every pick on this list, our team noticed zero immediate side effects. However, everyone’s body is different. If you have any food allergies or sensitivities, always read the ingredient label before trying any new dietary supplement.
Expert Insight
Our testers consist of highly qualified personal trainers, weight lifting competitors, registered dietitians, and certified health coaches. They provide valuable insights so you have a clear idea of what to expect from each product.
Customer Satisfaction
We chose products with a history of happy customers. Each supplement on our list comes with glowing reviews from verified buyers.
Benefits of Greens Powders
Greens powders are appealing to consumers for a variety of reasons. They provide a convenient way to bridge potential nutrient gaps and potentially improve energy levels, gut health, and mood. “However, if you consistently follow a healthy diet, you can probably find a lesser-expensive supplement option to round out your nutrition needs,” says Dr. Jennie Stanford, M.D., FAAFP, DipABOM. Keep reading to learn all the health benefits of greens powders.
- They Provide Additional Nutrients: If you’re not big on eating your fruits and vegetables, you may be missing out on some essential nutrients. The ingredients in greens powders can sometimes provide micronutrients that surpass those found in a standard multivitamin. Diets rich in plant-based foods have been associated with improved health markers, such as a lower risk of heart disease, improved insulin sensitivity, healthy weight management, and a reduced risk of certain cancers. (23)
- They’re Whole-Food Based: If you compare greens powders vs. multivitamins, you’ll see that greens aim to harvest the benefits of whole food ingredients that can sometimes be excluded from a daily multi. “I love whole food sources as a means to get our nutrition and vitamins and minerals, so I like that a lot of the greens powders are derived from whole fruits, vegetables, and grasses,” says our expert reviewer and registered dietitian Gianna Masi. Whole food ingredients often contain nutrients like fiber and protein that you won’t get with a standard multivitamin. (22)(24)
- Potential Health Benefits: Many greens powders are rich in antioxidants, fiber, digestive enzymes, prebiotics, probiotics, and adaptogens. These ingredients may help boost energy, reduce inflammation, improve gut health, support digestion, and enhance mood. The ingredients in greens powders are loaded with vitamins and minerals that support muscle function, cell formation, bone health, energy metabolism, and more. (6)(8)(9)(2)(18)
When Should I Take Greens Powders?
There’s no right or wrong time to take a greens powder. However, some companies recommend you take their product in the morning on an empty stomach.
As with any supplement, greens powders provide the most benefits when taken regularly. Whenever you choose to take your greens powder throughout the day, ensure it’s a time you can maintain consistently.
How Much Do Greens Powders Cost?
The price of greens powders depends on factors like ingredient count, third-party testing, organic sourcing, and dosages. Due to these varying factors, prices can range widely from one product to another. On average, you can expect to pay between $1.50 and $2.00 per serving. We’ve got several picks in that range on our list, as well as some that cost less and others that cost more.
Best Greens Powder Overall | Athletic Greens AG1 | $2.63 per serving |
Best Greens Powder for Fiber | Transparent Labs Prebiotic Greens | $1.53 per serving |
Best Organic Greens Powder | Nested Naturals Super Greens | $0.90 per serving |
Best Greens Powder For Bloating | Ora Organic Greens | $1.20 per serving |
Best Tasting Greens Powder | Live It Up Super Greens | $1.99 per serving |
Best Greens Powder with Spirulina | Legion Genesis Greens | $1.40 per serving |
Best Greens Powder for Digestion | Pro Health Longevity Greens | $2.17 per serving |
Best Affordable Greens Powder | Jacked Factory Green Surge | $0.75 per serving |
Best Greens Powder for Gut Health | 1st Phorm Opti-Greens 50 | $2.33 per serving |
Best Greens Powder for Weight Loss | Huel Daily Superblend | $3.00 per serving |
Common Ingredients In Greens Powders
Greens powders often contain countless superfood ingredients. However, most of the best greens powders contain several staple ingredients known to promote gut health, strengthen the immune system, protect against disease, and optimize digestion.
Prebiotics and Probiotics
Prebiotic fiber and probiotics are essential for gut health. Prebiotic fiber is found in foods like legumes, beans, berries, and asparagus. Prebiotics are the fuel for probiotics, which are good bacteria that line your gut. The potential side effects of probiotics are mild. Greens powders often contain one or both of these ingredients to potentially help with digestion and gut health. (25) Together, they may reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, like gas, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation.
Spirulina and Chlorella
Spirulina is a blue-green algae that may provide antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help reduce inflammation and combat cell damage caused by free radicals, which can lead to disease. It contains a high amount of vitamin B12, crucial for energy metabolism, and may also help balance the gut microbiome and boost immunity. (26) Chlorella is another algae commonly included in greens powder that boasts vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Digestive Enzymes
Your body naturally produces digestive enzymes, which are proteins that can help you break down the food you eat. Digestive enzymes support enhanced absorption so your body can effectively and efficiently use the nutrients you consume for energy, building, and repair. Many greens powders contain additional digestive enzymes to potentially help optimize gut health. (27)
Vegetables and Fruits
It’s no surprise that a key ingredient in greens powders is, of course, greens. Vegetables like spinach, kale, broccoli, and wheatgrass are common staples in these supplements. Many also contain fruits like pineapple, to provide bromelain, and apple. These fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals that support metabolism, vision, bone health, immunity, nerve function, and more. Though even the best powdered greens contain plenty of nutrients, some of their nutritional benefits are lost in powder processing.
Ultimately, nothing beats eating these foods in their whole form. However, these fruit and vegetable powders can be helpful for filling potential nutrient gaps in your diet. Whether you’re traveling or managing a busy schedule, the best daily greens powders can be a helpful supplement when it’s hard to get enough fruits and vegetables.
What to Consider Before Buying a Greens Powder
There are several factors to consider before purchasing a greens powder. Third party testing, ingredients, dosages, and cost are just a few things to think about before adding a product to your virtual shopping cart.
Third-Party Testing
When any supplement is third-party tested, that means the formula has been independently verified for accuracy. This means the product has been thoroughly tested to ensure it doesn’t contain harmful levels of heavy metals or other questionable contaminants. It also verifies that the ingredients listed on the label are what’s actually in the product. (28)
When you’re shopping for your new greens powder supplement, look for certifications like NSF Certified for Sport® or Informed Choice for Sport for peace of mind about what you’re putting in your body.
Quality Ingredients
Because greens powders can have many different focuses — antioxidants, digestive health, and adaptogens, to name a few — do some research to discover the strengths and weaknesses of your product before you commit. Supplements like these are not regulated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), so take advantage of our team of expert reviewers before making your choice.
Many options use whole-food sourced ingredients and natural sweeteners, but take a look at the label to make sure you only see high-quality ingredients.
Potent Micronutrient Content
Look for greens powders that provide a variety of vitamins and minerals in meaningful amounts. While everyone’s needs differ, some products offer less than 10% of the daily value for several nutrients, while others provide 25% or more. Since the goal of a greens powder is often to fill nutrient gaps, choose one that delivers reasonable amounts of key vitamins and minerals.
Value and Cost Per Serving
It’s important to find a greens powder supplement that fits within your budget. When sifting through your options, don’t forget to factor in the price per serving. With some prices reaching up to $3.00 per serving, it’s important to consider how much value you’re getting out of your investment.
Different Ways to Take Greens Powders
We’ve already established that greens powders don’t always offer the best taste. But are there ways to make taking these supplements more palatable? We think so. Check out our ideas below.
- Mix them into your shake: If you’re the type of person who prefers a more elaborate protein shake or one of the best meal replacement shakes, then you may want to consider tossing a greens powder into the mix.
- Bake a frittata: A frittata — a dish of eggs (and/or egg whites), veggies, proteins, and cheese that’s baked in the oven — is a convenient grab-and-go meal, packed with protein for muscle gain. With all of those flavors intermingling, you probably won’t even notice two scoops of your greens powder thrown in for a nutrient boost.
- Make a pesto: The same logic applies to the above two suggestions. The next time you whip up a pesto, a sauce that’s already green and earthy, try adding a scoop of greens powder to give it an even more earthy flavor and color.
- Bake brownies: Why not add some nutrients to a delicious dessert? Brownies have a strong chocolate flavor that can mask the greens. Also, you can try making protein brownies or protein bars, where you can add whey protein powder to a brownie recipe for more protein.
Best Greens Powders FAQs
What is the best greens powder?
We recommend Athletic Greens AG1 as the best greens powder. The extensive ingredient list includes antioxidants, adaptogens, probiotics, minerals, vitamins, and a host of superfoods. It’s a little higher in price, but the Pineapple Vanilla flavoring puts this product a step above the rest due to its drinkability.
What is greens powder?
A green superfood powder, also just called a greens powder, usually refers to a supplement that contains a base of antioxidant-rich algae or grasses, typically wheatgrass, barley grass, spirulina, and/or chlorella. (13)(15) Many greens powders also contain ingredients for digestive health (like probiotic bacteria), adaptogens (plants that can help improve stress levels), and/or added vitamins and minerals.
Are greens powders worth it?
Greens powders may be worth it because they provide helpful vitamins and minerals and usually contain high levels of phytonutrients. (29) Many are high in fiber, contain antioxidants, and provide other green superfoods. Since prices can vary, it’s important to consider the value when selecting a greens powder.
When to take greens powder?
There’s no right or wrong time of day to take a greens powder supplement. Some brands recommend taking their products on an empty stomach, so make sure to read the label for specific recommendations. Choosing a time of the day most convenient for you will help promote consistency.
How to make greens powder taste better?
While we’ll admit many greens powders leave us wanting in the taste department, but some are quite pleasant and refreshing even. If you have trouble downing your greens powder, it can help to mix it with fruit juice or mask it in a smoothie or protein shake. Bold flavors like nut butters often help too.
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