The GGR Expert Panel is a network of specialized health and fitness professionals who help ensure we present the most accurate information to our readers. This includes physicians, certified trainers, elite-level coaches, and more. Learn more about our experts.
The GGR Expert Panel is a network of specialized health and fitness professionals who help ensure we present the most accurate information to our readers. This includes physicians, certified trainers, elite-level coaches, and more. Learn more about our experts.
The GGR Expert Panel is a network of specialized health and fitness professionals who help ensure we present the most accurate information to our readers. This includes physicians, certified trainers, elite-level coaches, and more. Learn more about our experts.
We test and review fitness products based on an independent, multi-point methodology. If you use our links to purchase something, we may earn a commission. Read our disclosures.
We all know we should be eating our fruits and vegetables. They’re part of a healthy diet, and the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients you get from them have huge benefits for your immune system, gut health, and overall wellness. In fact, the USDA recommends that the average adult consume 2 cups of fruit and 2.5 cups of vegetables per day.
If you don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables, one of the best greens powders could help supplement your diet (though we beseech you to please continue eating real food).
Our team at GGR, which includes certified nutrition coaches, personally tried nearly 40 greens powders, putting them through our vigorous supplement testing methodology and working with registered dietitians to assess, among other factors:
Formulation: What’s in it, and are those ingredients scientifically backed?
Dosages: Is there enough of the good stuff?
Solubility: Does it dissolve in water or juice?
Taste: Can you stomach it?
For this look at the best greens powders, we teamed up with nutritionist, registered dietitian, and supplements expert Bob Iafelice to help us break down the specifics. Our top choice, Athletic Greens AG1, has high doses of vital vitamins and minerals, though we understand if people get sticker shock. Transparent Labs Prebiotic Greens offers similar health advantages at a more affordable price.
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider. GGR also recommends choosing a product that has been third-party tested for quality.
16 Best Greens Powder Supplements, Tested and Reviewed
At up to $3 per serving, shelling out your hard-earned cash for greens powder instead of $5-per-gallon gas may be a hard decision to make. Is it worth it?
Bob Iafelice, RD, says that in some instances, they are.
”Greens powders can certainly be beneficial for individuals who, for whatever reason, do not eat enough veggies and fruits (AKA, a nutritionally inadequate, low-fiber diet), but they’re not meant to replace or substitute recommended vegetable and fruit intake. These powders are the whole-food alternative to taking a multivitamin formula to ensure adequate intake of important micronutrients and fiber and help curb potential nutrient deficiencies.”
Also, for individuals who suffer from occasional GI discomfort, green powders may be preferable to probiotic supplements or fiber supplements as they offer more nutrition, Iafelice adds.
And lastly, there is certainly a convenience factor: Green powders can be a convenient way to maintain proper nutrition and fiber intake when on the go or traveling.
All this to say, greens powders shouldn’t be a replacement for real fruits and vegetables. It will be cheaper to add things like broccoli, apples, and carrots into your diet on a daily basis than to purchase greens powder, and there are plenty of other benefits that come with eating real fruits and veggies, too, like hydration, fiber, and even added support for weight loss1.
However, if that isn’t happening for one reason or another, greens powder can be a viable way to supplement with established benefits. And even if you do eat a well-balanced diet, getting the extra micronutrients from greens powder will certainly not hurt.
Best Greens Powder Overall: Athletic Greens AG1
Good for: Those who want a diverse blend of nutrients and greens supplement that covers all the bases
Best Overall
GGR Score:
We test and review fitness products based on an independent, multi-point methodology.
Raw superfood complex, herb and antioxidant extracts, digestive enzyme and super mushroom complex, probiotics
Price Per Serving
$3.30 per serving (large pouch), or $3.63 per serving (travel packs) with subscription discounts available
Flavors
Unflavored
Container Size
30 servings per large pouch, or 30 individual travel packs
Transparent Label
There are a few nutrient blends, but the packaging shows precises doses for most of the key vitamins and minerals
Travels Well
It’s available in a large pouch, or individual travel packets for those on the go
Third-party Tested
AG1 is third-party tested for quality and label accuracy
Pros
Backed by notable health experts
Transparent and detailed ingredient list
75 vitamins and minerals
Cons
Expensive
Some reviewers dislike the taste
Purchase Options
A large pouch is $99, or $79 with a monthly subscription. Travel packs are $109, or $89 with a monthly subscription
Sweeteners/Additives
No sugar, artificial sweeteners, erythritol, monk fruit, or MSG
Serving size
12 grams per scoop or pack
If you’re looking for a greens powder with a unique blend of minerals, nutrients, power greens, enzymes, and probiotics and you’re willing to spend some money, Athletic Greens may be a good choice for you.
What our tester says:
“I just like the peace of mind knowing that I’m getting more micronutrients than are in my diet already, and it’s a healthy habit that I can feel good every day.”
Alright, alright—we know that Athletic Greens AG1 is expensive. In fact, at $3.30 per serving, it’s the most expensive on our list by far. (A one-time-purchase bag of 30 servings costs $99). But trust us, there’s a reason this greens powder is the clear winner in our book.
Bob Iafelice, a registered dietitian who recommends AG1 to his clients who prefer a one-stop shop for their nutrient needs, says this product has it all. Out of all the greens powders we tested, AG1 ranked the highest for its ingredient formulation with a perfect 5 out of 5.
“While the whole superfoods provide important plant compounds that are missing in some multivitamin formulas, specific amounts and forms of critical vitamins and minerals supported by research studies are also included,” he explains. “For example, AG1 contains vitamin K2, a type of vitamin K that’s predominantly found in animal foods (as well as fermented soybean). Vitamin K2 has been shown to play a vital role in promoting bone mineralization2.”
AG1 was formulated with athletes in mind, and has an ingredient list that includes vitamins and minerals; a raw superfood complex made of wheatgrass and barley grass, plus others; an adaptogen blend of extracts, herbs, and antioxidants, including ashwagandha; an enzyme and mushroom complex; and probiotics. Because of the probiotics, the company recommends keeping your bag of AG1 in the refrigerator once it’s opened to preserve the “integrity and efficacy” of the ingredients—a downside if you’re on the go a lot, but not a dealbreaker.
Oh, and speaking of athletes, the supplement has an NSF Certified for Sport mark, so you know it’s been tested for potentially harmful materials and banned substances that might show up on a drug test.
This certified personal trainer and nutrition coach was excited to try this athlete-grade green superfood powder. It actually has a very pleasant taste if you ask me—mildly like pineapple and vanilla, but you still get the slightly earthy flavor that greens powder normally provides. I had no problem drinking this on its own. In fact, our team rated AG1 a 4.5 out of 5 for taste, which makes this one of the best-tasting greens we tried.
Another thing our testers noticed is that while the greens thoroughly mixes into the liquid, it tends to settle after a few minutes, so you might have to re-shake if you don’t plan on downing this in one gulp. It’s still good enough for us to give it a 4 out of 5 on solubility.
Vitamins, minerals, super greens, digestive enzymes, probiotics
Price Per Serving
$1.99 per serving, or $1.33 per serving with subscription
Flavors
Original, Wild Berries, Citrus
Container Size
30 servings per container
Transparent Label
There are a few nutrient blends, but the packaging shows precises doses for most of the key vitamins and minerals
Budget-Friendly
This is very affordable compared to similar products
Third-party Tested
Live It Up is third-party tested for quality and label accuracy
Pros
Subscribe and save 33%
30-day money-back guarantee
Made in the United States in a GMP-certified facility
Vegan and vegetarian
Cons
Only available in 30-serving containers
Mixed reviews on taste
Only available via company website
Purchase Options
$59.99 per container, or $39.99 with subscription
Sweeteners/Additives
No sugar, uses natural flavors and monk fruit extract
Serving size
1 scoop (8g)
Live it Up Super Greens is a powdered greens supplement with over 20 superfoods, probiotics, and digestive enzymes. Live It Up claims that this product improves digestion, decreases bloating, increases energy, supports immunity, and prevents illness. Most customer reviews for this product are positive.
What our tester says:
“These greens have a really nice minty aftertaste that helps you feel as if you are not drinking a cup of grass.”
Looking for something as good as AG1, but not quite as pricey? At around $2.00 per serving, Live It Up Super Greens is still on the more expensive side—though you can save nearly $20 if you put it on a subscription basis. However, this saves over a dollar per serving compared to AG1, and the greens powder is filled with tons of beneficial nutrients and ingredients.
Most greens powders are beneficial for gut health since they’re packed with fiber-rich ingredients that can help with bloating. Live it Up takes it a step further by including probiotics and digestive enzymes linked to improved digestion and immune health. However, it doesn’t have any fruit, so it’s lacking in a few things like vitamin C, and only earns 2 out of 5 for the formulation.
Bifidobacterium bifidum—a probiotic found in Live it Up Super Greens—has been found to help protect the body against infections, alleviate chronic gut conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and help regulate people’s immune system, according to a November 2019 review16.
“The bloating has been going away for me,” says expert product tester Lindsay Scheele, CPT, CNC, who’s used Live it Up for more than six months. “I miss this product whenever I’ve run out of it in the past.”
It’s available in three flavors: Original (mint), Wild Berries, and Citrus. Lindsay tried the mint flavor, which she rated a 4 out of 5. “These greens have a really nice minty aftertaste that helps you feel as if you are not drinking a cup of grass,” she says in our Live It Up Super Greens review. She ranked the solubility the same score, saying it mixes pretty well, though she’s found that she’s had to add more than the suggested amount of liquid to get it fully incorporated.
At $2.00, this isn’t exactly cheap and earns 3 out of 5 for the price per serving. However, it’s significantly more affordable than AG1 and a great budget-friendly alternative.
Price
$2.00 per serving ($1.33 if placed on subscription)/ $59.99 per container ($39.99 if placed on subscription)
$1.53 per serving, or $1.38 per serving with subscription
Flavors
Original, Peanch Mango, Pineapple Coconut
Container Size
30 servings per container
Transparent Label
There are no proprietary blends and exact doses provided for all ingredients
Budget-Friendly
This is very affordable compared to similar products
Third-party Tested
Transparent Labs Prebiotic Greens is third-party tested for quality and label accuracy
Pros
Packed with fiber, gut-flora-friendly greens, and mineral-dense veggies
Effectively works to improve gut health
Combines algae greens and prebiotic fibers
45-day money-back guarantee
Cons
Tastes bitter to some
Purchase Options
$45.99 per container, or $41.39 with subscription
Sweeteners/Additives
No sugar, uses natural flavors and stevia extract
Serving size
1 scoop (15.5g)
Combining an algae greens blend with prebiotic fibers, Prebiotic Greens is intended to improve digestion and health.
What our tester says:
“I liked the Peach Mango flavor—it’s sweet, but not overly, while still being a bit earthy. It is sweetened with stevia, which you can taste, but it’s not off-putting like in some products.”
Prebiotics3 are non-digestible food substances (mostly carbohydrates) that play a vital role in overall health by feeding the gut microbiota, thus stimulating the growth of beneficial microorganisms, like probiotics. The gut microbiota ferments prebiotics, resulting in the production of short-chain fatty acids, such as butyrate, which can exert multiple health benefits for the body.
Transparent Labs Prebiotic Greens is available in Unflavored, Peach Mango, or Pineapple Coconut, and at $1.33 per serving, it’s on the more affordable side for greens powders and earns 3 out of 5 for the price per serving. (You can check out the latest Transparent Labs discount codes for more savings, too.)
This certified personal trainer tried Prebiotic Greens in Peach Mango, and it’s true—this is definitely top-ranking for taste in my opinion, earning a 4 out of 5 on our rating test. It is sweetened with stevia, which you can taste, but it’s not off-putting like in some products. It’s nice and sweet and it mixed up fine—not quite as nicely as some of the others on the list, but it didn’t detract from the drinking experience.
Certified sports nutrition coach Amanda Capritto recommends mixing it with orange juice to take away some of the earthy taste.
Amanda also found that this mixed very well, and gave it 4.5 out of 5 for solubility.
“Transparent Labs Prebiotic Greens is rich in these health-enhancing prebiotics, including organic acacia fiber and organic green banana flour,” registered dietitian Bob Iafelice says in our Transparent Labs Prebiotic Greens review. “I’ve discovered that this unique blend of concentrated, naturally sweet prebiotic greens, together with Stevia, offers a highly nutritious greens drink with a great taste as well.”
$2.86 per serving, or $2.14 per serving with subscription
Flavors
Original flavor only
Container Size
28 servings per container
Good Flavor
These gummies have a pleasant flavor that’s not overly sweet
Multiple Options
Available in both a low-sugar and sugar-free option
Third-party Tested
These gummies are third-party tested by Eurofins Scientific
Pros
30-day money-back guarantee
Made in the United States
No artificial colors or flavors
Available in low-sugar and sugar-free versions
Cons
1 serving is 8 gummies
Less than 1 month supply—only 28 servings per container
The grüns website displays few, selected positive reviews
Mixed reviews on taste and effectiveness
Purchase Options
Low-Sugar: $79.99 per container or $59.99 with subscriptionSugar-Free: $87.99 per container or $65.99 with subscription
Sweeteners/Additives
Low-sugar option contains cane sugar,
Serving size
8 gummies (20g)
Grüns gummies are a vegan daily greens supplement. A packet of eight gummies is a single serving. These gummies include whole fruits and veggies, adaptogens, 20 vitamins and minerals, and other ingredients. The reviews are mixed for both flavor and effectiveness.
What our tester says:
“I was a bit skeptical, but I actually enjoy the taste of these. There is some sweetness but nowhere near the amount of sweetness you’d get in regular gummy bears.”
Who says you need a shaker cup to get your daily greens? If you’re searching for a sipless solution, Grüns Superfoods Greens Gummies offer a convenient, chewable alternative to powders. Made with ingredients like organic alfalfa, organic spirulina, and organic chlorella, the vegan-friendly formulation earned a 4-out-of-5 rating from GGR Managing Editor Amanda Dvorak.
“There are 8 grams of added sugars, which prevented me from giving them a higher score here. However, there is a sugar-free version,” she explains.
While many gummies fall outside the vegan-friendly category, Grüns separates itself from the pack.
“Most gummies are made with gelatin, which is derived from crustaceans and thus isn’t suitable for those who don’t eat animal products,” explains nutrition expert Destini Moody, RD, CSSD, LD. “Instead, Grüns gummies are made from pectin, which is a fiber derived from fruit.”
Any concerns about the texture or taste should be put to rest. Amanda scored these gummies a 4.5 out of 5 in each category.
“I was a bit skeptical, but I actually enjoy the taste of these. There is some sweetness but nowhere near the amount of sweetness you’d get in regular gummy bears,” she explains.
While greens powders aren’t always the easiest to take down, you shouldn’t have any trouble consuming Grüns gummies. However, be aware that each single-serving pack contains eight gummies, which can be a lot for some folks.
“The gummies are soft and easy to swallow. There is a slightly weird coating that makes the texture a bit odd, but once you get used to it, it’s hardly noticeable at all,” Amanda says.
Unfortunately, these vegan-friendly gummies are not budget-friendly. At nearly $3 per serving, they’re easily the most expensive out of all the greens products we’ve tried. As a result, Grüns earns a 1 out of 5 rating for price.
“I don’t like any daily supplement that costs $2 or more. It’s just too steep to justify when one could just buy healthy food,” Destini explains.
That said, if you have space in your budget and enjoy daily gummies, these might not be a bad option to try.
Priceper serving
$2.86
Serving size
One snack pack (8 gummies)
Key ingredients
B vitamins, Vitamins A, C, D3, E, and K2, chromium, zinc, 22 super mushrooms, antioxidants, adaptogens, and prebiotics
Certifications
Manufactured in NSF-, GMP-, and FDA-certified facilities
Sweeteners
Low-sugar version: cane sugar Sugar-free version: allulose and Rebaudioside M
Customizable formulation that can be tailored to your individual needs
Price Per Serving
Depends on your final mix
Flavors
11 flavors available
Container Size
14 servings per pound
11 Flavors
Your custom blend can be formulated in an unflavored variety, or you can add one of ten flavors
Customizable
Nearly every aspect of this product is customizable
Third-party Tested
True Nutrition products are third-party tested
Pros
Customizable
Fairly affordable (depending on formulation)
Third-party tested
Multiple flavor options
Cons
Unknown dosages
Only 14 servings per one-pound package
Purchase Options
Customizable formula with pricing that varies based on chosen ingredients
Sweeteners/Additives
The flavored varieties use stevia leaf extract
Serving size
Depends on your final mix
True Nutrition Super Greens is a customizable greens powder supplement that puts the customer in control of the base, flavor, and boosters included in the product.
What our tester says:
“It turns fingers and fingernails green and it stays a while (think toothbrush with soap and water scrubbing the nails for several minutes). Zipper bag —not a fan because this stuff goes everywhere when you disturb it, so have to sort of wipe the zipper with a dry cloth before sealing.”
True Nutrition’s Custom Daily Greens allows you to personalize your greens powder supplement as you want to, depending on your health needs and goals. You can select the type of greens base, add ingredients like turmeric to address inflammation or probiotics for improved digestion, select the exact flavor you want, and even add protein or fiber to your mix.
The exact type depends on what ingredients you use and how much is in your final mix, though we’ll note that each pound of powder only comes with 14 servings.
Registered dietitian Bob Iafelice called the product an “interesting concept.
“Creating your own customized greens drink can be fun and especially beneficial for people who have allergies/intolerances to certain greens/fruits,” he says. “This seems to be more of a fun niche product for the experienced supplement user, not for someone with little nutrition knowledge who just wants a good, proven greens drink.
As he notes, you are taking a chance at creating your own supplement and the final product might clash with your chosen flavor, depending on what type of ingredients you include. “You’re taking a chance on a finished product that you can’t sample first,” he says.
While we haven’t sampled the custom greens blend, our testers have sampled the unflavored version of True Nutrition’s Super Greens and we rated it a 3 out of 5. “Overall taste is somewhat bitter with an aftertaste,” says registered nurse Kathleen Penner, a former physique competitor. Similarly, the solubility scored low at a 2.5 out of 5.
“No matter how much I shaked, the bottle still had leftover green grit all over the sides of the bottle and a small amount in the bottom,” Kathleen says. “Mixed with a juice, somehow it dissolves more so give it a 3 with juice.”
$2.00 per serving or $1.80 per serving with a subscription
Flavors
Original, Acai Berry
Container Size
30 servings per container
Minimal Ingredients
Legion only uses five primary ingredients in this formula with clinical dosing of each one
Excellent Warranty
Legion allows you to recieve a full refund within the first 365 days (on your first order only)
Third-party Tested
Legion uses high-quality ingredients and performs third-party testing
Pros
No artificial flavors or sweeteners
Third-party tested
Clinically effective dosages
2 flavors available
Cons
Expensive at $2 per serving
No information on vitamin and mineral content
Purchase Options
A tub costs $59.99 or $53.99 with subscribe and save
Sweeteners/Additives
No artificial sweeteners or dyes, but contains erythritol, natural flavors, stevia leaf extract, and monk fruit extract
Serving size
1 scoop (21.5g)
Legion Genesis Greens is a top-of-the-line greens powder that has been third-party tested and contains scientifically-backed ingredients and dosages.
What our tester says:
“It blends great, but you have to stir for a while with a spoon to get it all to dissolve. If you blended it, it would be fine.”
While Legion Genesis Greens is tasty enough to take on its own, we think its Original or Acai Berry flavor would be a great addition to your morning protein smoothie. GGR Senior Director of Content and weightlifting coach Kate Meier rates the Acai Berry flavor a 4 out of 5.
“I was able to drink the entire serving without gagging,” she says, which wasn’t the case for many other greens powders she tried. “It was pretty enjoyable.” In terms of solubility, Kate rates it a 4.5 out of 5 because it requires a good bit of hand mixing, though she noted it dissolved easily in a blender.
Many of the top greens powders contain spirulina, which is a blue-green algae known for its health benefits. For example, it is a rich source of B vitamins. Also, according to research, just 3 grams of it can reduce mental and physical fatigue.7
You’ll find 5 grams of organic spirulina in Legion Genesis Greens, which has been tested to verify that what is on the label is actually what is in the greens powder.
That’s not the only reason our testers and dietitians rated Legion a 4 out of 5 for formulation; Genesis has a number of other research-backed ingredients in recommended (or higher) dosages:
3 g of Reishi mushroom fruit powder, said to improve brain and liver health
1.5 g of maca root extract, which can improve libido and sexual function
1.25 g of dong quai root, which supports immunity
3 g of astragalus membranaceus, which promotes heart health and supports immunity
While we love that Legion products are third-party tested, and that there are no proprietary blends here, it is disappointing that there is nothing on the label indicating the vitamin and mineral content. Also, this is one of the more expensive greens powders on our list at $2 a serving (though you can subscribe and save a little bit of money).
$0.75-$1.00 per serving depending on container size
Flavors
Original, Pineapple Mango
Container Size
30-serving and 60-serving containers available
Third-Party Testing
Nested Naturals Super Greens are USDA Organic and third-party tested
Lifetime Warranty
Nested Naturals offers a lifetime guarantee if you’re not satisfied
Third-party Tested
Products are third-party tested to ensure purity and label accuracy
Pros
Non-GMO, Vegan, 100% organic
Available in chocolate flavor
Contains prebiotic inulin to help feed healthy bacteria in the gut
Over 20 whole foods included
Cons
May be too strong for some and irritate the stomach
Taste is not great but, as a powder made primarily with vegetables, that is not surprising
Purchase Options
$29.95 for a 30-serving container or $44.95 for a 60-serving container
Sweeteners/Additives
Uses natural flavors and stevia extract
Serving size
1 scoop (8g)
While the taste may not suit everyone, Super Greens effectively provides users with a potent dosage of phytonutrients, micronutrients, probiotics, fiber, and enzymes.
What our tester says:
“This tastes fine—not good, not bad. It tastes like a lot of greens powders I’ve tried; tastes mildy like the color green. Or what I imagine a cow thinks grass tastes like. I could drink it just mixed with water, but I would definiely prefer to mix it with juice.”
The term superfood simply refers to a food that has minimal calories and a large amount of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Nested Naturals Super Green offers all that, and then some, starting with three sources of fiber: apple powder, rice bran soluble powder, and Jerusalem artichoke inulin powder.
Under 10 percent of U.S. adults get enough fiber through their diet, according to the American Society for Nutrition. Fiber is connected to improved digestive health, immune health, blood sugar levels, and cardiovascular health. It should be noted that Nested Naturals doesn’t provide your entire day’s worth of fiber — men require 38 grams, and women need 25 grams per day—but it’s a quick and easy way to fill some of the nutrient gap.
Frieda Johnson, a longtime fitness writer and former Garage Gym Reviews editor, scores the taste a 3 out of 5 in our Nested Super Greens review. “It tastes like what I imagine a cow thinks grass tastes like,” she says. It gets a 4 out of 5 for solubility, with Frieda saying she noticed no obvious clumps or unmixed powder in water or orange juice.
At around $0.99 to $1.06, depending on where you buy it from, it’s an affordable greens supplement that won’t break the bank, especially if you put it on a subscription basis. We give this 4 out of 5 stars for the price per serving.
Price
$1.00 per serving/$29.95 per container
Number of servings
30
Key ingredients
Apple powder, rice bran soluble powder, and Jerusalem artichoke inulin powder
Ashwagandha, when juice powder, moringa powder, coconut water powder, alkalizing greens blend
Price Per Serving
$1.74-$2.34
Flavors
Original Mint, Crisp Apple
Container Size
30 servings
60-Day Guarantee
Organifi will refund your purchase within 60 days if you’re not satisfied
Third-party Tested
Organifi is third-party tested to ensure purity and label accuracy
Pros
Vegan
Dairy- and soy-free
Subscribe and save 10% + free shipping
Money-back guarantee
Cons
Contains allergen tree nuts (coconut)
Only available in 2 flavors; no unflavored option
Relatively expensive at over $2 per serving
Purchase Options
$69.95 for one bag, $168.84 for three bags (30% off), $313.56 for six bags (35% off)
Sweeteners/Additives
Uses natural flavors and organic monk fruit extract
Serving size
1 scoop (9.3g)
Organifi Green Juice is a powdered supplement with 11 different superfoods. They share that this supplement can help detox the body from toxins, promote balanced stress levels, and help with weight management. The reviews for this product are mostly positive. However, even some positive reviews disliked the taste, especially the mint.
What our tester says:
“This is one of the better greens powders I’ve tried, taste-wise. It kind of tastes like those bottled green juices you can pick up from Whole Foods or Sprouts. Very tangy and tart.”
You may be asking yourself, “How can a greens powder help me with weight management?” While it’s true Organifi Green Juice won’t magically make the pounds drop off your waistline, it contains an important ingredient that’s been linked to weight loss: Ashwagandha, which has been linked with decreased stress that could help you achieve a caloric deficit.
If you’ve suffered from stress, you know it can lead to disruptions to your sleep and appetite, but it can also lead to physiological changes that can make weight loss harder. While ashwagandha supplementation isn’t a magic bullet, there’s more than enough scientific evidence pointing to it as a stress reliever.
“Ashwagandha root extract reduces psychological and physiological markers of stress, improves mental well-being, and reduces serum cortisol level and food cravings and improves eating behaviors,” states one study4. “[It] can be useful for body-weight management in patients experiencing chronic stress.”
Organifi puts 600 milligrams of the nootropic in every serving, which is the same dose used by most researchers looking into the link between ashwagandha and weight loss.
So it’s good for you, but how does it taste? Well, according to certified personal trainer and sports nutrition coach Amanda Capritto, the Crisp Apple flavor is a 4.5 out of 5. “This is one of the better greens powders I’ve tried, taste-wise,” she says. “It kind of tastes like those bottled green juices you can pick up from Whole Foods or Sprouts. Very tangy and tart.”
Amanda also gave the solubility 4.5 out of 5 stars, saying, “The solubility is great, with no chunks or floaties and only minimal settling.”
Our one callout is the price—a 30-serving bag will run you around $70, coming out to $2.33 per serving. That’s a 1 out of 5 for value in our book, but the more than 6,700 5-star Amazon reviews have us thinking it may be worth it.
Organic greens & fruits blend, organic immuno antioxidant blend, syn support (prebiotic + probiotic), detoxifying enzyme booster
Price Per Serving
$2.17
Flavors
Apple Banana
Container Size
30 servings
Testing Results
ProHealth Longevity Greens provides third-party testing results and certificates with recent test results
100-Day Guarantee
ProHealth will refund your purchase within 100 days if you’re not satisfied
Third-party Tested
ProHealth Longevity Greens are third-party tested to ensure purity and label accuracy
Pros
Large variety of greens, fruit, and vegetable extracts
Third-party tested
No artificial ingredients
Contains probiotics
Cons
More than $2 per serving
Contains 3 grams of sugar
Purchase Options
$64.95 per bag
Sweeteners/Additives
Organic flavors, stevia
Serving size
1 scoop (11.4g)
ProHealth Longevity Greens contains many of the vitamins, minerals, and plant extracts to fill any nutritional gaps you might have in your diet.
What our tester says:
“The apple is the strongest flavor—maybe slightly sour apple.”
ProHealth’s Longevity Greens powder blends an impressive collection of greens together to create a vegan, allergen-free (with the exception of wheat), USDA organic formula that contains no artificial flavors and is packed full of high-quality ingredients. It also comes in a Apple Banana flavor and has no artificial sweeteners.
Multiple studies7 have shown that organic foods have lower levels of toxins, such as heavy metals, synthetic fertilizer, and pesticide residues, so ProHealth Longevity Greens could be a good choice.
Registered dietitian Bob Iafelice, however, notes there are 3 grams of added sugar, which might not make it the best choice for diabetics. “It may unnecessarily raise blood glucose and insulin because there is no significant fat or protein to buffer the effects of the sugar on blood glucose/insulin levels,” he says. He also points out that there’s no plant-to-extract ratios provided for the ingredients, as there are on other greens powders, so we’re rating the formulation a 3 out of 5.
On the bright side, the company has all of its supplements tested by third-party labs and has certificates of analysis available. This is especially important for people who take regular drug tests or want to ensure their greens powders are free of potentially harmful substances, but since they don’t use a major organization, we’re rating the transparency a 3 out of 5.
Our testers rated the Apple Banana flavor a 4 out of 5, saying it had just the right amount of sweetness but the banana flavor was missing. “The apple is the strongest flavor—maybe slightly sour apple,” says one of our expert product testers.
They also rated the solubility a 4 out of 5 because it became slightly gritty after about five minutes, though there were no notable clumps when drinking it.
Price
$2.16 per serving ($1.52 if placed on subscription)/$64.95 per container ($45.47 if placed on subscription)
Number of servings
30
Key ingredients
Greens and fruits blend, immuno antioxidant blend, prebiotics and probiotics
Super greens alkalizing blend, detox energizing blend, digestive support blend, super antioxidant immune blend
Price Per Serving
$2.67
Flavors
Unflavored
Container Size
30 servings
Comprehensive Blend
Super Green Juice contains ingredients to support immune health, digestive health, and energy
30-Day Guarantee
You can return your product within 30 days if you’re not satisfied
USDA Organic
There is no third-party testing information, but Super Green Juice is USDA Organic
Pros
Contains 44 organic superfoods
USDA Organic
No artificial ingredients
No sweeteners
Cons
Expensive
No third-party testing
Purchase Options
$79.95 for one bag, $199.95 for three bags (20% off), $299.95 for five bags (20% off)
Sweeteners/Additives
Only natural flavors, no sweeteners of any kind
Serving size
1 scoop (10g)
Touchstone Essentials Super Green Juice is packed with a variety of ingredients that support various health goals, but there’s no third-party testing available, and it’s expensive.
What our tester says:
“I’ve tried quite a few greens powders now, and I can firmly say that ‘unflavored’ greens powder is not my favorite. While the earthly flavor is tolerable, I would much prefer a more distinct taste to cover up that earthiness, and the Touchstone Essentials product did not have that.”
Touchstone Essentials Super Green Juice is a blend of 44 organic superfoods, along with probiotics, prebiotics, and digestive enzymes to support gut health. In addition to being packed with gut-friendly ingredients, it’s also free of artificial sweeteners, flavors, or added sugars, and it’s certified USDA organic.
Multiple studies7 have shown that organic foods have lower levels of toxins, such as heavy metals, synthetic fertilizer, and pesticide residues, so Super Green Juice could be a good choice for those looking to avoid toxins.
We love that this product doesn’t use any artificial sweeteners or added sugar and instead uses organic raspberry and organic apple flavors. However, if you don’t love the taste of greens powder, the lack of strong flavors might not be your cup of tea, as Super Green Juice is only available in an unflavored variety.
Our tester rated this 3 out of 5 stars for the flavor, saying, “I’ve tried quite a few greens powders now, and I can firmly say that ‘unflavored’ greens powder is not my favorite. While the earthly flavor is tolerable, I would much prefer a more distinct taste to cover up that earthiness, and the Touchstone Essentials product did not have that.”
The solubility also earned 3 out of 5 stars from our tester.
“The first 2/3rds of the drink was mixed very well and lacked any clumps, but the final 1/3 had an obvious viscosity to it, and the bottom of the glass was covered in undissolved greens powder,” he said. “I used a milk frother to mix the product, but I would probably opt for a traditional shaker bottle next time to ensure I get all of the mix off the bottom of the glass.”
This formula isn’t cheap, but if you’re looking for a high-quality, organic product that contains plenty of ingredients to support a healthy gut, this is a great choice.
Price
$2.67 per serving ($2.27 if placed on subscription)/$79.95 per container ($67.95 if placed on subscription)
$69.99 for a one-time purchase, $59.99 with subscription
Sweeteners/Additives
Uses natural flavors
Serving size
2 scoops (10g)
With over 1,000 positive reviews, Opti-Greens 50 may be a good choice for anyone looking to support their immunity.
What our tester says:
“I tried Opti-Greens 50 and enjoyed it, giving it a 4 out of 5 for taste. It has a sweet, berry flavor—if you want to get all the benefits of greens without tasting any of the grassiness that normally comes along with it, this would be a good choice for you.”
1st Phorm Opti-Greens 50 is loaded with non-GMO, 100% organic grasses and phytonutrients, is free from artificial ingredients, and has been tested by Informed Choice for harmful or banned substances, so athletes and everyday people can trust that it’s a clean greens powder. We give this 5 out of 5 for third-party testing.
We also love Opti-Greens for its comprehensive assortment of probiotics and enzymes designed to optimize digestion and help relieve occasional bloating3.
The diverse collection of digestive enzymes efficiently breaks down all the macros—fats, carbs, and proteins—while probiotics such as L. plantarum, B. longum, and L. rhamnosus have been shown8 to support relief of occasional bloating.
“I always suggest probiotics for my clients with occasional bloating issues, since upper GI issues often originate in the lower GI (colon), where probiotics take effect,” registered dietitian Bob Iafelice says.
I tried Opti-Greens 50 and enjoyed it, giving it a 4 out of 5 for taste. It has a sweet, berry flavor—if you want to get all the benefits of greens without tasting any of the grassiness that normally comes along with it, this would be a good choice for you.
I didn’t experience any digestive issues or bloating, and give this 5 out of 5 for side effects.
At around $1 per serving, this is one of the most affordable greens powders we’ve tested
Good Formulation
We like the inclusion of digestive enzymes and probiotics
90-Day Guarantee
You can return your product within 90 days if you’re not satisfied
Pros
Very affordable
Tastes good
Said to decrease bloat
100% money-back guarantee
Cons
Thick when mixed
A little grainy
Purchase Options
$29.95 per container, subscription discounts available through Jacked Factory
Sweeteners/Additives
Contains sucralose
Serving size
1 scoops (5.5g)
If you’re looking to support your gut health with some plant superfoods, Green Surge is a supplement worth considering given its impressive list of ingredients, cost, and reportedly good results.
What our tester says:
“You still get a hint of that grassy, greens taste, which I like, but the berry flavor makes it more easily palatable.”
Clocking in at just 75 cents a serving, a 5 out of 5 on our pricing rating scale, Jacked Factory Green Surge is our pick for the most affordable greens powder. It is a formulation of organic greens and antioxidant-containing fruit powders together with probiotics and digestive enzymes.
“Unlike other greens powders that include every green under the sun, this product focuses on only the most effective superfoods, probiotics, and enzymes,” registered dietitian Bob Iafelice says. “The upshot is a more affordable, yet still effective, greens product.”
Green Surge comes in several flavors—Mixed Berry, Unflavored, Mint Chocolate, Sour Apple, and Lemon Lime. It is flavored with sucralose, which is something to note.
This certified personal trainer tried the Mixed Berry flavor of Green Surge and thought it was tasty, giving it 4.5 out of 5 stars here. You still get a hint of that grassy, greens taste, which I like, but the berry flavor makes it more easily palatable.
Inside Green Surge you’ll find the powders of leafy greens like spirulina, spinach leaf, and collards leaf, plus pineapple fruit powder and raspberry fruit powder. You’ll also see green tea leaf extract and Stevia leaf extract.
We like the inclusion of digestive enzymes and probiotics
30-Day Guarantee
You can return your product within 30 days if you’re not satisfied
Pros
Mixes well
High-quality ingredients
Tastes good
Includes antioxidants, prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes
Cons
Expensive
Too sweet for some
Purchase Options
$49.99 per container, 5% subscription discount through Alani Nu
Sweeteners/Additives
Uses natural flavors and stevia
Serving size
1 scoops (7.3g)
Alani Nu Super Greens is on the higher cost end of green powders you will find on the market, but it has a loyal customer base who finds this brand superior in taste and quality.
What our tester says:
“It’s a bit grassy but also fruity. I like it quite a bit—this was the one I reached for first when I had all the greens powders in my fridge.”
Alani Nu Super Greens powder offers a unique blend of alkalizing greens, antioxidant fruits, and digestive enzymes. It also contains a potent combination of probiotics and inulin, a prebiotic.
Probiotics9 are live microorganisms that, when consumed, can help your body maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the body, which is good for seasonal wellness. Prebiotics10 support the growth and activity of probiotics.
“Notably, and unlike many other green products, Alani Nu Super Greens delivers a relatively high dose of probiotics (5 CFU, or colony forming units) that far exceeds the minimum dose found to be effective in studies11 showing benefits of probiotics for a variety of health concerns like occasional diarrhea,” says registered dietitian Bob Iafelice.
Although there are no flavor options, the greens powder was tasty enough to earn a 4.5 out of 5 on taste. It’s a bit grassy but also fruity. I like it quite a bit—this was the one I reached for first when I had all the greens powders in my fridge.
Beyond the greens blend, Super Greens also has a unique blend of antioxidants and digestive enzymes, and is sweetened with stevia. There aren’t any flavor options, but most reviewers enjoyed the taste. I would agree—the taste is palatable and I reach for this greens powder over many others.
However, it does contain sucralose, which may cause GI issues for some, which is why we give this 4 out of 5 for side effects.
Green food blend, energy blend, antioxidant blend, fiber blend, digestive enzyme and active culture blend
Price Per Serving
$1.33
Flavors
Watermelon, Lemon Lime
Container Size
30 servings
Good Formulation
We like the inclusion of digestive enzymes and caffeine
Budget Friendly
This is a very affordable formulation compared to similar products on the market
30-Day Guarantee
You can return your product within 30 days if you’re not satisfied
Pros
Provides clean energy with natural caffeine
Aids in natural digestive function
Combines farm fresh greens and fruits with yerba mate and matcha green tea
Inclusion of yerba mate is intended to improve energy, performance, and mental focus as well as reduce appetite and increase metabolism
Cons
Taste
Purchase Options
$39.99
Sweeteners/Additives
Uses natural flavors and stevia
Serving size
1 scoops (7g)
While Amazing Grass Greens Energy Blend is not the best-tasting supplement, it does combine high-quality greens and fruit with yerba mate and matcha tea ,which offers great overall and digestive health benefits. As an added bonus, it is one of the more affordable powders on the market.
What our tester says:
“I didn’t notice any boost in terms of energy, but as a habitual coffee drinker, it takes quite a bit to get me going!”
Amazing Grass Greens Energy Blend offers an impressive mix of organic farm fresh greens and fruits like wheat grass, chlorella, acai, and maca root, plus enzymes, prebiotics and probiotics, and a dose of caffeine (85 milligrams) from yerba mate and matcha green tea leaf for better energy levels. This probably won’t give you a boost like a serving of pre-workout, but it’s definitely something.
“These plant sources of caffeine have been shown11 to provide a strong alkaline boost to help counter high acid loads in the body, which may contribute to muscle loss,” says registered dietitian Bob Iafelice.
This certified personal trainer ranks it in my top three on this list for taste. I had the Lemon Lime flavor, which is just the right amount of sweet, and a little tart. A 5 out of 5 on taste. I didn’t notice any boost in terms of energy, but as a habitual coffee drinker, it takes quite a bit to get me going!
Greens Energy Blend also contains vitamin A and vitamin C, which have antioxidant properties, and vitamin K, which is important for bone-building1. So whether you’re looking for an alternative to your morning or afternoon coffee, or simply just want a boost with your greens, this product could be for you.
It’s also extremely affordable and often on sale, so we give this a 5 out of 5 for the price per serving. This is a great option for anyone on a budget.
Plant-based protein and superfood blend, superfruit blend, antioxidant blend, adaptogen and mushroom complex, botanical blend
Price Per Serving
$3.76
Flavors
Chocolate Vanilla
Container Size
19 servings
Good Formulation
This is a meal replacement with plenty of protein and other nutrients
High Value
This product is far from cheap, but packed with nutrients
30-Day Guarantee
You can return your product within 30 days if you’re not satisfied
Pros
30 day money back guarantee
New customers get a free t-shirt and water bottle
Vegan, gluten free, and NON-GMO
No artificial sweeteners or colors
Cons
Only 19 servings per container
Large servings size – 2 scoops/66 grams
Purchase Options
$71.50 for a one-time purchase, $57 with subscribe and save
Sweeteners/Additives
Uses monk fruit and stevia
Serving size
2 scoops (66g)
Huel Daily SuperBlend is designed to occupy the middle ground between the full meal replacement of Black Edition and the wellness support of Daily Greens. The Superblend has the health and wellness benefits of Daily Greens while also providing 25 grams of protein. There are very limited customer reviews but they were mixed, most customers said they’ve had better tasting vegan protein powder.
What our tester says:
“If you’ve ever put cacao nibs in your smoothie, this tastes like that. But high-quality nibs, not the cheap stuff.”
Huel Daily Superblend is like a one-stop shop for your micro and macronutrient needs. In addition to having dozens of whole food ingredients, several adaptogens, and probiotics you also get 25 grams of vegan protein per serving. As an added bonus, it also tastes good.
“If you’ve ever put cacao nibs in your smoothie, this tastes like that,” Anthony O’Reilly, a certified nutrition coach and GGR performance editor, says of the Chocolate flavor. “But high-quality nibs, not the cheap stuff. It had a good cacao taste, with a slight green-y taste at the end.” Overall, he rated the flavor a 4.5 out of 5—and that was with water. He thinks it would get a 5 out of 5 if mixed with almond milk.
Consuming enough protein is critical for muscle building, and even maintenance. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) is just .8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. For someone who weighs 150 pounds, that’s about 54 grams of protein per day. But keep in mind, the RDA is the minimum amount you need to meet basic nutritional needs.
According to the American College of Sports Medicine, for someone who is physically active and looking to gain muscle, that number should look like 1.2-1.7 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. So for that same 150-pound person, you’re looking at about 82 to 115 grams of protein per day. (Need more protein in your diet? Check out our list of the best protein powders).
Huel uses pea protein, which is rich in the essential amino acid leucine. “Leucine is the key amino acid that signals the muscle to make protein12.”
Overall, we give the formulation 5 out of 5 stars.
Whip up a morning shake with this powder blend and know you’re getting a solid dose of protein on top of nutrients from spinach, kale, broccoli, and artichokes. It’s available in Chocolate or Vanilla. It is slightly expensive and earns 2 out of 5 stars for value, at $3.00 per serving, though you are essentially consuming two supplements in one.
We like the inclusion of digestive enzymes and fiber
Budget Friendly
This is a very affordable formulation compared to similar products on the market
60-Day Guarantee
You can return your product within 60 days if you’re not satisfied
Pros
Very affordable (under $1 per serving)
Multiple container sizes
Same-day Prime shipping
Grass flavor isn’t too strong
Cons
Not the best source of vitamins and minerals
Can remain gritty after mixing
Purchase Options
Multiple container sizes available
Sweeteners/Additives
Fructose and natural flavors
Serving size
1 scoops (8g)
This is a A budget-friendly greens powder supplement that contains a moderate amount of vitamins and minerals.
What our tester says:
““Hands-down the best-tasting greens powder I’ve ever tried. I wouldn’t necessarily say it tastes good, but it definitely doesn’t taste like straight-up dirt like most greens powders.”
Amazing Grass Greens Blend Superfood is packed with probiotics and digestive enzymes that can help with improved digestion, including reducing bloating symptoms.3 This is actually the same vitamin, mineral, and greens blend as the Amazing Grass Greens Energy Blend, just without any of the caffeine.
Longtime fitness writer, expert product tester, and GGR editor Frieda Johnson said she was really impressed with the “original” flavor. “Hands-down the best-tasting greens powder I’ve ever tried,” Frieda says, scoring it a 5 out of 5 on taste. “I wouldn’t necessarily say it tastes good, but it definitely doesn’t taste like straight-up dirt like most greens powders. It’s totally drinkable just mixed with water, but I prefer mixing it with juice.”
Amazon customer reviewers endorse that sentiment, though some said the Berry and Chocolate versions aren’t the best-tasting greens powders on the market.
“I really like that there are no sweeteners or filler ingredients,” Frieda adds.
This is also one of the most affordable greens powders on the market, and earns 5 out of 5 for the price per serving.
Vital Proteins Collagen Beauty Greens: From our research, this appears to be the best greens powder with collagen, though we haven’t had a chance to try it for ourselves. It’s packed with collagen for skin and hair health, along with numerous vitamins and minerals.
What Are Greens Powders?
Greens powders are a dietary supplement made of vegetables, seaweed, probiotics, enzymes, and other food sources to help people meet their vitamin and mineral intake. The best greens powders are made with whole food sources, meaning the manufacturers take vegetables and other foods, dehydrate them, and blend them into a powder that can be easily mixed into water.
Greens powders get their name from their common ingredients, usually an algae like spirulina or chlorella, along with leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale, or wheatgrass. Along with these, greens powders may contain other ingredients such as probiotics, prebiotics, fruit extracts, mushrooms, and different adaptogens.
Once consumed, your body absorbs the various nutrients, adaptogens, enzymes, and other products. The vitamins and minerals included in greens powders are needed to carry out several important bodily functions, such as protecting cells from oxidation and strengthening blood vessels.
How We Picked and Tested the Best Greens Powders
In our quest to find the best greens powder, we put together a comprehensive testing methodology to determine what matters most. Working with Bob Iafelice Ph.D, we derived a ratings metrics that took into account the following factors:
Ingredient List and Formulation
What vitamins, minerals, whole-food nutrients, prebiotics, probiotics, antioxidants, and adaptogens are present? Are there research-backed doses of each ingredient? We specifically looked at:
Whole-food greens, looking to find at least one of the following: chlorella, spirulina, barley grass, wheat grass, spinach, kale, or alfalfa
Digestive health ingredients, like prebiotics, probiotics, and/or digestive enzymes
Fruit extracts
Mushrooms
Adaptogens, including ashwagandha, rhodiola, holy basil, chaga, cordyceps, ginseng
Proprietary blends: Let’s talk about them. They aren’t inherently bad, as they usually consist of good ingredients. However, the presence of a proprietary blend generally means that we don’t know the exact ingredients and/or how much of those ingredients are present. Therefore, we rate a product higher on formulation when there are no proprietary blends present.
Cost
What’s the price per serving? In doing market research, we established that the average cost of greens powder falls between $1.15 and $2.25. Therefore, prices too far above that were dinged for price, and too far below that were either an indication of affordability or, perhaps, cheap ingredients.
Flavor and Taste
We know this is subjective, and we know it’s also difficult to make greens powders taste good. However, we still felt it was important to give these powders a try and convey our personal taste preferences. We also took into account if the brand offered flavor options.
Solubility
We put each greens powder we tested into water as directed to mix it with a spoon as well as in a shaker cup. In some cases, we tested how the powder mixed with juice or in a blender. We then assessed in which cases the powder dissolved completely when mixed to rate it on a scale of 1 to 5.
Safety and Side Effects
We noted any potential side effects we experienced after taking our greens powder—bloating, nausea, or other gastrointestinal issues. We also took a look at the formulation, to note if there were any potential risks to using the greens powder.
The largest risk is interaction with certain medications. Although the micronutrients present in greens powder can be beneficial to most people, certain vitamins and minerals (such as vitamin K) may affect the efficacy of medications and antibiotics. If you take any prescription medication, it’s a good idea to consult your physician before taking a greens powder.
Also, toxicity—taking too much of certain vitamins and minerals—is a potential risk, especially if you’re pregnant or nursing. While the research is still limited here, this would be another time to consult a doctor before taking greens powders.
We weighed and measured any side effects we personally experienced with the general safety of the greens powder and then gave it a score from 1 to 5.
Third-party Testing
Third-party testing is important to us because it’s an indication that what the brand claims is in the product is actually in the product. We specifically look for whether the product been tested for banned substances by Informed Sport, NSF, or Banned Substance Control Group (BSCG).
If a product has not been third-party tested, we do knock it down a point. However, we also recognize that third-party testing is expensive, and not all brands can afford it. Therefore, we look for other trust indicators, such as a transparent label and ingredient transparency on brand website.
Customer Experience
This is a broad term to describe the ease in purchasing the product and getting it delivered, as well as the company’s policies on returns and refunds. While some brands won’t allow returning food items like greens powders, others have money-back guarantees, where if you’re not satisfied, you can return the item and get a full refund—no questions asked.
These greens powders earned a score from 1 to 5 based on the ease of ordering, customer service, and the return policy.
What to Look for In Greens Powder
Before you take the leap, decide which greens powder is right for you.
Decide On Your Budget
As you can see from our list of best greens powder, prices can range from $0.75 cents per serving all the way up to more than $3 per serving. You can sometimes find the product slightly cheaper on Amazon, or some companies offer subscription services that will save you a bit of money as well. But even if you don’t have $100 to spend on a bag of greens powder, that’s OK—you’ll still reap the benefits of the micronutrients from an array of products.
Consider Any Contraindications
Check with your doctor about any vitamins, minerals, or supplements in general that may interfere with any medications you take. And especially for products with lots of nutrients packed inside, make sure you’re scrutinizing the label if there are any contraindications you need to be aware of.
Ingredients List And Potential Interactions
While all greens powders should contain green vegetables, some also contain probiotics, antioxidants, additional fiber, and more. Decide what you want to get out of your greens powder, then review the ingredients list to assess potential.
Dosage
Make sure your greens powder contains the proper dose of vitamins and minerals for your dietary needs.
Think About Taste
While some greens powders are sweetly flavored, some are more earthy, and some are completely unflavored. But regardless of the flavor, it’s my experience that you’ll still taste a degree of “grassiness.” Especially for a beginner greens powder user, I’d suggest starting with a flavored option to see how you like it.
Form
While most greens powders come in…well, powder form, there are also capsules that provide the same benefits.
Benefits of Greens Powder
Though limited, some small-scale studies have demonstrated various health benefits, mostly cardiovascular, from consuming green powders. *
Consistent with research15 linking fruit and vegetable consumption with improved cardiovascular health, a systematic review of studies showed a strong impact from vegetable/fruit concentrates on supporting healthy cardiovascular function in the general population.
Who Should and Who Shouldn’t Take Greens Powders?
It’s a little difficult to say who should take greens powders. The short answer is anyone who lacks access to fruits or vegetables should consider taking a greens powder to ensure they’re getting enough vitamins and minerals. These supplements, however, tend to be more expensive than their whole food counterparts. Greens powders might be a good alternative to those who live a busy lifestyle, as it’s much easier to drink a scoop of the powdered greens than to eat multiple servings of fruits and veggies.
People who already eat enough fruits and vegetables and aren’t at risk for a nutrient deficiency may not benefit from greens powder. It won’t harm them, it just won’t improve their health since they already get enough micronutrients from their diet. People who are taking certain medications or are breastfeeding may want to talk with their doctor before taking a greens powder supplement.
Greens Powder Safety and Precautions
While greens powders can be beneficial to people who struggle to get enough fruits, vegetables, or micronutrients throughout the day, there are some potential risks for some people. The largest risk is how certain micronutrients or ingredients may interact with other medications. If you’re taking medications already, consult with your physician on whether or not greens powder are safe for you.
Another possible risk is toxicity, or too much of a vitamin or mineral, especially if you’re pregnant or nursing. While the research on toxicity is still minimal for certain vitamins and minerals, be mindful of the nutrients your consuming. Also, people who are pregnant should also talk to their doctor to see if greens powders are safe, as some ingredients can potentially be harmful.
Key Ingredients To Pay Attention To
As I’ve said, some greens powder ingredients can counteract or impact the effect of certain medications, or have a higher risk of toxicity in some people. Here’s a list of some common greens powder ingredients, and why you should be mindful of their use in these supplements:
Ashwagandha: Although ashwagandha has been shown to have benefits similar to anti-inflammatories and antioxidants, gastrointestinal issues have been a common side effect of taking this root. Less common side effects involve nausea, drowsiness, and constipation, according to a 2020 review17. It can also interact with certain medicines and drugs.
Spirulina: This blue-green algae has been shown to help relieve blood pressure18. Still, it can also interact with a number of drugs, including anticoagulants and immunosuppressants.
Chlorella: Chlorella is another algae that is full of nutrients—fiber, antioxidants, and even protein. It can cause uncomfortable GI issues, though, such as nausea, diarrhea, gas, and green stool. Its high vitamin K content may also lessen the effect on blood thinners and anticoagulants19.
Alfalfa and barley grass: Rich in quite a few vitamins and minerals, alfalfa and barley grass can aid people with high cholesterol or diabetes. Like chlorella, they have a lot of vitamin K19, which may impact blood thinners’ effectiveness. Many people also have allergies to certain grasses.
Reishi mushroom: Although this mushroom is popular, research on its health benefits are sparse currently. It can cause mild side effects such as nausea, upset stomach, or dizziness. It can also impact anticoagulant drugs20; don’t take if you have a bleeding disorder.
How to Take Greens Powders
As with any other supplement, you should follow the package instructions. Most greens powders are…well, powders. You simply pour your scoop into a glass of water, mix, and sip. Some people like mixing their greens powders with orange juice to improve the taste (look for an orange juice with low or no added sugar).
When Should I Take Greens Powder?
While you’ll see a common answer to this question as “first thing in the morning on an empty stomach,” there’s no research to back up this claim. You can take greens powder whenever it works for you, whether that indeed be in the morning to kickstart your day, with a meal later on, or even before bed. Pay attention to how you feel after you take it—taking it on an empty stomach may work for some people, but it may cause digestive distress for others.
Greens Powders vs. Multivitamins
Greens powders and multivitamins are similar in that both are a one-stop method that helps you increase your vitamin and mineral intake. Greens powders, however, take it one step further by also including various plant and fruit extracts not found in most multivitamins that have additional health benefits. They also have digestive enzymes and antioxidants. Multivitamins, on the other hand, often contain higher doses of vitamins and minerals and can be specially formulated to meet certain nutritional needs.
It’s also important to not take both greens powders and multivitamins. Doing so could lead to nutrient toxicity, a condition that occurs when someone ingests too much of a vitamin or mineral. For example, excess vitamin A intake has been linked with liver conditions.
Greens powder can definitely have benefits, especially for people who occasionally eat a nutritionally inadequate diet, according to Bob Iafelice, RDN. They can fill the gaps of important micronutrients and fiber and help curb potential nutrient deficiencies. People who struggle getting enough nutrients in their daily routine could benefit from a greens powder.
What is the best brand of greens powder?
The best greens powder will be different from person to person, depending on your specific needs. In our opinion, AG1 is one of the best brands of greens powder because it contains reseach-backed doses of key vitamins and minerals, is third-party tested, and tastes good. Here are some of our other favorite greens powders we’ve tried.
There are plenty of reasons to like AG1, which is why we have it as our best overall pick for best greens powder. It has a robust ingredient profile with 75 ingredients in research-backed doses, and it’s been NSF-certified for sport, making it a great choice for athletes. Still, it’s expensive, meaning there are plenty of other options for people looking for a more budget-friendly option. Our pick for the most affordable greens powder is Jacked Factory Green Surge.
What is the difference between Live It Up Super Greens and AG1?
Both Live It Up Super Greens and AG1 have a complex superfood profile, making them both excellent choices for greens powder. AG1 has 75 ingredients derived from a superfood blend, and Live It Up has a similar blend. We like Live It Up for gut health, although both have probiotic and prebiotic ingredients.
The biggest downside for AG1 is its price of over $3 per serving. Live It Up is also a pricier option, although it’s over a dollar less than AG1, making it a great alternative to AG1. However, athletes may want to stick with AG1, since it is third-party tested for banned substances.
How can I make greens powder taste better?
There are a couple of easy ways to make your greens powder taste a bit better. First, you can shake the powder over ice, as a cooler drink can usually taste better. Another option is to add a natural sweetener like honey or syrup to your drink. You can also add the greens powder to a smoothie with fruit and other great-tasting ingredients.
11. Kechagia M, Basoulis D, Konstantopoulou S, et al. Health benefits of probiotics: a review. ISRN Nutr. 2013;2013:481651. Published 2013 Jan 2. doi:10.5402/2013/481651
Nicole is the head of content at GGR. She's been a journalist for the last 13 years and a CPT/group fitness instructor for the last 10 years. She grew up playing tennis, became an avid runner in college, competed in a bikini competition in her mid-twenties, and even completed a triathlon. Her workout of choice nowadays is strength training, plus logging her daily steps. After her first daughter was born six years ago, she became especially passionate about prenatal and postnatal fitness, teaching stroller bootcamp classes and working with expecting moms as clients. Post-journalism school, Nicole worked in print media as a magazine editor for eight years, then went freelance for a while, writing for fitness websites and manufacturers in the industry. Now, as the the head of content at GGR, she brings her expertise in fitness to writing and editing honest reviews on everything you might need for your home gym.
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table of contents
16 Best Greens Powder Supplements, Tested and Reviewed