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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 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.
15 Best Greens Powder Supplements, Tested and Reviewed
- Best Greens Powder Overall: Athletic Greens AG1
- Best AG1 Alternative: Live it Up Super Greens
- Best-Tasting Greens Powder: Transparent Labs Prebiotic Greens
- Best Customizable Greens Powder: True Nutrition Custom Daily Greens
- Best Greens Powder for Smoothies: Legion Genesis Greens
- Best Super Greens Powder: Nested Naturals Super Greens
- Best Greens Powder for Weight Loss: Organifi Green Juice
- Best Daily Greens Powder: Ora Organic Easy Being Green
- Best Organic Greens Powder: ProHealth Longevity Greens Powder
- Best Clean Greens Powder: 1st Phorm Opti-Greens 50
- Best Affordable Greens Powder: Jacked Factory Green Surge
- Best Greens Powder With Probiotics: Alani Nu Super Greens
- Best Greens Powder for Energy: Amazing Grass Greens Energy Blend
- Best Greens Powder with Protein: Huel Daily Superblend
- Best Greens Powder for Bloating: Amazing Grass Greens Blend Superfood
Best Greens Powder Video Review
Are Greens Powders Worth the Money?
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 and 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 Greens Powder Overall
Athletic Greens AG1
Product Highlights
- Contains 75 minerals and nutrients in one serving
- Available in travel pouches and bundle and save options
- Said to support gut health with prebiotics, probiotics, and naturally occuring enzymes
- Supports immunity with key ingredients like vitamin C and mushrooms
- Magnesium is added to boost energy
- May aid in recovery as it features superfood complex with adaptogens and antioxidants
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Backed by notable health experts
- Transparent and detailed ingredient list
- 75 vitamins and minerals
Cons
- Expensive
- Some reviewers dislike the taste
Bottom Line
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.
Best AG1 Alternative: Live It Up Super Greens
Good for: Anyone who wants a gut-friendly greens powder packed with probiotics and enzymes
The AG1 Alternative
Live it Up Super Greens
Product Highlights
- Powdered greens supplement with 20+ superfoods, probiotics, and digestive enzymes
- Live it Up (formerly Enso Superfoods) shares that this product aids digestion, immunity, and energy
- Caffeine-free formula
- Contains 2 g of plant-based protein
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Subscribe and save 33%
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Made in the United States in a GMP-certified facility
- Vegan and vegetarian
- Dairy-, nut-, caffeine-, sugar- and gluten-free
- No artificial flavors or sweeteners
- 3rd-party tested
Cons
- Only available in 30-serving containers
- Mixed reviews on taste
- Only available via company website
- $2.00 per serving
Bottom Line
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.
Best-Tasting Greens Powder: Transparent Labs Prebiotic Greens
Good for: Someone who wants to take greens powder that doesn’t taste like greens
Best-Tasting Greens Powder
Transparent Labs Prebiotic Greens
Product Highlights
- Combines algae greens and prebiotic fibers to improve gut health
- Each serving has 3 grams of spirulina, 3 grams of chlorella, 3 grams of organic acacia fiber, 3 grams of organic green banana flour, and 1 gram of organic Jerusalem artichoke fiber
- Gluten-free
- Gut-flora-friendly greens drink
- Available in unflavored, Peach Mango flavor, and Pineapple Coconut
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Packed with fiber, gut-flora-friendly greens, and mineral-dense veggies
- Effectively works to improve gut health
- Combines algae greens and prebiotic fibers
- 60-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Tastes bitter to some
Bottom Line
Combining an algae greens blend with prebiotic fibers, Prebiotic Greens is intended to improve digestion and health.
Best Customizable Greens Powder: True Nutrition Custom Daily Greens
Good for: Those who want to personalize their greens
Best Customizable
True Nutrition Super Greens
Product Highlights
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Customizable
- Fairly affordable (depending on formulation)
- Third-party tested
- Multiple flavor options
Cons
- Unknown dosages
Bottom Line
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.
Best Greens Powder for Smoothies: Legion Genesis Greens
Good for: Those looking for a greens powder with clinically-backed dosages of spirulina
Best for Smoothies
Legion Genesis Greens
Product Highlights
- Third-party tested
- No artificial ingredients, dyes, colors, or flavors
- Scientifically-backed ingredients
- Purported to support immunity, brain function, liver health, and heart health
Pros & Cons
Pros
- No artificial flavors or sweeteners
- Third-party tested
- Clinically effective dosages
- 2 flavors available
- Taste is palatable
- Subscribe and save option
Cons
- Expensive at $2 per serving
- No information on vitamin and mineral content
Bottom Line
Legion Genesis Greens is a top-of-the-line greens powder that has been third-party tested and contains scientifically-backed ingredients and dosages.
Best Super Greens Powder: Nested Naturals Super Greens
Good for: Anyone looking for optimal superfood nutrient intake
Best Super Greens
Nested Naturals Super Greens Original
Product Highlights
- Contains over 20 whole foods, probiotics, fiber, and enzymes
- 100% organic, non-GMO, and vegan
- One scoop contains 667 milligrams of spirulina, 400 milligrams of chlorella, and 1.67 billion CFU of probiotics
- Third party-tested and approved
- Lifetime money-back guarantee
Pros & Cons
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
- Many reviews report noticeable differences in energy, mood, and digestion
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
Bottom Line
While the taste may not suit everyone, Super Greens effectively provides users with a potent dosage of phytonutrients, micronutrients, probiotics, fiber, and enzymes.
Best Greens Powder for Weight Loss: Organifi Green Juice
Good for: Those who are looking to decrease stress to accomplish a caloric deficit
Best Greens Powder for Weight Loss
Organifi Green Juice
Product Highlights
- Powdered greens supplement
- Contains 11 superfoods
- Organifi shares it is great for weight management, detoxing body of toxins, and promoting balanced stress levels
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Vegan
- Dairy- and soy-free
- Subscribe and save 10% + free shipping
- Money-back guarantee
- Glyphosate residue-free
Cons
- Contains allergen tree nuts (coconut)
- Only available in 2 flavors; no unflavored option
- Relatively expensive at over $2 per serving
- Mixed reviews on taste; customers want unflavored/unsweetened version
Bottom Line
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.
Best Daily Greens Powder: Ora Organic Greens
Good for: People who want an easy-to-use powder
Best Daily Greens Powder
Ora Organic Superfood Greens Powder
Product Highlights
- Vegan superfood greens powder with 20+ organic greens
- Each scoop has 3 servings of greens
- Certified USDA Organic, Kosher, gluten-free, dairy-free, GMO-free, and vegan
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
- Third party tested – can view certificate of analysis on website
- Gluten free, certified vegan, USDA organic, kosher, and dairy free
- Made in the United States
Cons
- Only one flavor – orange
- Mixed reviews on taste – customers want unflavored
Bottom Line
Ora Superfoods Greens Powder features more than 20 organic greens. Every batch is third-party tested for quality and you can view the results on the Ora website. Customers enjoyed the variety of high quality ingredients. However, many disliked the orange flavor (our expert product tester likened it to cleaning polish) and wished there was an unflavored option.
Best Organic Greens Powder: ProHealth Longevity Greens Powder
Good for: People who place a premium on organic products
Best Organic Greens Powder
ProHealth Longevity Greens Powder
Product Highlights
- Large variety of plant extracts
- Has some probiotics, prebiotics, and digestive enzymes
- Third-party tested
- 75-day money back guarantee
Pros & Cons
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
Bottom Line
ProHealth Longevity Greens contains many of the vitamins, minerals, and plant extracts to fill any nutritional gaps you might have in your diet.
Best Clean Greens Powder: 1st Phorm Opti-Greens 50
Good for: Those who want a clean greens powder supplement that supports effective digestion
Best Clean Greens
1st Phorm Opti-Greens 50
Product Highlights
- Made from greens superfoods with phytonutrients, digestive enzymes, and probiotics
- 50 gluten-free alkalizing ingredients
- A mix of natural fruits, veggies, and grasses
- Low-temperature processing of the eight 100% organic grasses and greens
- Includes carotenoids and bioflavonoids to support overall health
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Over 1,300 positive reviews
- Includes 1 billion CFU digestive enzymes
- Mixes well
- Decreases bloat
- Contains 50 gluten-free, alkalizing, clean ingredients
Cons
- Expensive
- Taste is not for everyone
Bottom Line
With over 1,000 positive reviews, Opti-Greens 50 may be a good choice for anyone looking to support their immunity.
Best Affordable Greens Powder: Jacked Factory Green Surge
Good for: Those who want a quality greens powder at a super affordable price
Best Affordable Greens Powder
Jacked Factory Green Surge
Product Highlights
- Made with organic green superfoods, probiotics, and digestive enzymes
- Provides healthy bacteria to the gastrointestinal tract to decrease bloat and improve digestion
- Supports the immune system using a blend of fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants
- No added sugar, artificial coloring, or preservative
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Very affordable
- Tastes good
- Said to decrease bloat
- Said to increase energy
- Keto-friendly
- Organic
- 100% money-back guarantee
- Well-priced
Cons
- Thick when mixed
- A little grainy
Bottom Line
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.
Best Greens Powder With Probiotics: Alani Nu Super Greens
Good for: Those who want their greens powder with a research-backed dose of probiotics
Best Greens Powder With Probiotics
Alani Nu Super Greens
Product Highlights
- Made with over 40 nutrients per serving
- Ingredients include power greens such as wheatgrass, barley grass, and spirulina
- Formulated to support energy levels, focus, immunity, and healthy digestion
- This powder is sweetened with Stevia so it has a sweeter taste than other green powders
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Mixes well
- High-quality ingredients
- Tastes good
- Banned substance-tested
- Includes antioxidants, prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes
Cons
- Expensive
- Too sweet for some
Bottom Line
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.
Best Greens Powder for Energy: Amazing Grass Greens Energy Blend
Good for: Someone who wants a pick-me-up from their greens powder
Best Greens Powder for Energy
Amazing Grass Greens Energy Blend
Product Highlights
- Combines 7 greens and fruits with yerba mate and matcha green tea
- Provides digestive health support
- Provides 85 milligrams of natural caffeine
- Available in Lemon Lime and Watermelon flavors
- No sugar added, non-GMO, gluten-free
- Can be added when baking or in your favorite drink
Pros & Cons
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
- Consumers report noticeable improvements in energy and digestive health
Cons
- Taste
Bottom Line
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.
Best Greens Powder with Protein: Huel Daily Superblend
Good for: A one-stop shop for protein and greens
Best Greens Powder With Protein
Huel Daily Superblend
Product Highlights
- 3-in-1 plant based superfood powder
- Provide the benefits of the Huel Daily Greens plus 25 grams of protein
- Features more than 87 vitamins and minerals
- Listed benefits: 154 health and wellness benefits including immune support, heart health, joint and bone protection, supporting energy levels, and more
Pros & Cons
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
- Made in the United States
Cons
- Only 19 servings per container
- Large servings size – 2 scoops/66 grams
- Contains allergen tree nuts and produced in a facility that also handles milk
Bottom Line
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.
Best Greens Powder for Bloating: Amazing Grass Greens Blend Superfood
Good for: Those who want a greens powder that could aid in digestion
Best Greens Powder for Bloating
Amazing Grass Greens Blend Superfood
Product Highlights
- Contains digestive enzymes and probiotics
- Caffeine-free version
- 2 servings of fruits and veggies per scoop
- No added sugar
- Made from whole food sources
- Gluten-free
- Kosher
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Very affordable (under $1 per serving)
- Multiple container sizes
- Same-day Prime shipping
- Subscription options available
- Grass flavor isn't too strong
- Contains probiotics and digestive enzymes
Cons
- Not the best source of vitamins and minerals
- Can remain gritty after mixing
- Flavored options may be too sweet for some
Bottom Line
A budget-friendly greens powder supplement that contains a moderate amount of vitamins and minerals.
Other Greens Powder We Tried and Researched
In our search for the best greens powder, we came across a bunch that didn’t make our list, including:
- Vibrant Health Green Vibrance: This supplement has been around for a while, but the taste has very mixed reviews so it didn’t make our shortlist. To see how it stacks up to our top pick (Athletic Greens AG1), check out our Green Vibrance vs Athletic Greens comparison.
- 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 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.
Best Greens Powder FAQs
Are greens powders actually good for you?
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?
What the best greens powder is will be different from person to person depending on your specific needs. In our opinion, AG1 is one of the best brand of greens powder because it contains reseach-backed doses of key vitamin and minerals, is third-party tested, and tastes good. Here are some of our other favorite greens powders we’ve tried.
Best Greens Powder Overall: Athletic Greens AG1
Best AG1 Alternative: Live it Up Super Greens
Best-Tasting Greens Powder: Transparent Labs Prebiotic Greens
Best Customizable Greens Powder: True Nutrition Custom Daily Greens
Best Greens Powder for Smoothies: Legion Genesis Greens
Best Super Greens Powder: Nested Naturals Super Greens
Best Greens Powder for Weight Loss: Organifi Green Juice
Best Daily Greens Powder: Ora Organic Easy Being Green
Best Organic Greens Powder: ProHealth Longevity Greens Powder
Best Clean Greens Powder: 1st Phorm Opti-Greens 50
Best Affordable Greens Powder: Jacked Factory Green Surge
Best Greens Powder With Probiotics: Alani Nu Super Greens
Best Greens Powder for Energy: Amazing Grass Greens Energy Blend
Best Greens Powder with Protein: Huel Daily Superblend
Best Greens Powder for Bloating: Amazing Grass Greens Blend Superfood
What is better than AG1?
There’s 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 a 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.
References
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