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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 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

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GGR Score: 4.25

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.

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.

RELATED: Athletic Greens Coupon Code 

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.

Read my full Athletic Greens review for all my thoughts on this supplement.

Price$3.30 per serving ($2.63 if placed on subscription/$99 per container ($79 if placed on subscription)
Number of servings30
Key ingredientsRaw superfood complex
CertificationsMade in a Therapeutic Goods Administration(TGA)-Registered Facility
SweetenersStevia
Contains Spirulina?Yes
Dosage1 scoop daily
FlavorsNo flavor options available 
Third-party tested?Yes, NSF-certified Sport

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

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GGR Score: 3.5

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.

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 or Peach Mango, and at $1.33 per serving, it’s on the more affordable side for greens powders. (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.

“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.”

RELATED: The Best Greens Powder for Pregnancy

Price$1.53 per serving ($1.38 if placed on subscription)/$45.99 per container ($41.39 if placed on subscription)
Number of servings30
Key ingredientsAcacia fiber and green banana flour
Certifications N/A
SweetenersStevia
Contains Spirulina?Yes
Dosage1 scoop daily 
FlavorsUnflavored, Peach Mango, Pineapple Coconut
Third-party tested?Yes, Informed Choice

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

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GGR Score: 4

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.

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.

RELATED: What Are Super Greens?

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, longtime fitness writer and Garage Gym Reviews editor, scores the taste a three out of five 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.

Price$1.00 per serving/$29.95 per container
Number of servings30
Key ingredientsApple powder, rice bran soluble powder, and Jerusalem artichoke inulin powder
CertificationsCertified Vegan, USDA Organic, Non-GMO
SweetenersN/A
Contains Spirulina?Yes
Dosage1 scoop daily 
FlavorsOriginal, Chocolate
Third-party tested?Yes

Best Greens Powder for Gut Health: Live It Up Super Greens

Good for: Anyone who wants a gut-friendly greens powder packed with probiotics and enzymes

Best for Gut Health

Live it Up Super Greens

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GGR Score: 4

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.

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.

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, 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.”

Woman drinking Live it Up Super Greens from a clear cup. The liquid is a dark green.

It’s available in two flavors: Original (mint) and Wild Berries. 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 he’s found that he’s had to add more than the suggested amount of liquid to get it fully incorporated. At around $2.00 per serving, it’s on the more expensive side—though you can save nearly $20 if you put it on a subscription basis.

Price$2.00 per serving ($1.33 if placed on subscription)/ $59.99 per container ($39.99 if placed on subscription)
Number of servings30
Key ingredientsBifidobacterium bifidum, bromelain, spirulina powder, whole leaf wheatgrass
Certifications GMP-certified facility
SweetenersMonk fruit extract
Contains Spirulina?Yes
Dosage1 scoop daily 
FlavorsOriginal, Wild Berries
Third-party tested? Yes

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

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GGR Score: 4.4

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.

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).

RELATED: Legion Athletics Coupon Code

Read our Legion Genesis Greens review for our full thoughts.

Price$2 per serving ($1.50 if placed on subscription)/$59.99 per container ($44.99 if placed on subscription)
Number of servings30
Key ingredientsOrganic spirulina, reishi mushroom, astragalus membraneceus, maca root
CertificationsNSF-certified, Current Good Manufacturing Practices
SweetenersErythritol and stevia
Contains Spirulina?Yes
Dosage1 scoop daily 
FlavorsOriginal, Acai Berry
Third-party tested? Yes

Best Customizable Greens Powder: True Nutrition Custom Daily Greens

Good for: Those who want to personalize their greens

Best Customizable

True Nutrition Super Greens

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Product Highlights

Customizable bases and boostersMultiple flavor optionsFinal price depends on customizationsThird-party tested

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.

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.

a bag of true nutrition super greens next to a white shaker cup

“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.

RELATED: True Nutrition Discount Code

“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.”

PriceDepends on your final mix
Number of servings14 per pound
Key ingredientsDepends on your mix
CertificationsN/A
SweetenersDepends on flavor (most use stevia)
Contains Spirulina?Can be added
Dosage1 scoop daily 
FlavorsMultiple flavors
Third-party tested? Yes

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

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GGR Score: 4

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.

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.

cup with green liquid next to cup of Organifi Green Juice. It's in a clear glass with some green residue on the sides

“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.”

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.

Check out our Organifi Green Juice review for more information.

Price$2.33 per serving ($2.10 if placed on subscription)/$69.95 per container ($62.96 if placed on subscription)
Number of servings30
Key ingredientsAshwagandha, Coconut Water Powder, Wheat Grass Juice Powder
CertificationsUSDA Organic, Non-GMO, Glyphosate residue-free
SweetenersMonk fruit extract
Contains Spirulina?Yes
Dosage1 scoop
FlavorsCrisp Apple, Original Mint
Third-party tested? Yes

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

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GGR Score: 4

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.

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. 

Check out our Jacked Factory Green Surge review for more details.

Price$0.75 per serving
Number of servings30
Key ingredientsProbiotics and leafy greens 
Certifications N/A
SweetenersStevia
Contains Spirulina?Yes
Dosage1 scoop daily 
FlavorsMixed Berry, Unflavored, Sour Apple,
Third-party tested? No

Best Daily Greens Powder: Ora Organic Greens

Good for: People who want an easy-to-use powder

Best Daily Greens Powder

Ora Organic Vegan Protein Powder

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GGR Score: 3.96

Product Highlights

  • Plant-based superfood protein
  • Comes in 4 delicious flavors
  • 4.2 stars on Amazon with 5,000 reviews
  • Free of dairy, gluten, and soy
  • Vegan and paleo
  • Includes 19 organic superfoods

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Non-GMO, vegan, paleo, and organic
  • Plant-based product
  • Third-party tested
  • Contains 19 organic superfoods
  • Free of many common allergens

Cons

  • Contains coconut
  • A little pricey
  • Stevia can cause GI distress in some people
  • Some reviewers do not enjoy the taste

Bottom Line

Ora is a well-known brand with positive reviews. It's a good option for those looking for a very clean, organic vegan protein powder.

Ora Organic promises that it’s “easy being green” with their supplement, and our testing and research indicates that’s true because of the wide variety of greens used and it’s commitment to third-party testing their products for purity.

It’s also dairy- and gluten-free, so it’s easy on the gut, and bears the USDA-certified organic mark along with being a certified vegan product.

Certified nutrition coach and GGR performance editor Anthony O’Reilly says he experienced no bloating with this product, and that it had a less grassy taste than others he’s tried. Unfortunately, the orange flavor that replaced those “grassy notes” wasn’t his favorite. “They say they use natural flavors, but it did not taste natural to me,” he says, rating the overall taste a 3 out of 5.

Ora Organic Easy being green Superfood Greens Powder being poured into a yellow shaker bottle

Several customer reviewers felt similar about the taste, though some were fans after experimenting with different ratios of water to orange juice. The one thing they and Anthony have in common is they felt better after taking it.

Registered dietitian Bob Iafelice says one issue with this supplement is that it uses proprietary blends that hide the exact amount of certain ingredients, such as adaptogens ashwagandha. ” So you don’t really know what you are getting here,” he says. He also notes that there’s no fruits in this greens powder.

Regarding price, it costs around $1.20 per serving, which is enough for it to get a 3.5 out of 5 on price.

Price$1.20 per serving
Number of servings30
Key ingredientsAlkalizing greens blend
CertificiationsUSDA Organic, Vegan, Kosher, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
SweetenersOrganic Monk Fruit
Contains Spirulina?Yes
Dosage1 scoop daily 
FlavorsOrange
Third-party tested? Yes

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

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GGR Score: 3.8

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.

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. 

man scooping prohealth longevity greens into a clear shaker cup while sitting on a red bench

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 servings30
Key ingredientsGreens and fruits blend, immuno antioxidant blend, prebiotics and probiotics
Certifications USDA Organic
SweetenersStevia and sugar
Contains Spirulina?Yes
Dosage1 scoop
FlavorsApple Banana
Third-party tested? Yes

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 image
GGR Score: 4

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.

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 also love Opti-Greens for its comprehensive assortment of probiotics and enzymes designed to optimize digestion and help relieve occasional bloating3.

RELATED: The Best Greens Powder for Bloating

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.

Dumping a scoop of Opti Greens 50 into a clear shaker cup

“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.  

Check out our Opti Greens 50 review for more information.

Price$2.33 per serving ($2.00 if placed on subscription)/$69.99 per container ($59.99 if placed on subscription)
Number of servings30
Key ingredientsDigestive enzymes 
CertificationsN/A
SweetenersStevia
Contains Spirulina?Yes
Dosage 2 scoops daily
FlavorsNatural Berry 
Third-party tested?Yes, Informed Choice

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

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GGR Score: 3.5

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.

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.

scoop of super greens into a clear glass. The powder is very fine and a light green

“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.

Read our full Super Greens review.

Price$1.00 ($0.90 if placed on subscription)/$29.97 per container ($26.97 if placed on subscription)
Number of servings30
Key ingredientsProbiotics
CertificationsN/A
SweetenersStevia
Contains Spirulina?Yes
Dosage1 scoop daily
FlavorsNo flavor options 
Third-party tested? No

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 image
GGR Score: 3.8

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.

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.

RELATED: Best Pre-Workout

“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!

Amazing Greens energy blend in a clear shaker bottle

RELATED: Best Pre-Workout for Men

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.

Price$0.77 per serving/$23.05 per container
Number of servings30
Key ingredientsPlant-based caffeine
Certifications Non-GMO, Gluten-free
SweetenersStevia
Contains Spirulina?Yes
Dosage1 scoop daily
FlavorsLemon-Lime, Watermelon
Third-party tested?N/A

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

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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.

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.

RELATED: Garden of Life Protein Powder Review

Huel daily superblend being scooped into a yellow shaker cup

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.”

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, at $3.00 per serving, though you are essentially consuming two supplements in one. You can learn more in our Huel review.

Price$3.00 per serving/$57 per bag
Number of servings19
Key ingredientsPea protein, greens blend, mushrooms, adaptogens
Certifications Vegan
SweetenersMonk Fruit Extract
Contains Spirulina?No
Dosage2 scoops (66 g)
FlavorsChocolate, Vanilla
Third-party tested?Yes

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

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GGR Score: 3.4

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.

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.”

amazing grass greens superfood being scooped into a mason jar. The powder has a few lumps in it

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.

Read our full Amazing Grass Green Superfood review for our full thoughts on this greens powder.

Price$0.83 per serving/$18.99 per container
Number of servings60
Key ingredientsSpirulina, organic wheat grass, organic spinach, digestive enzymes, prebiotic and probiotic blend, and active cultures
CertificationsN/A
SweetenersN/A
Contains Spirulina?Yes
Dosage1 scoop daily
FlavorsOriginal
Third-party tested?N/A

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.

A woman drinking 8greens Greens Powder out of a glass with a metal straw.

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.

Mixing Garden Of Life Green Superfood

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.

Green Vibrance Glass 9

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.

greens powders vs. multivitmains

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-Tasting Greens Powder: Transparent Labs Prebiotic Greens
Best Super Greens Powder: Nested Naturals Super Greens
Best Greens Powder for Gut Health: Live it Up Super Greens
Best Greens Powder for Smoothies: Legion Genesis Greens
Best Customizable Greens Powder: True Nutrition Custom Daily Greens
Best Greens Powder for Weight Loss: Organifi Green Juice
Best Affordable Greens Powder: Jacked Factory Green Surge
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 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

1. Nour M, Lutze SA, Grech A, Allman-Farinelli M. The Relationship between Vegetable Intake and Weight Outcomes: A Systematic Review of Cohort Studies. Nutrients. 2018;10(11):1626. Published 2018 Nov 2. doi:10.3390/nu10111626

2. Mandatori D, Pelusi L, Schiavone V, Pipino C, Di Pietro N, Pandolfi A. The Dual Role of Vitamin K2 in “Bone-Vascular Crosstalk”: Opposite Effects on Bone Loss and Vascular Calcification. Nutrients. 2021;13(4):1222. Published 2021 Apr 7. doi:10.3390/nu13041222 

3. Davani-Davari D, Negahdaripour M, Karimzadeh I, et al. Prebiotics: Definition, Types, Sources, Mechanisms, and Clinical Applications. Foods. 2019;8(3):92. Published 2019 Mar 9. doi:10.3390/foods8030092

4. Choudhary D, Bhattacharyya S, Joshi K. Body Weight Management in Adults Under Chronic Stress Through Treatment With Ashwagandha Root Extract: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. 2017 Jan;22(1):96-106. doi: 10.1177/2156587216641830. Epub 2016 Apr 6. PMID: 27055824; PMCID: PMC5871210.

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