The 10 Best Greens Powders of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

28 Oct.,2023

 

Always speak with a healthcare professional before adding a supplement to your routine to ensure that the supplement is appropriate for your individual needs and which dosage to take. Some greens powders may not be recommended for pregnancy or breastfeeding, or they might interact with certain medications or worsen symptoms of chronic illnesses.

Our team of registered dietitians reviews and evaluates every single supplement we recommend according to our dietary supplement methodology . From there, a registered dietitian on our Expert Review Board reviews each article for scientific accuracy.

Many greens powders also contain herbs, adaptogens, prebiotics, probiotics, digestive enzymes, and other added ingredients that may or may not be helpful for you. Our dietitian closely reviewed several brands of greens powders to recommend the ones with the best ingredients and taste. We tested 19 greens powders and rated each product for taste, texture, smell, third-party testing, nutrition, and value. Many of our top choices have third-party testing to ensure the ingredients list is accurate and free of contaminants. If there are adaptogens or other additions in these greens powders, we call them out and explain who may want to avoid them, so you can make the best choice for your individual needs.

Maddi Osburn, RDN, LD suggests that while greens powders make it easy to get some nutrients from vegetables, they aren’t a substitute for eating whole vegetables—which are much higher in fiber and other nutrients. However, a greens powder can be helpful when you aren’t able to eat as much produce (if you’re traveling, for instance), or for those with increased nutrient needs, like athletes. Due to their often concentrated vitamin and mineral contents, greens powders essentially act as a multivitamin, filling potential nutrient gaps in your diet.

Eating greens (as well as all other fruits and vegetables) has been linked to numerous health benefits, including lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease and helping to slow cognitive decline. Greens powders, which are made of dried, powdered vegetables, are a convenient way to get some of the nutrients found in vegetables, but they do not provide all the same benefits that you get from eating whole foods.

Best Overall

Garden of Life Raw Organic Perfect Food Green Superfood

Amazon

Our Ratings

  • Flavor

    4

    /5

  • Texture

    3

    /5

Pros

  • Third-party tested

  • No added sweeteners

  • Organic and vegan

  • Pleasant fruity taste

Cons

  • Some ingredients, including digestive enzymes, may not be suitable for all

  • Can take extra mixing to dissolve clumps

Voluntarily tested and approved by ConsumerLab's Quality Certification Program, The Garden of Life Raw Organic Perfect Food Green Superfood offers an extensive fruit, vegetable, and sprouted grain and seed blend in addition to the greens. It provides 70 percent of the recommended daily amount of vitamin K, 35 percent of vitamin A, 10 percent of riboflavin, and 2 percent to 8 percent of folate, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, and potassium.

While the extensive ingredient list could mean additional benefits beyond those that other greens powders offer, it is important to thoroughly review all ingredients, especially if you have a food allergy or are taking any prescription medications.

This greens powder is particularly high in vitamin K—with around 70 percent of the recommended daily allowance—which can be beneficial for some people but may pose a risk for people taking certain medications. Vitamin K can interact with blood thinners, cholesterol medications, and even some antibiotics.

It also contains some digestive enzymes, so if you have any digestive problems, check with a healthcare provider to see if these ingredients could worsen the symptoms. Certain digestive enzymes can help with certain digestive difficulties, but the enzyme(s) have to be matched to the condition, and they likely provide no benefit to healthy people.

It has two Lactobacillus probiotic strains that may help alleviate certain digestive conditions, and one Lactobacillus strain that may help fight foodborne illness. However, research is still preliminary, and there are currently no clear recommendations for using this combination of probiotics in the general population.

Garden of Life Raw Organic Perfect Food Green Superfood is organic, gluten-free, and vegan but not wheat-free. We like that the flavor has some fruity notes to complement the grassy taste of a greens powder; however, it is a bit clumpy. It requires more effort to fully dissolve.

Price at time of publication: $35 ($1.15 per serving)

Key specs:

Serving Size: 1 scoop (7 grams)⏐Servings Per Container: 30⏐Gluten-Free: Yes⏐Organic: Yes⏐Added Sweetener: No

Best Budget

Amazing Grass Greens Blend Superfood

Amazon

Our Ratings

  • Flavor

    5

    /5

  • Texture

    4

    /5

Pros

  • Third-party tested

  • Gluten-free

  • Contains algae

  • More affordable than some options

Cons

  • Contains prebiotics, probiotics, rosehip, and digestive enzymes, which may not be best for everyone

  • Has a grassier flavor and grainy texture

Amazing Grass Greens Blend is third-party tested and contains a blend of fruits, vegetables, grasses, prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes. This supplement could help you reach the recommended two cups of fruits and three cups of vegetables per day (which most adults don't meet), especially on days where you are traveling or on-the-go. However, keep in mind that two servings of whole produce are typically higher in fiber, vitamins, and minerals than what's in this powder—each serving provides just three grams of fiber.

Each serving provides 58 percent Daily Value of vitamin K—an important consideration for those on blood thinner medications. Each serving also provides 18 percent Daily Value of vitamin C and lower amounts of vitamin A, calcium, and potassium. This blend also contains two types of algae—spirulina and chlorella—which have been shown to have numerous potential health benefits, including reduced risk of many chronic diseases.

One thing to note is Amazing Grass contains rosehips, which may interact with antacids, estrogens, lithium, and medications that affect blood clotting. The prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes added may be beneficial for some people but may not be good for others, especially those with digestive disorders.

The Amazing Grass Greens blends pretty well, but it does have more of a grainy texture as compared to others. When it comes to taste, it is definitely on the grassier side, giving an almost similar taste to a matcha drink.

Price at time of publication: $28 ($0.93 per serving)

Key specs:

Serving Size: 1 scoop (8 grams) | Servings Per Container: 30 | Gluten-Free: Yes | Organic: No | Added Sweetener: Some blends contain stevia

Best With Protein

Vital Proteins Collagen Beauty Greens

Amazon

Pros

  • Organic, simple ingredient list

  • Contains 14 grams of protein

  • No added sweeteners

  • Adds a hint of creaminess from collagen and coconut powder

Cons

  • Large serving size

  • Not vegetarian

We love the simple ingredient list of this greens powder with just a mix of collagen peptides, dehydrated greens, hyaluronic acid, and a small number of probiotics. It is flavored with coconut water powder and vanilla bean powder.

While the research on the benefits of oral collagen supplements is mixed, there is some evidence to suggest that collagen peptides may improve skin elasticity. Regardless, collagen can be a good source of protein—this powder contains 14 grams and can be used as a protein powder in your morning smoothie. Vital Proteins also contains hyaluronic acid, which might help improve skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles. While the research on this is limited, one randomized control trial did show that oral hyaluronic acid can lessen wrinkle formation and improve skin.

Like other Vital Proteins products, this powder is third-party tested. Vital Proteins is known for its high-quality protein powders and thoughtful ingredient sourcing.

The flavor of this powder has a hint of creaminess due to the collagen, with the vanilla and coconut also offering a subtle, sweet, creamy flavor. One thing to note is it is on the earthier side for flavor, and it's more difficult to fully blend with just water. Because of this, we think this powder is better served in a smoothie.

Price at time of publication: $44 ($3.60 per serving)

Key specs:

Serving Size: 2 scoops (24 grams) | Servings Per Container: 12 | Gluten-Free: No | Organic: No | Added Sweetener: No

Best With Protein Runner-Up

Sakara Organic Protein + Greens Super Powder

Amazon

Our Ratings

  • Flavor

    5

    /5

  • Texture

    4.2

    /5

Pros

  • Third-party tested

  • Good source of iron

  • Contains 12 grams of protein

  • Tastes more like a smoothie than a green powder

Cons

  • Expensive

  • Some may find the vanilla flavor too strong

Sakara Organic Protein + Greens Super Powder contains a plant-based protein blend including pea, hemp seed, and sesame protein, offering 12 grams of protein with all essential amino acids. The greens blend is made with spirulina, wheatgrass, barley grass, and chlorella—a good source of phytonutrients and omega-3s DHA and EPA. It also contains 25 percent Daily Value of iron, making it a great choice for vegetarians looking to increase their iron intake.

This powder has a slightly sweet, vanilla-coconut taste from coconut milk, vanilla powder, and a small amount of stevia that blends well into smoothies. They recommend blending it with banana, spinach, nut milk, and nut butter for a nutrient-dense, high-fiber, high-protein smoothie.

This product is made with simple, USDA organic ingredients and is third-party tested. While it is free of common allergens, it is processed in a facility that processes wheat, milk, eggs, soy, and tree nuts, so it may not be suitable for those with certain food allergies. Sakara offers the option to purchase one time or as a renewing subscription with a slightly lower price point.

If you're looking for a product that masks that typical greens flavor, this option may be good for you, as this tastes more like a protein smoothie than a greens powder. The texture is on the creamier side with the flavor being a more pungent vanilla that some feel is overwhelming.

Price at time of publication: $90 ($3 per serving)

Key specs:

Serving Size: 1 scoop (20 grams) | Servings Per Container: 30 | Gluten-Free: Yes | Organic: Yes | Added Sweetener: Coconut sugar and stevia

Best with Added Nutrients

AG1 by Athletic Greens

Athletic Greens

Our Ratings

  • Flavor

    5

    /5

  • Texture

    4

    /5

Pros

  • NSF Certified for Sport

  • High in many vitamins and minerals

  • Free of common food allergens

  • Easy to dissolve in water and smooth texture

Cons

  • Some ingredients could interact with medications

  • Exact amounts of ingredients are not listed in proprietary blends

Athletic Greens (AG1) has an impressive 75 ingredient list in their greens powder mainly from whole foods, vitamins, and minerals. Despite the high number of ingredients, Athletic Greens is proud of its high manufacturing standards with 100 percent traceable ingredients for each batch made. Their greens powder is vegan, has no artificial ingredients, or pesticides, and is free of common food allergens, including gluten. We also appreciate it has strong third-party testing and is NSF Certified for Sport.

If you are looking for a greens powder that has a lot of nutrients packed in a serving, AG1 could be a good fit for you. This greens powder could serve as a multivitamin—it is a good source of many vitamins and minerals (except iron). Therefore, if you already take a multi, we recommend consulting a healthcare professional before taking this greens powder to make sure you're not getting too much of some nutrients.

While appealing to some, it's important to note that the long ingredient list includes adaptogens, plant extracts, mushroom powders, digestive enzymes, and probiotics. These ingredients may not be best for everyone, especially if you are taking any medications, are pregnant, or breastfeeding. In these instances, we recommend consulting a healthcare professional before you try AG1.

Adaptogens are plants that are thought to help the mind and body better handle—or adapt to—stress. AG1 contains the adaptogens Rhodiola rosea (R. rosea), ashwagandha, and medicinal mushrooms reishi and shiitake to help support the way your body responds to stress. Adaptogens have been used for centuries in some cultures for many health benefits, but it's important to note there are limited long-term studies on how adaptogens—and in what dose—impact our health.

When you look at the nutrition label, you'll notice the ingredients are grouped into different categories and labeled with a total amount. However, each individual ingredient amount is not listed, which may be helpful to know, especially the amounts for adaptogens.

AG1 offers a subscription service to make auto-renewing easier, and at a lower price point, which can be appealing since it's a more expensive option. This greens powder can be purchased in a 30-serving pouch or in convenient travel packs to take on the go.

What stands out to us about AG1 is how well it dissolves in water; we did not notice any clumps or grainy texture. We love that the flavor is pleasant, on the fruitier side, and not bitter at all!

Price at time of publication: $99 ($3.30 per serving)

Key specs:

Serving Size: 1 scoop (12 grams) | Servings Per Container: 30 | Gluten-Free: Yes | Organic: No | Added Sweetener: No

Adaptogens in Athletic Greens

Rhodiola rosea is a plant that grows in mountainous regions in Asia and Europe. Some studies suggest it may help combat fatigue, exhaustion, and stress. However, more research is needed on optimal dosing and long term effects. Rhodiola can also interact with immunosuppressants, any medications broken down in the liver, those used for diabetes, or high blood sugar.

Ashwagandha is an adaptogen associated with increased energy levels, improved sleep, and reduced anxiety. The long term safety and recommended dosing of ashwagandha is not well known from research. It's important to note ashwagandha may also interact with several medications, including immunosuppressants, sedatives, thyroid hormones, blood pressure medications, diabetes medications, and other herbs or supplements.

Medicinal mushrooms reishi and shiitake can also act like adaptogens and may have other health benefits like helping to lower inflammation and blood pressure. Reishi mushrooms may interact with blood pressure, diabetes, and blood clotting medications. High doses may also increase risk of bleeding—something to consider for those with blood disorders and who have a surgery in coming weeks. The safety of taking these mushrooms during pregnancy and breastfeeding is also not well known.

Best Savory

Dr. Mercola Fermented Greens Powder

Amazon

Our Ratings

  • Flavor

    3.8

    /5

  • Texture

    5

    /5

Pros

  • Third-party tested

  • Small serving size

  • Contains fermented greens

  • Can be added to soups or vegetable juice

Cons

  • Contains stevia and monk fruit

  • Contains moringa and caffeine, which may not be a good choice for some

The Dr. Mercola fermented greens powder contains a blend of fermented grasses, greens, vegetables, herbs, and algae, including chlorella and spirulina. Fermenting fruits, vegetables, and other foods may increase the body's ability to use and benefit from the antioxidants found in those ingredients. We like that this powder has both spirulina and algae, as both have been shown to offer a number of health benefits including lowering cholesterol and blood pressure.

This greens powder contains yerba mate and matcha, both of which contain caffeine. If you are sensitive to caffeine, are pregnant, or take a medication that could interact with caffeine, you may want to avoid this product.

It also contains moringa, an herb that can affect how medications are broken down in the liver, especially thyroid medications and those used for diabetes. If you're taking any medications, review this product with a healthcare provider before using it.

Dr. Mercola's fermented greens powder is sweetened with the no-calorie natural sweeteners monk fruit and stevia, which can help cut some of the grassy or bitter flavors of the powder without the added sugar. However, these ingredients have distinct flavors which you may or may not enjoy. These ingredients are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA, but not much is known about their effects on human health yet.

The flavor of fermentation may throw some people off, as it is more tangy and similar to a vegetable broth. While some may appreciate the taste with just water, this greens powder can work well when mixed into more savory liquids. We like the nutrient density of this powder and how well it blends without clumps. It may work best when mixing this into a soup or a green vegetable smoothie.

Price at time of publish: $35 ($0.43 per serving)

Key specs:

Serving Size: 1 teaspoon (3 grams) | Servings Per Container: 90 | Gluten-Free: No | Organic: Yes | Added Sweetener: Monk fruit extract and stevia

Best for Athletes

BioSteel Powdered Greens Antioxidant Superfood

Amazon

Our Ratings

  • Flavor

    4.2

    /5

  • Texture

    5

    /5

Pros

  • NSF Certified for Sport

  • Vegan and free from many allergens

  • Mix of fruit and vegetables

  • Tastes like a fruity, mint lemonade

Cons

  • Contains stevia and inulin

  • Can be clumpy

If you're a competitive athlete, it's essential to choose a product that is third-party tested for any ingredients banned by your sport. Especially in this instance, we recommend Biosteel Sport Greens powder for athletes because it meets the rigorous NSF Certified for Sport requirements. Some research suggests that fruit and vegetable juices and concentrates may promote muscle recovery. There is also specific research to connect tart cherry, an ingredient in this blend, with exercise recovery.

The product advertises an amino acid complex to support sports recovery. However, research on the benefits of supplementing with l-glutamine and l-leucine on exercise recovery is inconsistent, and benefits are minimal if any exist.

Biosteel Sport Greens is vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, non-GMO, and free from any artificial flavors or colors, making it a good product if you have specific dietary requirements. It does contain inulin, which can be helpful for some people's digestion but problematic for others.

The Acai Lemonade flavor has quite a distinct smell of citrus, and that citrus flavor combines with almost a minty undertone for the flavor profile. Some may not love the aftertaste, and it does take a bit longer to mix this powder to get rid of clumps.

Price at time of publication: $28 ($0.93 per serving)

Key specs:

Serving Size: 1 scoop (10 grams) | Servings Per Container: 30 | Gluten-Free: Yes | Organic: No | Added Sweetener: Stevia

Best Fruity Flavor

KOS Show Me the Greens Powder

Amazon

Our Ratings

  • Flavor

    5

    /5

  • Texture

    4

    /5

Pros

  • Good source of iron

  • Organic, non-GMO and produced in an NSF-certified facility

  • Contains algae

  • Pleasant green apple smell and taste

Cons

  • Not third-party tested

  • Can leave some sediment on the bottom

If you're looking for an organic and flavored greens powder, try KOS' green apple sorbet-flavored powder. It's sweetened with monk fruit and stevia, keeping the calorie content low while adding some sweetness. Although this product isn't third-party tested, it is USDA organic, non-GMO, and produced in an NSF-certified facility.

This product also has two grams of fiber and is a pretty good source of iron—three milligrams per serving. Iron is an important mineral to produce hemoglobin, which helps transport oxygen throughout the body. Having enough iron in your diet can also help reduce the risk of anemia.

In addition to the algae—spirulina, and chlorella—KOS keeps it simple with wheat grass, cabbage, kale, broccoli, apple, and green bell pepper powders. Keep in mind that this powder does contain a digestive prebiotic blend, and while it contributes to the fiber content, it may not be suitable for those who have a digestive illness.

The smell and flavor of this greens powder is a strong green apple profile, which we very much enjoy. The fruity taste really helps tone down the earthy flavor of greens. This powder may be the best choice for people who really want the flavor of the greens masked. It also dissolves pretty well in water, but it may leave some sediment on the bottom of your glass.

Price at time of publication: $37 ($1.32 per serving)

Key specs:

Serving Size: 1 scoop (9.5 grams) | Servings Per Container: 28 | Gluten-Free: Yes, but not certified | Organic: Yes | Added Sweetener: Stevia and monk fruit extract

Best Single Ingredient

True Grace Superfood Powder Broccoli Microgreens

True Grace

Our Ratings

  • Flavor

    5

    /5

  • Texture

    5

    /5

Pros

  • Third-party tested

  • Single ingredient

  • Certified organic

  • Easy to fully dissolve in water

Cons

  • Micronutrients not listed on label

  • Not the best taste if you don't like broccoli

If you want pure greens powder without unnecessary added ingredients, we recommend True Grace Superfood Powder Broccoli Microgreens because the only ingredient is powdered broccoli microgreens. Microgreens are miniature leafy greens that are high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and research suggests these small plants have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. We also appreciate this powder is certified regenerative organic, non-GMO, and grown on small US farms. Certified regenerative organic means True Grace places a strong emphasis on restoring soil quality and sustainable land use.

We also like that this greens powder is third-party tested by Alchemist Labs, and is vegan, soy-free, and gluten-free. While microgreens are high in vitamins and minerals, no vitamin or mineral amounts are listed on this label. Therefore, it's not clear how much of the vitamins and minerals from microgreens are in the microgreens powder. Because there is no added sweetener and because it is from broccoli microgreens, note this option may have a stronger, more vegetable-forward flavor compared to others.

If you aren't a fan of broccoli, you may not love the taste of this greens powder as it definitely tastes like mild broccoli flavor. The flavor isn't overpowering, but it is noticeable. We also like this blends fully in water in just a few seconds, unlike other powders that may take 20-30 seconds to thoroughly mix in.

Price at time of publication: $65 ($2.17 per serving)

Key specs:

Serving Size: 1 /4 teaspoon | Servings Per Container: 30 | Gluten-Free: Yes | Organic: Yes | Added Sweetener: No

Best for Pregnancy

Perelel Synbiotic Greens Powder

PerelelHealth.com

Pros

  • Third-party tested

  • Physician approved as safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding

  • Contains a fruit and vegetable, antioxidant blend

  • Slightly sweet, pleasant flavor

Cons

  • Contains inulin, which may cause gas and bloating in some

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding and looking to supplement with a greens powder, you want to pay particularly close attention to the ingredient list and supplement facts, as well as the quality of the product. Some greens powders contain adaptogens, herbal blends, and digestive enzymes, as well as high amounts of certain vitamins and minerals, which may not be suitable or safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding. Perelel's Synbiotic Greens Powder is a physician-approved, safe option that is also third-party tested for purity and potency.

In addition to the antioxidant greens and fruit blend, it also contains a prebiotic fiber called inulin, which is a fermentable fiber that can help support a healthy gut microbiome. However, because it is fermentable, it can cause gastrointestinal symptoms like gas and bloating in some, and may not be suitable for those with IBS. It also contains probiotics, which can help to populate the gut with beneficial bacteria. The use of probiotics is generally considered safe during pregnancy; however, the research behind strains, dosages, and their associated benefits is somewhat limited.

This powder comes in an acai berry flavor, made with natural flavorings, and slightly sweetened with stevia. We love that the flavor is subtly sweet, not overpowering which may be helpful if you have morning sickness. It fully dissolves in water very quickly without leaving any clumps. However, it can leave some sediment on the bottom especially if you don't drink it right away. If this happens, it can easily be dissolved again by mixing with a spoon. The smell can be a little off-putting, as it is more earthy. However, we like that the taste is surprisingly pleasant.

It is non-GMO and free of gluten, dairy, soy, synthetic fillers, artificial colorings, and flavorings, Perelel offers a subscription service with monthly delivery (which also brings down the cost of the product), or you can buy it as a one time purchase.

Price at time of publication: $52 ($1.73 per serving)

Serving Size: 1 scoop | Servings Per Container: 30 | Gluten-Free: Yes | Organic: Some ingredients are organic | Added Sweetener: Stevia

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