8 Best Greens Powders, According to Registered Dietitians
While it's ideal to get your nutrients from a well-balanced diet, these options can be beneficial if you can't get your daily fill.
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If you've been scrolling on social media lately, you've probably noticed that powdered green drinks have become all the rage. These vitamin-packed health blends can be mixed easily into water, smoothies or other liquids and they are usually made from a blend of ground-up greens that promise to provide you with your veggies for the day. The attraction of these green drinks is that they may provide you with optimal nutrients, a boost of energy and the promise of getting your daily allotment of veggies in a simple and quick powder.
"Marketing in general has changed people’s perception of what they need day to day," says registered dietitian and personal trainer, Karen Saba, M.S., R.D., C.D.N., CPT, who explains that celebrities, athletes and social media influencers continue to drive the powdered green drink trend. "It is important to get enough greens in your diet because they provide vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber and water and many people are not consuming enough of them." Saba says. The best rule of thumb is food first, she says. "Supplements should be used to fill in the gaps and not meant to replace whole foods."
Before you mix up one of these green drinks for yourself, keep in mind that the optimal way to get the nutrients you need is by eating a variety of foods in their natural — not powdered — form. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that just 9% of American adults get the recommended 1.5 cups of fruit and 2 to 3 cups of vegetables each day. So if you’re the type of person who is just never going to bring yourself to eat a kale salad or a side of Brussels sprouts, greens powders may offer you an alternative path to meeting the CDC's goals.
Our articles on supplements — from the best vitamin D supplements to the best magnesium supplements —are informed by nutrition expertise, but the ultimate choice is a personal decision between you and your healthcare provider. Since dietary supplements are not approved by the FDA prior to going to market, it’s important to do your research before adding them to your regimen. Our team of registered dietitians in the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab analyzed over 30 greens powders, prioritizing picks that have been tested by a credible third party such as USP and NSF. These measures are designed to help ensure there are no harmful substances in the products themselves and to verify that what is in the bottle is what is on the label. You can read more about how we tested below.
Our top picks:
Almost all the greens powders start with a blend of spirulina and chlorella (two nutrient-packed types of algae), plus antioxidant-rich wheatgrass. Beyond that, they may include anything from a handful of other greens to hundreds more ingredients, including probiotics, adaptogens and traditional Chinese herbs. Read on below to learn everything you need to know about the best greens powders, including what to look for and how to use them.
If you're interested in finding out more about using supplements to support your health and wellness goals, check out our top picks for the best multivitamins for women, the best electrolyte supplements and the best protein powders.
Amazing Grass Greens Blend
Amazing Grass Greens Blend
Pros
- Moderately priced
- Available in on-the-go packets
Cons
- Some say it can taste "grassy"
You can spend a fortune on greens powders, which is one of the reasons we like this moderately-priced mix that has many of the same certified-organic, non-GMO ingredients as the pricier brands, including the ubiquitous spirulina, chorella and wheatgrass, plus green tea leaf, carrot, acai, pineapple extract and probiotics. It's also vegan and gluten-free, and is available in three flavors (original, chocolate, and berry), though our experts note that the original flavor can taste "grassy." You can purchase it in on-the-go individual packets, too.
| Dosage | 1 scoop |
|---|---|
| Price per dosage | $0.73 |
Zazzee Organic Spirulina Powder
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Single ingredient product
Cons
- Concentrated taste
This budget-friendly pick is USDA-certified organic and comprised of 100% spirulina powder, which is made from single-cell algae. According to the company, it is manufactured in the USA in a FDA-certified facility with adherence to good manufacturing policies.
Because of the unique taste, it may be difficult to drink straight. Reviewers report a slight chlorophyll-like taste, however it's not as overpowering when mixed into smoothies or with cold liquids.
| Dosage | 1 teaspoon |
|---|---|
| Price per dosage | $0.13 |
Athletic Greens AG1
Pros
- NSF-certified
- ConsumerLab.com approved
- Available in on-the-go packets
Cons
- High price point
One of the most well-known and popular powders, AG1 is NSF Certified for Sport, so you know every one of the 75 ingredients, including pea protein isolate, burdock root powder and pre-and probiotics, has been third-party tested for banned substances in athletic competitions. This gluten-free and vegan powder is pricey and while you can save on a monthly subscription, you might want to consider other options if budget is a constraint. Greens powder enthusiasts that we spoke with for this story report AG1 tops their lists for best tasting because, unlike many others, it goes down smoothly with no overly grassy or earthy flavors.
It is approved by ConsumerLab.com and passes their test for containing acceptable levels of heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, arsenic and mercury as well as pesticides and microbes. Be aware AG1 contains live probiotics which must be refrigerated, except for the single-serving packets. Another thing to note: This greens powder contains 50 calories per serving — that's not necessarily high but it has more calories than others on this list.
| Dosage | 1 scoop |
|---|---|
| Price per dosage | $3.00 |
Garden of Life Perfect Food Green Superfood
Garden of Life Perfect Food Green Superfood
Pros
- Stevia-free
- ConsumerLab.com approved
- Certified-USDA organic, Non-GMO project-verified
- NSF-certified gluten-free
Cons
- Some say it can taste "earthy" and "grassy"
If eating organic is an important part of your dietary plan, this blend from Garden of Life claims to contain "40 nutrient-dense raw, organic greens, sprouts, fruits and veggies," as well as pre-and probiotics and is free from any artificial flavors or sweeteners including stevia. You can also purchase on-the-go packets, which is convenient when traveling.
According to the company, this product is made from grasses that are "juiced and cold temperature-dried immediately at the farm within an hour of harvesting." It is also USDA-certified, Non-GMO Project Verified and approved by ConsumerLab.com. It's available in a variety of flavors from original to apple and chocolate, though some reviewers say that the original flavor has an earthy and grassy taste; many preferred apple.
| Dosage | 1 scoop |
|---|---|
| Price per dosage | $1.15 |
Vibrant Health Green Vibrance Vegan Superfood Powder
Vibrant Health Green Vibrance Vegan Superfood Powder
Pros
- Rich in vitamins A, D and E
- Non-GMO
Cons
- May have an earthy and grassy taste
This probiotic-packed powder has a mix of six different types of grass, in addition to a long list of other ingredients. (Keep in mind that more doesn't necessarily equate to better.) It packs in adaptogens, lichen powder for vegan-friendly vitamin D3, burdock root for liver support, and two grams of fiber.
Green Vibrance contains 25 billion live probiotics from Lactobacillus acidophilus, which some research suggests may be beneficial for digestive health. The product should be stored in your freezer or refrigerator after opening due to the live active cultures. Some reviewers report the product has an earthy and slightly grassy taste, and may taste better mixed into smoothies.
| Dosage | 1 scoop |
|---|---|
| Price per dosage | $1.37 |
Gnarly Nutrition Performance Greens
Pros
- NSF-certified for sport
- Can serve as a multivitamin
Cons
- Contains stevia
This greens powder is NSF Certified for Sport, meaning it has been third-party tested for banned substances in sports, unsafe levels of contaminants and masking agents. It is packed with vitamins and minerals, so it may be a questionable choice for those already on a multivitamin regimen. Alternatively, based on your healthcare providers advice, it could possibly serve as your daily multivitamin. It comes in two flavors (blueberry acai and lemon mint) and, according to reviewers, it has a very grassy and slightly sweet taste from stevia. Some report it blends well in smoothies and tastes better in very cold water.
Saba appreciates that is has added beetroot for athletes: "Studies indicate that beetroot may increase oxidative flow to muscle." Additionally, she adds, "tart cherry may be helpful in aiding recovery after a tough workout."
| Dosage | 1 scoop |
|---|---|
| Price per dosage | $1.60 |
Bare Performance Nutrition Strong Greens Superfood Powder
Bare Performance Nutrition Strong Greens Superfood Powder
Pros
- Informed Sport-tested
- Available in to-go packets
- 3g fiber
Cons
- Contains stevia
Bare Performance Strong Greens powders is Informed Sport-tested for banned substances and includes three grams of dietary fiber. This blend of grasses, freeze-dried coconut water, beetroot juice, turmeric root powder and a touch of stevia for sweetness is available in lemon and pineapple coconut flavors as well as individual packets. The majority of reviewers we spoke with prefer the pineapple coconut flavor over lemon, although taste is subjective. Most reviewers report that the flavor is not overpowering and it mixes very easily into smoothies or protein shakes.
| Dosage | 1 scoop |
|---|---|
| Price per dosage | $1.73 |
NOW Certified Organic Spirulina Powder
NOW Certified Organic Spirulina Powder
Pros
- USDA-certified organic
- Affordable
- Single ingredient product
Cons
- Strong taste for some
This greens powder contains only one ingredient, USDA-certified organic spirulina, a type of blue-green algae, making it an attractive choice for the greens purist. It has no sweetness but has a strong chlorophyll taste. The finely ground powder can add vibrant color to smoothies or smoothie bowls.
Spirulina is naturally rich in the fatty acid gamma linolenic acid, beta-carotene (Vitamin A) and vitamin B-12. It also contains iron. While studies are limited, spirulina does show promise with the prevention of metabolic syndrome and lowering blood pressure.
A family-owned business founded in 1968, NOW performs rigorous testing on each supplement it produces. In fact, according to the company, it takes at least three years to launch a new product because of all the testing. NOW recently received ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation from the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) for both the analytical and microbiological laboratories.
| Dosage | 1 teaspoon |
|---|---|
| Price per dosage | $0.19 |
How we choose the best greens powder supplements
The registered dietitians in the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab reviewed over 30 greens powders, narrowing down our top selects based on the following criteria:
- Third-party tested: We prioritized companies that conduct third-party testing by credible institutions, such as USP and NSF, to ensure quality standards, and that what is on the product label is, in fact, what consumers are purchasing. We reviewed marketing claims, ingredient lists and product quality, and prioritized companies that test for heavy metals, pesticide and herbicide contamination, among other items of concern. We also highlighted companies that have strict internal quality control standards.
- Variety: We sought out various types of greens powder supplements which reflected different taste and texture profiles as well as brands that mixed easily into water and smoothies, since that is the popular way to use them. We included options for both single ingredient and blends that could accommodate a range of dietary preferences. We also looked for brands that offered single-serving packet options convenient for traveling and on-the-go in addition to multi-serving containers.
- Ingredients: We focused on companies that use better quality ingredients and avoid artificial preservatives, sweeteners, fillers, synthetic dyes and colors.
What to look for when shopping for the best greens powder
There are an overwhelming amount of greens powders available on the market today, so here are a few tips to keep in mind.
✔️ Ingredient list: Registered dietitian Joy Maraj MS, RD CDN, CNSC recommends being conscious of added sugars and calories. She explains, "they can easily add up, especially if you are using these powders to add to a smoothie that have other ingredients and powders in it." She also cautions to be aware of heavy metals, such as lead, which can be a problem with a lot of greens powders. Overall, it's a good idea to avoid products with artificial flavors and preservatives. We recommend choosing brands that have been certified by a credible third-party organization to ensure what the label states is in the product is accurate and that the product has been tested for heavy metals, purity and potency. Select brands that are verified by institutions such as USP, NSF, and Informed Sport.
✔️Multivitamin compatibility: Many of the products we reviewed contained a sufficient number of vitamins that could lead to excessive consumption if taken at the same time as a multivitamin. As always, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider before adding any supplement to you daily regimen.
✔️Storage: If you travel a lot and plan on using greens powder on-the-go, choose a brand that offers single-serving packets instead of a large multi-serving container. Refrigeration is also a consideration; some of the brands we looked at contain ingredients, such as probiotics, which may require cold storage.
✔️ Price: Greens powders can vary greatly in price and therefore we've listed a range of choices to suit all budgets. As with most things, higher prices are not necessarily a good indicator of quality.
Are green powders worth it?
While it's ideal to obtain your nutrients from a well-balanced diet that includes whole fruits and vegetables, greens powders can fill in the gaps when you can't fulfill your daily servings. Some of the benefits of include:
✔️ Convenience: "Powders are a fast and easy way to supplement diets that are deficient in natural greens, especially when you're traveling or when healthy options are limited," Maraj says. A greens powder also can serve as a vitamin boost in your morning smoothie.
✔️ Wider variety of greens: Even if you love broccoli and kale, it's unlikely you'd snack on the most potent greens in these powders. Recent research has shown that spirulina supplements can help lower blood lipids. For vegans and vegetarians, chlorella can provide vitamins D2 and B12, which are tough to get from other plant-based foods, and wheatgrass and other grasses contain high levels of chlorophyll, which contains valuable antioxidants that may reduce inflammation.
✔️ Versatility: There's a greens powder for almost every health concern you have, including ones that contain pre and probiotics, which may promote healthy digestion.
What's the best thing to mix greens powder with?
Water is certainly a popular and incredibly easy option. But to aid in absorption, you may want to consider mixing the powder with a fat source. Many greens powders contain naturally occurring fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, E, and K. Therefore, Maraj recommends pairing these powders with a healthy fat source to reap the benefits. She suggests adding "the powders to a smoothie that contains a healthy fat source, such as nuts, nut milk or yogurt, for optimal absorption."
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Amy Fischer is a registered dietitian nutritionist with an M.S. in clinical nutrition from New York University and a B.A. in journalism from Miami University of Ohio. Prior to Good Housekeeping, she worked at one of the largest teaching hospitals in New York City as a cardiac transplant dietitian. She has authored numerous chapters in clinical nutrition textbooks and has also worked in public relations and marketing for food company start-ups. She has written for Good Housekeeping about other supplements, including creatine, magnesium, fish oil and electrolytes.
Marisa Cohen is a contributing editor in the Hearst Lifestyle Group’s Health Newsroom, who has covered health, nutrition, mental health, parenting and the arts for dozens of magazines and websites over the past two decades.
Marisa Cohen is an editor in the Hearst Lifestyle Group’s Health Newsroom, who has covered health, nutrition, parenting and culture for dozens of magazines and websites over the past two decades.
Amy (she/her) is a registered dietitian with the Nutrition Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, covering nutrition- and health-related content and product testing. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Miami University of Ohio and a master's degree in clinical nutrition from NYU. Prior to Good Housekeeping, she worked at one of the largest teaching hospitals in New York City as a cardiac transplant dietitian. She has authored numerous chapters in clinical nutrition textbooks and has also worked in PR and marketing for food company start-ups.
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