14 Best Greens Powders of 2024, According to a Registered Dietitian

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.

14 Best Greens Powder Supplements, Tested and Reviewed

• 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 Greens Powder for Weight Loss: Organifi Green Juice
• Best Affordable Greens Powder: Jacked Factory Green Surge
• Best Daily Greens Powder: Onnit Shroom Tech Greens 
• 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: Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein & Greens
• Best Greens Powder for Bloating: Amazing Grass Greens Blend Superfood

Best Greens Powder Video Review

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 they take vegetables and other foods, dehydrate them and blend them into a powder that can be easily mixed into water.

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

GGR Score: 4.25

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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. 

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.

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

GGR Score: 3.5

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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 or in Peach Mango flavor

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. 

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,” says registered dietitian Bob Iafelice. “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

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

GGR Score: 4

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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.

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

GGR Score: 4

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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 review.

“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.”

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.

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.

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

GGR Score: 4.4

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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).

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

GGR Score: 4

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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.

“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.

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

GGR Score: 4

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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.

Best Daily Greens Powder: Onnit Shroom Tech Greens

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

Best Daily Greens Powder

Onnit Shroom Tech Greens

GGR Score: 3.6

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Product Highlights

• Combines Onnit Organic Greens Blend and PeakO2 Organic Mushroom blend to support both health and performance
• Dairy-free, gluten-free, keto-friendly, no added sweetener or sugar, nut-free, soy-free, and vegan
• Individual packets makes Shroom Tech Greens portable
• Formulated to support cellular integrity and immune health as well as endurance and work capacity
• Unflavored so can be added to any drink without altering the flavor

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Combines greens with mushrooms
• Sold in single-serving-size packets
• Consumers report improved performance

Cons

• Bitter taste
• Not third-party tested

Bottom Line

The unique blend of green vegetables and mushrooms in the Onnit Shroom Tech Greens powder results in a supplement that may improve gut health, overall health, exercise performance, and energy.

If you’re looking for a green vegetable-heavy dietary supplement that’s easy to remember day after day, Onnit’s Shroom Tech Greens should be on your radar. 

“My clients who use this product rave about the easily portable packets, which are especially handy when traveling to fill in the gaps,” says registered dietitian Bob Iafelice. “They use it to spruce up morning smoothies and bolster post-workout protein drinks.” 

This certified nutrition coach tried this product and I have to be honest—I didn’t like the taste. It was like drinking a mushroom. Did I mention I despise mushrooms? If you like mushrooms though, it might be your jam! I ended up mixing the powder with V8 juice and that was good enough to earn a 3 out of 5 rating on taste.

Fellow certified nutrition coach and GGR performance editor Anthony O’Reilly, who likes the taste of mushrooms, says the taste is closer to a 4 out of 5. “I’m someone who likes earthy-tasting foods so this was actually quite enjoyable,” he says. “But I get how someone who doesn’t like mushrooms wouldn’t be the biggest fan, though you can always mix it with orange juice to help mask the taste.”

Shroom Tech Greens gets bonus points because they’re individually packaged though—that was super convenient.

Shroom Tech Greens also contain a mushroom blend including cordyceps, reishi, and lion’s mane. Research⁵ has shown that mushrooms offer a variety of health-promoting effects, such as antioxidant functionality and assisting with a healthy inflammatory response. Moreover, one of these mushrooms, cordyceps, has been shown⁶ to improve tolerance to high-intensity exercise.

Read more about this product in our Onnit Shroom Tech review.

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

GGR Score: 3.8

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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.

KOS Show Me the Greens 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—ProHealth Longevity Greens could be a good choice. 

Registered dietitian Bob Iafelice, however, notes there are 3 grams of added sugar, which might not make it the best choice for diabetics. “It may unnecessarily raise blood glucose and insulin because there is no significant fat or protein to buffer the effects of the sugar on blood glucose/insulin levels,” he says. He also points out that there’s no plant-to-extract ratios provided for the ingredients, as there are on other greens powders, so we’re rating the formulation a 3 out of 5.

On the bright side, the company has all of its supplements tested by third-party labs and has certificates of analysis available. This is especially important for people who take regular drug tests or want to ensure their greens powders are free of potentially harmful substances, but since they don’t use a major organization we’re rating the transparency a 3 out of 5.

Our testers rated the Apple Banana flavor a 4 out of 5, saying it had just the right amount of sweetness but the banana flavor was missing. “The apple is the strongest flavor – maybe slightly sour apple,” says one of our expert product testers.

They also rated the solubility a 4 out of 5 because it became slightly gritty after about five minutes, though there were no notable clumps when drinking it.

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

GGR Score: 4

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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.

“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.

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

GGR Score: 3.5

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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.

“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.

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

GGR Score: 3.8

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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.

“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!

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.

Best Greens Powder with Protein: Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein & Greens

Good for: A one-stop shop for protein and greens 

Best Greens Powder With Protein

Garden of Life Protein & Greens

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Contains 20 grams of raw plant protein
• 6 organic greens and veggies
• 1.5 billion CFU probiotics, 13 non-GMO enzymes, 3 grams of organic fiber
• Good-quality low-carb post-workout protein shake to aid muscle recovery 
• Organic, NSF-certified, gluten-free, vegan, kosher, and Informed Choice-certified
• Available in Chocolate, Lightly Sweet, and Vanilla

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Supports digestion
• 20 grams of protein per serving
• Satiating
• Combines protein and greens into one drink
• Impressive ingredient list
• Great post-workout drink to aid recovery

Cons

• Chalky texture
• Does not mix that well
• Includes Stevia
• Lightly Sweet flavor has added sugar

Bottom Line

Combining the power of greens with 20 grams of plant-based protein, Garden Life’s Raw Organic Protein and Greens is a nutritious post-workout supplement.

Not only does Garden of Life’s Raw Organic Protein & Greens provide six organic greens and fruits, probiotics (1.5 billion CFU), and enzymes, it packs 20 grams of vegan protein per serving as well. 

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).

“In particular, this product contains pea protein powder, which is rich in leucine,” Bob Iafelice, a registered dietitian, explains. “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 alfalfa grass juice. It’s available in Vanilla, Chocolate, or Lightly Sweet flavors. 

RELATED: Garden of Life Protein Powder Review

I personally gave Garden of Life a try. I opted for the Apple flavor, and it’s not bad! You definitely get the green apple flavor to mask the grassiness, but I will say it’s much better cold than at room temp. The texture is good—not gritty—and there are no clumps. It does settle at the bottom after a while like most greens powders, but overall not bad.”

The $1.61 per serving cost earns it a middle-of-the-road price rating of 3 out of 5.

To get more details, check out our in-depth Garden of Life greens review.

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

GGR Score: 3.4

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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.”

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.

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.

How We Picked and Tested the Best Greens Powders

In our quest to find the best greens powder, we put together a comprehensive testing methodology to determine what matters most. Working with Bob Iafelice Ph.D, we derived a ratings metrics that took into account the following factors:

Ingredient List and Formulation

What vitamins, minerals, whole-food nutrients, prebiotics, probiotics, antioxidants, and adaptogens are present? Are there research-backed doses of each ingredient? We specifically looked at:

• Whole-food greens, looking to find at least one of the following: chlorella, spirulina, barley grass, wheat grass, spinach, kale, or alfalfa
• Digestive health ingredients, like prebiotics, probiotics, and/or digestive enzymes
• Fruit extracts
• Mushrooms
• Adaptogens, including ashwagandha, rhodiola, holy basil, chaga, cordyceps, ginseng

Proprietary blends: Let’s talk about them. They aren’t inherently bad, as they usually consist of good ingredients. However, the presence of a proprietary blend generally means that we don’t know the exact ingredients and/or how much of those ingredients are present. Therefore, we rate a product higher on formulation when there are no proprietary blends present.

Cost

What’s the price per serving? In doing market research, we established that the average cost of greens powder falls between $1.15 and $2.25. Therefore, prices too far above that were dinged for price, and too far below that were either an indication of affordability or, perhaps, cheap ingredients.

Flavor and Taste

We know this is subjective, and we know it’s also difficult to make greens powders taste good. However, we still felt it was important to give these powders a try and convey our personal taste preferences. We also took into account if the brand offered flavor options.

Solubility

We put each greens powder we tested into water as directed to mix it with a spoon as well as in a shaker cup. In some cases, we tested how the powder mixed with juice or in a blender. We then assessed in which cases the powder dissolved completely when mixed to rate it on a scale of 1 to 5.

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.

What to Look for In Greens Powder

Before you take the leap, decide which greens powder is right for you.

Decide On Your Budget

As you can see from our list of best greens powder, prices can range from $0.75 cents per serving all the way up to more than $3 per serving. You can sometimes find the product slightly cheaper on Amazon, or some companies offer subscription services that will save you a bit of money as well. But even if you don’t have $100 to spend on a bag of greens powder, that’s OK—you’ll still reap the benefits of the micronutrients from an array of products. 

Consider Any Contraindications

Check with your doctor about any vitamins, minerals, or supplements in general that may interfere with medications you take. And especially for products with lots of nutrients packed inside, make sure you’re scrutinizing the label if there are any contraindications you need to be aware of.

Ingredients List And Potential Interactions

While all greens powders should contain green vegetables, some also contain probiotics, antioxidants, additional fiber, and more. Decide what you want to get out of your greens powder, then review the ingredients list to assess potential.

Dosage

Make sure your greens powder contains the proper dose of vitamins and minerals for your dietary needs.

Think About Taste

While some greens powders are sweetly flavored, some are more earthy, and some are completely unflavored. But regardless of the flavor, it’s my experience that you’ll still taste a degree of “grassiness.” Especially for a beginner greens powder user, I’d suggest starting with a flavored option to see how you like it. 

Form

While most greens powders come in…well, powder form, there are also capsules that provide the same benefits.

Benefits of Greens Powder 

Though limited, some small-scale studies have demonstrated various health benefits, mostly cardiovascular, from consuming green powders. *

Consistent with research¹⁵ linking fruit and vegetable consumption with improved cardiovascular health, a systematic review of studies showed a strong impact from vegetable/fruit concentrates on supporting healthy cardiovascular function in the general population. 

Potential Risks of Greens Powders

While greens powders can be good for you, there are some potential downsides.

The biggest risk is interaction with certain medications. 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.

Additionally, there’s limited research on how greens powders may affect women who are pregnant or nursing.

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 breast-feeding may want to talk with their doctor before taking a greens powder supplement.

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 specialized formulated to meet certain nutritional needs.

It’s also important to not take both greens powders and multivitamins. Doing so could lead to nutrient toxicity, a condition that occurs when someone ingests too much of a vitamin or mineral. For example, excess Vitamin A intake has been linked with liver conditions.

Best Greens Powder FAQs

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.

5. Zhang JJ, Li Y, Zhou T, et al. Bioactivities and Health Benefits of Mushrooms Mainly from China. Molecules. 2016;21(7):938. Published 2016 Jul 20. doi:10.3390/molecules21070938

6. Hirsch KR, Smith-Ryan AE, Roelofs EJ, Trexler ET, Mock MG. Cordyceps militaris Improves Tolerance to High-Intensity Exercise After Acute and Chronic Supplementation. J Diet Suppl. 2017;14(1):42-53. doi:10.1080/19390211.2016.1203386  

7. Vigar V, Myers S, Oliver C, Arellano J, Robinson S, Leifert C. A Systematic Review of Organic Versus Conventional Food Consumption: Is There a Measurable Benefit on Human Health?. Nutrients. 2019;12(1):7. Published 2019 Dec 18. doi:10.3390/nu12010007

8. Vitellio P, Celano G, Bonfrate L, Gobbetti M, Portincasa P, De Angelis M. Effects of Bifidobacterium longum and Lactobacillus rhamnosus on Gut Microbiota in Patients with Lactose Intolerance and Persisting Functional Gastrointestinal Symptoms: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Cross-Over Study. Nutrients. 2019;11(4):886. Published 2019 Apr 19. doi:10.3390/nu11040886

9. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Probiotics: What you need to know. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Retrieved February 9, 2023, from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/probiotics-what-you-need-to-know 

10. Jackson, E. (2022, April 5). What is the difference between Prebiotic and probiotic foods? UMMS Health. Retrieved February 9, 2023, from https://health.umms.org/2022/03/04/prebiotics-probiotics/

11. Kechagia M, Basoulis D, Konstantopoulou S, et al. Health benefits of probiotics: a review. ISRN Nutr. 2013;2013:481651. Published 2013 Jan 2. doi:10.5402/2013/481651

12. Xu ZR, Tan ZJ, Zhang Q, Gui QF, Yang YM. The effectiveness of leucine on muscle protein synthesis, lean body mass and leg lean mass accretion in older people: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Nutr. 2015;113(1):25-34. doi:10.1017/S0007114514002475

13. Kurutas EB. The importance of antioxidants which play the role in cellular response against oxidative/nitrosative stress: current state. Nutr J. 2016;15(1):71. Published 2016 Jul 25. doi:10.1186/s12937-016-0186-5

14. Kieliszek M. Selenium⁻Fascinating Microelement, Properties and Sources in Food. Molecules. 2019;24(7):1298. Published 2019 Apr 3. doi:10.3390/molecules24071298

15. Lorenzoni G, Minto C, Vecchio MG, et al. Fruit and Vegetable Concentrate Supplementation and Cardiovascular Health: A Systematic Review from a Public Health Perspective. J Clin Med. 2019;8(11):1914. Published 2019 Nov 8. doi:10.3390/jcm8111914

Nicole Davis, CPT, PN1-NC

Nicole is an editor at GGR. She's been a journalist for the last 12 years and a CPT/group fitness instructor for the last 7 years.She grew up playing tennis, became an avid runner in college, competed in a bikini competition in her mid-twenties, and even completed a triathlon. Her workout of choice nowadays is CrossFit, plus logging her daily steps. After her first daughter was born four years ago, she became especially passionate about prenatal and postnatal fitness, teaching stroller bootcamp classes and working with expecting moms as clients.Post-journalism school, Nicole worked in print media as a magazine editor for 8 years, then went freelance for a while, writing for fitness websites and manufacturers in the industry. Now, as the the Editor of GGR, she brings her expertise in fitness to writing and editing honest reviews on everything you might need for your home gym.

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