The Best Greens Powders, According to Nutrition Experts - Kiến Thức Cho Người lao Động Việt Nam

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A quick look at the best greens powders

Best third-party tested: Athletic Greens AG1
Best affordable: Amazing Grass Greens Blend Energy

Greens powders have become increasingly popular as a quick and easy way to get a nutrient boost. Simply turn on a podcast or start scrolling through social media and you’re likely to come across an ad for one of these trendy powders.

It’s no surprise that people are interested in finding easy ways to increase their fruit and vegetable intake.

In fact, recent research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that only 12.3% of adults in the United States met the recommended intake of 1.5–2 cup-equivalents of fruits per day and just 10% of U.S. adults met the recommended intake of 2–3 cup-equivalents of vegetables per day (1)

However, because most greens powders come with a hefty price tag, you may be wondering whether these brightly hued powders are actually worth the investment.

Healthline’s dietitians reviewed the research and combed through more than 15 of the most popular products on the market to help you decide whether — and which — greens powders might be worth your money.

What are greens powders?

Greens powders are supplements typically made up of leafy greens, grasses, some fruits, and a variety of potentially beneficial ingredients, such as digestive enzymes and pre- and probiotics.

The ingredients are dried and ground into a powder that can be mixed into any beverage. However, specific ingredient formulations vary across products.

Greens powders are generally marketed toward people who find it difficult to regularly consume enough fruits and vegetables — particularly green vegetables — and those who are enticed by the various health claims that often accompany these products.

For example, many supplements are marketed as a way to help increase energy levels, reduce inflammation, and improve digestion.

However, research on the benefits of greens powders is quite limited, and most studies are more than 10 years old. Additionally, several of these studies were funded by supplement manufacturers, which means there’s a risk of bias.

A note on proprietary blends

Many greens powders contain proprietary blends, which are unique combinations of ingredients made by the manufacturer. While the types of ingredients are listed, manufacturers do not have to list the specific amounts of each ingredient present in a proprietary blend.

Because of this, proprietary blends can make it difficult to know whether you’re consuming an effective dose of a given ingredient. Additionally, undisclosed ingredient amounts can be problematic for people with sensitivities to any of the ingredients, including stimulants such as caffeine.

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How we chose

Healthline’s dietitians looked at more than 15 of the most popular greens powders on the market, and only 3 products ultimately passed both our dietitians’ review and our internal vetting process.

We determined the best greens powders using the following criteria:

Appropriate claims and disclaimers: We automatically ruled out products that make overly exaggerated health claims, particularly those promising a “detox” benefit. Additionally, all the products on our list are in compliance with supplement labeling guidelines established by the Food and Drug Administration.
Brand reputation: We looked for products manufactured by well-known, reputable brands.
Customer reviews: We included products with mostly favorable online reviews. We also considered consumer feedback on the taste and texture of each powder.
Ingredient and nutrition quality: We looked for products that are low in added sugars and contain few or no artificial additives and preservatives.
Variety: We included products to suit a range of budgets and dietary needs and preferences.
Vetting: The products on our list have been vetted to ensure that they align with Healthline’s brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. You can read more about our vetting process.

A note on price

General price ranges with dollar signs ($–$$$) are indicated below.

Generally, prices range from $1.33. to $3.30 per serving, or $39.99 to $99 per container, though this may vary depending on where you shop.

Note that serving sizes vary by product, and some companies offer varying sizes of containers.

Pricing guide

$$ = under $3.00 per serving
$$$ = over $3.00 per serving

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Healthline’s picks of the best greens powders

Product note: At time of publish, our third product recommendation, Vital Proteins Beauty Greens, is not available on the company’s website or through third-party retailers. It has subsequently been removed from the article.

Best third-party tested

Athletic Greens AG1

Price: $$$
Available flavors: Unflavored
Certifications: NSF Certified for Sport
Nutrition per 1-scoop (12-gram [g]) serving: 50 calories, 6 g carbs, 2 g fiber, <1 g total sugars, 2 g protein
Active ingredients: organic spirulina, lecithin, apple powder, inulin, organic wheat grass juice powder, organic alfalfa, organic chlorella, organic barley leaf, acerola fruit juice powder, rose hip, broccoli powder, papaya powder, pineapple fruit concentrate, bilberry fruit extract, beet root powder, carrot root powder, spinach leaf powder, cocoa bean extract, grape seed extract, green tea extract, licorice root powder, lycium berry fruit extract, ginger powder, slippery elm, kelp powder, pea protein isolate, citrus bioflavonoids extract, artichoke leaf extract, citric acid, rhodiola root extract, eleuthero root extract, rosemary leaf extract, milk thistle seed extract, alpha-lipoic acid, ashwagandha, dandelion whole plant concentrate, hawthorn berry extract, beta glucans, policosanol, coenzyme Q-10, stevia, vitamin K2, astralagus root powder, bromelain, burdock root powder, reishi mushroom powder, shiitake mushroom powder, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum

Athletic Greens AG1 stands out for its dedication to testing and transparency. Every batch is NSF Certified for Sport — a third-party certification that ensures that products contain what they claim to on the label and are free of substances banned by most competitive sport organizations.

AG1 is also manufactured in a facility registered by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), an Australian regulatory body that ensures safe production of vitamins and supplements.

According to Athletic Greens’ website, the powder contains 75 ingredients that serve to help support energy levels, exercise recovery, and gut and immune health.

While there’s some research on the benefits of individual ingredients found in AG1, the powder itself hasn’t been studied to confirm them. Furthermore, because the amounts of many of these ingredients aren’t listed on the label, it’s unclear whether they’re present in effective doses.

Finally, keep in mind that several of AG1’s ingredients — such as rhodiola, eleuthero, rose hip, and alfalfa — are not safe or appropriate for everyone.

In particular, one or more of these ingredients are not recommended for people who are pregnant, nursing, or taking certain medications, including blood thinners, hormonal birth control, and blood pressure medications (2, 3, 4, 5).

Taste and texture: Most reviewers say the powder mixes well, though some complain of a chalky mouthfeel. The taste of AG1 is often described as slightly sweet but still quite earthy and slightly bitter, like other greens powders. Some reviewers also note an unpleasant aftertaste.

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Pros

NSF Certified for Sport
made in a TGA-registered facility
non-GMO and free of artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, and sweeteners
free of gluten, nuts, dairy, and eggs
monthly subscription option
vegan, paleo, and keto-friendly

Cons

expensive
contains proprietary blends
not suitable for some populations, including those who are pregnant, nursing, or taking certain medications
no research to support its effectiveness

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Best affordable

Amazing Grass Greens Blend

Price: $$
Available flavors: The Original, Chocolate, Berry
Certifications: gluten-free, non-GMO
Nutrition per 1-scoop (8-g) serving of The Original: 30 calories, 5 g carbs, 3 g fiber, <1 g total sugars, 0 g added sugars, 2 g protein
Active ingredients: organic wheat, organic barley, organic alfalfa, organic spinach, organic spirulina, organic chlorella, organic broccoli, organic rose hips, organic pineapple, organic carrot, acerola cherry extract, green tea leaf extract, organic acai berry, organic beet root, raspberry, organic maca root, organic flaxseed, apple pectin, digestive enzymes, Lactobacillus acidophilus

While we wouldn’t say it’s cheap, Amazing Grass is more affordable than many other greens powders out there. It’s also vegan-friendly and gluten-free.

Amazing Grass Greens Blend Original contains seven types of nutritious greens and two servings of fruits and vegetables per 1-scoop (8-g) serving.

The blend also contains digestive enzymes, probiotics, and fiber, which the brand claims can support and improve digestion.

However, the research on the benefits of digestive enzymes and probiotics in healthy individuals is mixed. And these ingredients may not be appropriate for people with certain digestive disorders (6, 7).

Another ingredient to be cautious of is rose hip, which hasn’t been well studied in people who are pregnant or nursing. Also, people who are taking medications that affect blood clotting should avoid this ingredient (4).

Taste and texture: The taste of this greens powder partially depends on which flavor you choose, though all the flavors get mixed reviews for taste. Many reviewers mention a strong grassy taste, but preferences vary.

Similarly, the reviews on the texture of this product are mixed, with many people saying it has a gritty texture and needs to be mixed very well.

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Pros

more affordable than many competitors
available in multiple flavors
confirmed gluten-free by a third party
vegan-friendly
non-GMO and free of added and artificial sugars
contains fewer ingredients than many other greens powders

Cons

not third-party tested for purity and potency
contains proprietary blends
not suitable for some populations, including those who are pregnant or nursing, have digestive conditions, or take medications that affect blood clotting
no research to support the product’s effectiveness

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Comparison of the best greens powders

Here is a quick look at how our top two picks compare:

Price rangeCertificationsFlavorsVegan-friendlyNumber of active ingredients

Athletic Greens AG1$$$NSF Certified for SportUnflavoredyes75

Amazing Grass Greens Blend Energy$$gluten-free• Original
• Chocolate
• Berryyes19

How to choose a greens powder

If you decide to try a greens powder, here are a few factors to consider while shopping:

Third-party testing: To ensure that the contents match the label, look for a product that is third-party tested for purity and potency by a trusted organization such as NSF International, USP, or Labdoor.
Price: Greens powders are not cheap. When determining which product best fits your budget, be sure to consider the cost per serving. You can often score discounts by signing up for a monthly subscription.
Flavors: Many greens powders are unflavored, though some have flavor options. To determine which option is right for you, consider how you plan on consuming your powder. For example, if you plan to drink it with just water, you may want to opt for a flavored product.
Ingredients: It’s important to carefully read the supplement label and ingredient list to ensure that a product is safe for you to take and fits your dietary needs and preferences. If you’re unsure whether a product is right for you, we recommend talking with a doctor, a registered dietitian, or another healthcare professional.
Nutrient amounts: Especially if you’re already taking a multivitamin or another supplement containing vitamins and minerals, be sure to compare the supplement facts labels to ensure that you aren’t consuming excessive amounts of any nutrients listed.
Health claims: Health claims that sound too good to be true typically are. Do your research before purchasing a product, and keep in mind that even if a product contains research-backed ingredients, they may not be present in large enough amounts to have the desired effect.

Potential downsides

As with all supplements, there are some potential downsides of greens powders to consider before trying them.

Here are a few important considerations:

May not have the benefits they claim: Research on the safety and health benefits of greens powders is limited. And because some ingredients found in these powders may interact with each other, it’s hard to determine whether a specific product formulation will have its intended effects even if it contains research-backed ingredients.
May contain heavy metals and contaminants: Consumer Lab, an independent company that tests various nutritional supplements, found that several greens powders contained lead, arsenic, and other potentially harmful contaminants. For this reason, it’s important to choose products that are third-party tested for purity and potency (18).
May contain ingredients that are not safe or appropriate for everyone: Greens powders often contain herbal ingredients that aren’t safe or appropriate for people who are pregnant, nursing, or taking certain prescription medications. Some products may also contain ingredients that are banned by competitive sports organizations.
Potential for excessive nutrient intake: As with any supplement that contains more than 100% of the Daily Value for some nutrients, there’s a risk for excessive nutrient intake, especially if you also take other supplements. Fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E, and K), in particular, can accumulate in your body and lead to toxicity (8, 19).
Cost: Greens powders tend to be expensive, with some products costing $100 or more per container. Given the lack of strong evidence-based benefits of these supplements, consuming whole fruits and vegetables remains a cheaper and superior option.

Budget-friendly alternative

While green smoothies may not be as trendy or convenient, they offer a more affordable alternative to pricey greens powders.

Here are some tips for making green smoothies:

Blend the greens with your liquid of choice before adding the rest of your ingredients.
Use frozen fruit.
Make spinach ice cubes.
Sprinkle in nutrient-rich seeds, such as chia or hemp seeds.
Add a source of protein.
Consider using a blender that doubles as a cup.

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Who are greens powders for?

While greens powders are nutritious, they are not a substitute for whole foods.

However, some people may still benefit from greens powders, including those who:

don’t eat fruits or vegetables
have trouble meeting their micronutrient needs through diet alone
have digestive or malabsorption issues

Like any other supplement, greens powders may not be suitable or appropriate for some populations, such as:

children
people who are pregnant or nursing
people who take certain prescription medications
people who take other dietary supplements
those with certain digestive disorders
those with certain food allergies, especially to wheat
people with end stage kidney disease (especially products high in potassium)
competitive athletes (unless a product is certified safe for sport)

Frequently asked questions

Below are some commonly asked questions about greens powders.

Are greens powders worth it?

Greens powders may be helpful for people who have trouble meeting their micronutrient needs or don’t eat any fruits and vegetables. However, they are unlikely to make a meaningful difference in your health if you already follow a mostly balanced diet.

Are greens powders a substitute for whole fruits and vegetables?

No, greens powders have not been proven to be a substitute for whole fruits and vegetables in terms of either nutrient quality or potential health benefits.

Is it OK to drink greens powder every day?

Assuming you are not taking other dietary supplements, it is likely safe for most healthy people to drink a high quality greens powder every day, though there isn’t enough evidence to say for certain. Always talk with a trusted healthcare professional before taking any new supplement.

Also keep in mind that some greens powders may contain heavy metals or contaminants, which could be unsafe to consume frequently or in large amounts. Ideally, choose a greens powder that is third-party tested to ensure the purity of its contents.

What do greens powders taste like?

The taste of greens powders varies by product, but most tend to have a grassy or earthy flavor. Some are lightly sweetened with natural sugar substitutes or contain natural flavors such as watermelon or berry.

The bottom line

Greens powders have become increasingly popular thanks to their convenience and enticing health claims.

While there may be some benefit to increasing your overall nutrient intake, research supporting greens powders is limited.

Additionally, greens powders may not be safe or appropriate for some people, including those who are pregnant, nursing, taking certain prescription medications, or taking other dietary supplements.

Ultimately, greens powders are likely not worth the cost for most people and should not be used as a replacement for eating whole fruits and vegetables.