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Jun 18, 2023

8 Best Greens Powder Of 2023, According To Experts

There may be many conflicting opinions on what constitutes a healthy diet, but

There may be many conflicting opinions on what constitutes a healthy diet, but there's one thing that virtually every expert agrees on: You should eat more greens. However, if you've always struggled to reach an ideal daily greens intake (hey, no one is perfect), one supplement solution to consider is a greens powder.

Greens powders are dried, powdered forms of vegetables, and sometimes fruits, that can up the nutritional value of your meals. We consulted experts to get the scoop (no pun intended) on the best greens powders out there, and how to use them to achieve your health goals.

Although most people know that it's important to include vegetables in their diet, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention1 (CDC) estimates that only 1 in 10 Americans get enough vegetables.

While greens powders aren't a direct substitute nor an excuse to push whole vegetables off your plate, they can help bridge the gap.

Daily, nutrient-dense formula to support healthy digestive function*

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Greens powders are made in two different ways. The first is by dehydrating, or drying, various fruits, vegetables, and other health-promoting compounds, and then crushing them into a powder. The second is by extracting the juice from the compounds, drying it, and then crushing that into a powder.

Some greens powders use a combination of these methods to get their finished product. That's because dehydrating the whole vegetable can have a stronger taste that's off-putting to some. On the other hand, the juice from fruits and vegetables tends to be a bit sweeter.

But don't be fooled by the name. Many greens powders also contain plenty of beneficial, non-greens ingredients too, like leafy green veggies, fruits, and grasses.

Ingredients vary by brand, but some of the most commonly included are:

Part of the beauty of a greens powder is that it allows you to eat nutrient-dense plant ingredients you might not get a chance to otherwise. We prioritized options that sneak in more unique vegetables (like sea veggies) and superfood ingredients (like ginger, turmeric, and ashwagandha).

Some premium greens powders include prebiotic fibers, probiotics, and digestive enzymes. We gave these gut-friendly options prime spots on our list.

We highlighted brands that test their products for purity and potency. We also looked for companies that source organic ingredients and package them in recyclable materials.

The greens powders on our list all have a pleasant taste and are easy to incorporate into smoothies, soups, and more.

mindbodygreen's USDA-certified organic blend features 31 active ingredients (and zero "other ingredients" or synthetic vitamins or minerals)—including standout sea vegetables like kelp and algae. "Sea vegetables are some of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet, but a lot of people feel intimidated by them or unsure of how to use them in their day-to-day life," notes Jessica Cording, M.S., R.D., CDN. "mindbodygreen's organic veggies+ makes it easy to reap the nutritional benefits of sea veggies as well as all the other powerful ingredients in this delicious blend."

The vegan formula also contains prebiotic fibers, digestive enzymes, and probiotic strains to support gut health and superfoods like turmeric and ginger for an added kick of antioxidants. Cinnamon bark extract is added to promote healthy blood sugar levels and slow the breakdown of carbohydrates in the digestive tract.*

What it tastes like:

This greens powder has a mild, pleasant earthy flavor that pairs well with many dishes. Reviewer Clara writes: "I knew I could likely mix this into smoothies and enjoy it, which I certainly did. However, I really wanted to test this product by adding it to other things, like my overnight oats, for instance. The results were amazing! It mixed in so well, no gritty texture, no harsh/bold flavors. It paired so well with berries and gave my oatmeal a very rich flavor."

What our reviewers say:

"I love that organic veggies+ tastes good, it's organic, it supports the digestive system, and I can actually feel it doing good in my body. I'll also tell anyone who will listen that unless you're getting an ample daily dose of organic veggies, prebiotics, and sea veggies—organic veggies+ should probably be in your pantry."* — Licensed acupuncturist Paige Bourassa, DACM, L.Ac., RHN

mindbodygreen's USDA-certified organic blend features 31 active ingredients (and zero "other ingredients" or synthetic vitamins or minerals)—including standout sea vegetables like kelp and algae. "Sea vegetables are some of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet, but a lot of people feel intimidated by them or unsure of how to use them in their day-to-day life," notes Jessica Cording, M.S., R.D., CDN. "mindbodygreen's organic veggies+ makes it easy to reap the nutritional benefits of sea veggies as well as all the other powerful ingredients in this delicious blend."

If you're looking for a plant protein powder that packs some extra vitamins and minerals, women's health dietitian Valerie Agyeman, R.D. recommends Orgain's Greens Protein Powder. Each serving contains a respectable 21 grams of plant protein (from pea, rice, and chia) as well as a greens blend of certified organic spinach, broccoli, and kale.

"It's super convenient for when I want a nutrition punch for my really busy days," says Agyeman. "I just add it to my smoothies or chai drink and it packs vitamins A, C, K iron, and phosphorus too." This would be a healthy option to have on hand after a workout, though it does contain highly processed seed oils and other additives.*

What it tastes like:

This protein powder comes in two flavors: Chocolate fudge and vanilla bean. Both are subtly sweet (there's only 1 gram of sugar per serving) and don't have the aftertaste you find in some other plant-based proteins.

If you're looking for a plant protein powder that packs some extra vitamins and minerals, women's health dietitian Valerie Agyeman, R.D. recommends Orgain's Greens Protein Powder. Each serving contains a respectable 21 grams of plant protein (from pea, rice, and chia) as well as a greens blend of certified organic spinach, broccoli, and kale.

"Chlorella is a green sea alga that contains lots of chlorophyll, an antioxidant that supports cleansing. It's rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals," explains Lisa Hayim, R.D., founder of The Well Necessities. This makes it helpful for promoting cellular repair and regeneration. It's also a plant-based source of vitamin B12 and has been found to be helpful for detoxification.

To reap the benefits of this potent ingredient, Hayim recommends this Sun Chlorella powder, which has a pulverized cell wall for easier digestion. Sun Chlorella is also third-party certified for safety and purity by NSF Certified for Sport.*

What it tastes like:

The most popular way to use this chlorella powder is to add it to water and sip. Note that it does have an intense vegetal flavor that can take some getting used to. You might prefer to take it in capsule form.

"Chlorella is a green sea alga that contains lots of chlorophyll, an antioxidant that supports cleansing. It's rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals," explains Lisa Hayim, R.D., founder of The Well Necessities. This makes it helpful for promoting cellular repair and regeneration. It's also a plant-based source of vitamin B12 and has been found to be helpful for detoxification.

This fruit and veggies powder contains an antioxidant-rich bend of over 20 fruits and a roster of nutrient-dense vegetables including spirulina and green tea leaf extract. It also features ginger, turmeric, digestive enzymes, probiotics, and a modest amount of fiber to support digestion.

"I love that there are no artificial ingredients," notes Melanie Beasley, R.D. "I have even used this product with some young clients to switch them to a healthy beverage and away from sugary drinks."*

What it tastes like:

While this fruit and veggies powder is easy to incorporate into smoothies, some reviewers do note that it is a touch too sweet for them.

This fruit and veggies powder contains an antioxidant-rich bend of over 20 fruits and a roster of nutrient-dense vegetables including spirulina and green tea leaf extract. It also features ginger, turmeric, digestive enzymes, probiotics, and a modest amount of fiber to support digestion.

Made using nutrient-dense greens like wheat grass, barley grass, and alfalfa grass, this blend is fortified with antioxidant-rich ingredients like rose hips and acai. It also delivers 11% of your Daily Value of fiber and a digestive enzyme and pre/probiotic blend, notes Leah Silberman, M.S., R.D., who enjoys adding it to her smoothies. The product also contains 58% of your daily needs of vitamin K, which supports healthy blood flow. Longtime users of this greens powder note that it's had a positive effect on their digestion and energy levels.*

What it tastes like:

Since it's made with ingredients that have a more mild flavor, reviewers note this unsweetened greens powder has a subtly vegetal taste that blends nicely into smoothies, nut milks, or just water.

Made using nutrient-dense greens like wheat grass, barley grass, and alfalfa grass, this blend is fortified with antioxidant-rich ingredients like rose hips and acai. It also delivers 11% of your Daily Value of fiber and a digestive enzyme and pre/probiotic blend, notes Leah Silberman, M.S., R.D., who enjoys adding it to her smoothies. The product also contains 58% of your daily needs of vitamin K, which supports healthy blood flow. Longtime users of this greens powder note that it's had a positive effect on their digestion and energy levels.*

Designed to carry people through the 3 p.m. slump, this greens powder contains yerba maté, maca, pomegranate juice, and cordyceps mushrooms for energy and long-term focus. Another standout ingredient is African baobab—a vitamin-rich fruit that has been shown to support metabolic health. Certified organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free, this product also gets Ella Davar, R.D., CDN's stamp of approval for the high quality of its energizing ingredients.*

What it tastes like:

The strong flavor of the pomegranate is noticeable in this powder, reviewers note, and the added stevia does leave a bit of an aftertaste.

Designed to carry people through the 3 p.m. slump, this greens powder contains yerba maté, maca, pomegranate juice, and cordyceps mushrooms for energy and long-term focus. Another standout ingredient is African baobab—a vitamin-rich fruit that has been shown to support metabolic health. Certified organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free, this product also gets Ella Davar, R.D., CDN's stamp of approval for the high quality of its energizing ingredients.*

This greens product is made from 100% moringa powder extracted from the leaves of the moringa tree. There's a lot of lore surrounding moringa, also known as the "miracle tree," and some scientific studies show that it's beneficial for oxidative stress, liver health, and blood sugar balance. Moringa also contains iron, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and it's a source of plant-based protein. Maggie Moon, M.S., R.D. appreciates the purity of this moringa product, but be warned, she says: "The vegetal flavor is no joke."*

What it tastes like:

With such a strong grassy, earthy flavor, this punchy greens powder works best in savory soups and salad dressings.

This greens product is made from 100% moringa powder extracted from the leaves of the moringa tree. There's a lot of lore surrounding moringa, also known as the "miracle tree," and some scientific studies show that it's beneficial for oxidative stress, liver health, and blood sugar balance. Moringa also contains iron, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and it's a source of plant-based protein. Maggie Moon, M.S., R.D. appreciates the purity of this moringa product, but be warned, she says: "The vegetal flavor is no joke."*

"Spirulina is often referred to as nature's multivitamin because it has an array of (naturally occurring) vitamins and minerals the body needs," says integrative nutrition expert Courtney Swan, M.S. The blue-green algae is high in calcium, potassium, B vitamins, and iron, and 1 gram of spirulina has been shown to support healthy levels of LDL cholesterol. There's also some research that shows spirulina can promote healthy blood pressure and healthy blood sugar. The spirulina in this product is collected in freshwater California ponds and gently dehydrated to become a potent powder.*

What it tastes like:

Similar to moringa, spirulina powder has a very strong, savory flavor that might take some getting used to.

"Spirulina is often referred to as nature's multivitamin because it has an array of (naturally occurring) vitamins and minerals the body needs," says integrative nutrition expert Courtney Swan, M.S. The blue-green algae is high in calcium, potassium, B vitamins, and iron, and 1 gram of spirulina has been shown to support healthy levels of LDL cholesterol. There's also some research that shows spirulina can promote healthy blood pressure and healthy blood sugar. The spirulina in this product is collected in freshwater California ponds and gently dehydrated to become a potent powder.*

Even if you have the best intentions to eat a large variety of greens every day, according to statistics, it's likely that you're falling short. Adding a scoop of greens powder that contains a combination of 30 different vegetable, fruit, botanical, fiber, and superfood ingredients to your smoothie elevates your nutrition game overall.*

But, of course, the important thing is what these nutrient-dense plant ingredient blends do in your body.

A specific class of vegetables, called Brassica (or cruciferous) vegetables often make up the foundation of greens powders. These vegetables help balance hormones, specifically estrogen.*

Researchers from an older study done on postmenopausal women2 found that certain phytochemicals in cruciferous vegetables can help remove estrogen byproducts.*

Many greens powders contain a variety of cruciferous vegetables, which include:

Greens powders support detoxification by providing your body with nutrients and phytonutrients with intrinsic antioxidant properties to help carry out natural cleansing functions.*

For example, spinach is a rich source of folate and betaine, while spirulina offers methionine, an essential amino acid.

Folate, betaine, and methionine are compounds that play a vital role in a natural detox process in the body called methylation.

Cruciferous vegetables and artichokes promote the production of glutathione, one of the most important antioxidants for detoxification3 and helping protect the body from free radicals.*

They also help maintain the body's levels of a compound called metallothionein.* According to one review, metallothionein can attach to heavy metals4 like lead, mercury, and cadmium and help remove them from the body.*

Vegetables are one of the richest sources of vitamins and carotenoids in the diet. So unless you're eating your recommended five servings per day, it's likely that you're falling short on some of these important nutrients.

Greens powders are a simple way to increase the nutrient density of your diet and consume a concentrated blend of fruits and vegetables without a lot of effort. One scoop of greens powders can contain as many as 30 plus different vegetables, fruits, and superfood bioactives.

Because of the potency of greens powders, researchers from one study wanted to see what would happen to the levels of different vitamins in the blood5 after regular supplementation with a fruit, berry, and vegetable powder.

Participants in the study took six supplement capsules every day for eight weeks. After the testing period, researchers tested blood levels of specific nutrients and found increases in vitamin E, lycopene, vitamin C, and beta-carotene and retinol (two forms of vitamin A).

Greens powders might also help maintain healthy blood sugar levels.* One clinical study looked at how mixing vegetable powder with refined carbohydrates could affect blood sugar levels.

The researchers found that the addition of the vegetable powder helped optimize both the glucose and insulin responses6.*

Green vegetables are rich in nutrients like vitamin K, lutein, folate, and beta-carotene that directly support brain health.*

Research suggests that a higher intake of vegetables is associated with better cognitive health and trajectory in older adults7.* Eating vegetables may also improve cognitive function8.*

Adding a greens powder to your day might also help keep your heart healthy.* Researchers from one study9 monitored a group of 40 chiropractic students and faculty members taking a fruit and veggie powder for 90 days.

They found that mixing the greens powder into water and drinking two glasses daily significantly benefited blood pressure in the group, even though they didn't experience any weight loss.*

A typical Western diet is full of processed foods and too many carbohydrates that can decrease the body's pH, creating a more acidic environment.

A high acid load, as its called, may make you feel less vibrant and healthy. Research shows10 that greens powders can help neutralize acids, decreasing your overall acid load and contributing to improved health.*

There are lots of different greens powders on the market. Most greens powders contain a combination of dark, leafy greens, fruits, and other non-greens veggies. Here are the ingredients you'll find in the best of the best greens powders.

It probably doesn't come as a surprise that dark, leafy greens make up the basis of many greens powders. That's because greens are low in calories and carbohydrates but loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

In fact, a single serving of kale provides all of the vitamin A that you need for the entire day. Dark, leafy greens have also been connected to promoting better gut health11 and supporting immune function12.*

Although the focus is on green veggies, many greens powders also contain other non-green veggies like root vegetables and fruits, especially berries. This adds vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals to the mix, and it also can improve the flavor.

Ingredients like beets, carrots, blueberries, and acai have a natural sweetness that makes the powders more palatable.

In some potent blends, you can find sea vegetables like spirulina, chlorella, kelp, and dulse. These sea veggies are rich in natural iodine, a mineral that supports healthy thyroid function.* Sea vegetables also naturally contain magnesium, calcium, iron, potassium, folate, vitamin K, and vitamin C.

Through preclinical and clinical research, sea vegetables have also been linked to processes that support balanced blood sugar levels13 and LDL cholesterol levels14, as well as immune support15.*

In fact, they're so important that Amy Shah, M.D., a double board-certified integrative medicine doctor, says if you could eat only five superfoods, spirulina should be one of them.

Some greens powders also have added "superfood" ingredients, like ginger, turmeric, or ashwagandha. These botanical ingredients give the greens powders an extra nutritional boost.

For example, turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties in the body, while ginger supports healthy digestion and helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels16.*

Ashwagandha, which is categorized as an adaptogen, can help improve the way your body reacts to stress17.* Some greens powders also contain herbs, like parsley, echinacea, and milk thistle.

Although not all greens powders contain prebiotics and/or probiotics, some do.

While vegetables and fruits promote good gut health and a balance of healthy bacteria on their own, targeted prebiotic fiber (e.g. inulin) and probiotic strains can directly nourish and support beneficial bacterial strains and microbial diversity in your gut microbiome.*

Now that you know the multifaceted benefits of greens powders, you might wonder how to get them in your diet.

One of the easiest ways to incorporate greens powders into your day is to add them to smoothies.

You can keep it simple by adding a serving of greens powders to some unsweetened vanilla almond milk in a blender, or you can incorporate your own mix-ins, like half a frozen banana, a squeeze of lemon, hemp or chia seeds, or unsweetened shredded coconut.

If you want to keep your greens powders savory, then you can stir them into soups for an extra dose of veggies or add them to your scrambled eggs. You can even incorporate them into your favorite veggie dishes for added antioxidants.

Here's some recipes we love for using greens powders in clever ways.

Even though greens powders are made of nutrient-dense foods, that doesn't mean they're a good idea for everyone.

Since greens powders contain vegetables in a condensed form, they're also may be concentrated in specific vitamins, like vitamin K, which can interfere with blood-clotting medications.

If you're on blood thinners or other medications or you have chronic health problems, always check in with your doctor before taking a new supplement, greens powders included.

Even if you don't fall into these categories, it's important to make sure you're getting your greens powders from a trusted source.

Make sure the supplement manufacturer can verify that the greens have been tested for quality, for features like purity and potency.

It's even better if the the greens powders have been certified through a third-party testing laboratory. That way, you know you're getting exactly what's listed on the label and nothing else.

And make sure you're sticking to the recommended serving size. A scoop or two per day, along with a healthy, plant-rich diet, is all you need.

Mark Hyman, M.D., a functional medicine doctor, says, "Even with a perfect diet, many things—including depleted soils, the storage and transportation of food, increased stress, and a toxic environment—make it impossible for you to get the nutrients you need solely from the foods you eat."

So greens powders can certainly help increase your overall nutrient and phytonutrient intake,* but they don't replace vegetables.

Greens powders are often lower in fiber than their whole vegetable counterparts. For example, while a typical serving of greens powders with 30 plus vegetable, fruit, etc. ingredients contains 1-3 grams of fiber, a single serving of whole broccoli will give you 3.8 grams.

When fruits and vegetables are dried and turned into a powder, they may not offer the same fullness that chewing the whole foods do.

Studies show18 that when you chew your food, you tend to feel more satisfied and are likely to eat less during the day. That's because chewing seems to have a positive impact on the hormones in your gut that control your appetite and satiety levels.

The best approach is to combine a daily dose of greens powder with a diet that's also rich in plenty of vegetables, fruits, and other nutrient-dense whole foods.

RELATED: What To Look For In A Greens Powder, According To An MD

Greens powders are dried, powdered forms of various vegetables condensed down into a blend that's easy to take (sometimes these powders contain additional nutritious ingredients, too, like fruits, herbs, and more). These featured ingredients often have nutrient-dense and functional properties, which can help support energy, your immune system, gut function, and provide vital fiber and antioxidants to the body.*

Greens powders are suitable to take any time of day. They make great additions to a number of breakfast, lunch, or dinner dishes—such as smoothies, soups, dressings, and more. Or, you can combine them with water and sip any time.

Yes, you’ll want to check the manufacturing date or expiration date info on the specific product. Generally, when stored appropriately, most green powders have a shelf-life of 1-2 years. However, it depends on the brand and storage technique.

RELATED: 6 Ways To Sneak More Greens Into Your Day

Taking a greens powder can boost your intake of vegetables, fruits, and other superfoods in a convenient, easy way. But while research shows that greens powders offer many of the same benefits as whole vegetables, they don't take their place. The best approach to greens powders is to include them as part of a healthy, whole-foods-based diet.*

Daily, nutrient-dense formula to support healthy digestive function*

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