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Vegetables: “Vegetables in greens powders should not compete with eating fresh vegetables, although [they allow you] to get nutrition that may be missed out on when you are short on time or skip meals,” Garcia notes. Vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, and phytochemicals (think potassium, vitamin K, fiber, folate, and vitamin C) that boast various benefits, from lowering inflammation to improving skin.
Fruits: “Fruits are better eaten fresh, although sometimes its hard to get in enough servings,” he admits. “These powders are also a way to sneak in fruit and vegetables for kids.” Remember: Fruits are excellent sources of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants like vitamin C.
Seaweed: Many greens powders will likely feature seaweeds and algaes like spirulina or chlorella, as “seaweed is high in iodine, which is an essential nutrient, particularly for thyroid health,” Garcia explains.
Pre- & Probiotics: “Pre- and probiotics are critical for a healthy gut microbiome,” he details. So a greens powder that features this ingredient means it can not only fill nutrient gaps but support healthy digestion.
Who Should Take Greens Powders
Passler believes that today, everyone could benefit from increasing the amount of greens in their diet. “We all face exogenous and endogenous toxins each day that are impossible to avoid (think air, water, etc.), so supporting our gut health and detox pathways is critical to our health and longevity,” Cole adds.
Should You Take Greens Powders Daily?
“Most people can take [greens powders] daily with the exception of those with hypothyroidism,” says Garcia. “Some vegetables, especially the cruciferous ones like kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and bok choy can inhibit thyroid function when consumed in excess (not on occasion).” All this to say, yes, most people can benefit from taking greens powders daily, but check with your physician as you would any other supplement.
How to Take Greens Powders
Instructions certainly vary by formula, but in general, taking a greens powder can be as simple as mixing a scoop with water. However, if taste is a factor, you’ll likely want to explore other recipes. Passler suggests “blending your green powder with ice, unsweetened almond milk, and fresh berries for a more enjoyable experience.”
What to Mix Your Greens Powder With
So you’ve selected your chosen greens powder, but are unsure what exactly to mix it with. Generally speaking, taking greens powder is as simple as mixing the recommended dosage (usually one scoop daily) with water. This is what I do each day; and Olympian Allyson Felix does too. But if you want to make greens powder taste better, you can mix it with juice or blend into a smoothie for something fruit-forward. Or, you could amp up the nutritional benefits of your morning hot tea or latte by adding in a scoop there. The choice is really yours; just be sure you’re sticking to the greens powder’s dosage and instructions and you’re good to go.
What to Look for in a Greens Powder
- Healthy Ingredients: Experts explain that the best greens powders include leafy greens like spinach, kale, and parsley; vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage; and wheatgrass, barley grass, spirulina, and chlorella. “A good greens powder is going to be free of artificial dyes, additives, thickening agents, and genetically modified ingredients,” Passler explains.
- Nutritionist Approved and Certified: Celebrity nutritionist Oz Garcia echoes this and further advises choosing supplements backed by science and research. For example, Athletic Greens’s AGI uses the NSF for Sport certification to test and verify each batch of the cult-favorite powder. “Supplements are not strictly regulated in the U.S., so it’s important for people to make sure they’re seeking out products that come from a vetted brand and that have been tested and certified by a third-party organization,” says president of Athletic Greens Kat Cole. That being said, consider how brands are sourcing and manufacturing their blends before buying.
How We Chose the Best Greens Powder
To choose the best greens powder, we compiled a list of the top-rated, editor-tested, and nutritionist-approved supplements. From there, we consulted our team of experts to share their guidance on what to look for in a greens powder, plus their honest opinions on the most sought-after formulas. Comparing this information with our personal trials, we were able to curate this edit.
Meet the Health Experts
- Kat Cole is the president and chief operating officer of Athletic Greens.
- Danielle DuBoise is a certified holistic health coach, nutritionist, and founder and co-CEO of Sakara.
- Oz Garcia is a celebrity nutritionist, known for his approach to nutrition and aging.
- Dr. Charles Passler is a nutritionist to the stars, specializing in detoxification, digestion, metabolic rate, and other nutritional needs.
