What Do The Best Greens Powders Do?
The best greens powders on the market help you make sure you get all the nutrients you need in a day as well as extra fiber, healthy bacteria and a lot of other good things that you wouldn’t just get from a multivitamin. They are of course a bit more expensive than that option. Greens powders are however more readily absorbed by the body as they’re a lot closer to how we should ingest our nutrients. Most advocates use them as a way to make sure that they cover all bases rather than as a way or replacing fruits and vegetables.
Best Greens Powder Overall: Supergreen Tonik
Supergreen Tonik is not one of the best known greens powders on this list, but it is by far the best, packed with premium quality ingredients, proven to boost immunity, cognitive function and reduce anxiety, it's perfect for modern life, beyond simply making sure that you get your required micronutrients.
It mixes well with fruit juices as well as water (unlike some competitor products) and as greens powders go tastes pretty good. The flavor options are pretty solid with berry coming in as our preference.
It goes above and beyond the normal supergreens offering an additional blend of herbal extracts that improve brain health and function, and boost your immune system, normally reserved for far more expensive supplements and not included in the other greens powders on the market.
Supergreen Tonik meets almost all of your micronutrient requirements, meaning you should be good for the whole day, it's one of the better options on this list, packed with leafy greens, digestive enzymes and nutrients it's no surprise it's made it to the top of our list. Boating heaps of spinach, spirulina, collards, barley grass and more, it's a clear winner. The barley grassy taste is relatively mild making it a great mixer. It also comes in a fair bit cheaper than the likes of AG1, which is always a nice plus. As expected, it's great for your gut health, and we also noticed that it was particularly gentle on the stomach, with no bloating, no artificial sweeteners, just a solid greens powder blend, with a great taste. It's also the best greens powder for anxiety by far, with a whole host of ingredients you'd normally find in nootropic supplements, like ashwaghanda (proven to significantly reduce stress) [1] and ginko root, which helps emotional regulation [2]. It also contains L Theanine, which promotes calming without drowsiness [3] and Bacopa.
If all that wasn't enough it hits all the standarrd areas that the rest of the greens powders on our list manage, such as barley, spinanch and the like, and then goes on to add in a host of immune boosting ingredients like garlic and dandelion extracts. Lastly topping it off with bioperine (black pepper extract) which helps the body aborb larger amounts of vitamins in one go. Again, something that's normally missed entirely by supergreens and left to more highly priced and less natural capsuled supplements.
On top of all that, it's certified usda organic. It's a great option and we can't recommend it enough.
Best Value Greens: Live It Up SuperGreens (Formerly Enso)
Live It Up Supergreens (formerly Enso) are still relatively new to the greens powder scene, but the company has produced as well-rounded a supplement that could be made at this price point. Their focus is on all around health, packing their product with a variety of superfood ingredients, plus a few health-boosting extras.
Covering all the bases, let’s start with quality. Supergreens is GMO free, third party tested, organic, no artificial or added sugars, no fillers or preservatives, and free from dairy, gluten, and nut free. They’re also free of caffeine, something a lot of other greens powders slip in there without us knowing. Instead, the boost of energy you get from this supplement is from its high vitamin and mineral content, and whilst it isn't the best here, it's pretty good for absorbality and holds up better than any of the competitors in it's price bracket.
We’re impressed with Supergreen’s taste, which isn’t too grassy like a lot of other budget greens powders. Definitely a benefit if you’re not one who enjoys your veggies. Plus, it mixes in easily with water or any other liquids. Live It Uprecommends adding it to a smoothie first thing in the morning to get your energy and metabolism off and running.
This greens powder has over 20 ingredients, including greens, grasses, herbs, microalgae, probiotics, and digestive enzymes. Looking at some of the whole-body health benefits, there’s microalgae spirulina and chlorella that have been shown to reduce oxidative stress and bind to heavy metals, helping excrete them from the body; nettle and dulse that support blood sugar control; and probiotics and digestive enzymes for gut health. As for the weight loss element it largely focuses on coffee bean extracts and ginger, whilst these aren’t the very best supplements for this, the best would not be viable in an organic greens drink as they’re not actually organic (in the case of 5htp) or don’t actually mix with water (in the case of glucomannan). As a result we think that this isn't the best area for them to focs on in terms of selling points.
With all that said, Live It Up Supergreens makes it onto our list because of its value. You get all that at just $1.33 per serving. That’s an incredible value, one of the best on the market, without skimping on quality or ingredients. Plus, they have a 30-day money back guarantee.
Overall, we’re looking at a quality product with great value and ingredients to rival the best greens powders out there.
Best Greens Powder For Men: Spruce Greens
Spruce aren’t typically known for their greens powders, that said they’ve waded into the market anyway. And with a product that’s quite interesting. There’s a couple of particularly interesting ingredients for men, and even more so for those who are on calorie restricted diets. In other words, men trying to lose weight. We’re not actually sure if that’s what they designed it for, but we like the idea all the same.
The taste is particularly good as greens powders go, so that’s a good start, and it’s mixability is as expect from anything on our best greens powders list. It doesn’t have quite as good a nootropics blend for mood and brain health as Super Green Tonik, although it is a close second. But as we’ve already said that’s not where it shines.
In terms of customer reviews the ones that currently exist are really positive. That said Spruce Greens are really new to the market, so we don't have a great sample size to go off right now, although we definitely like the product so far.
So, what makes it good for men? Well simply put that’s the Ashwaganda and Maca extracts. There is a decent amount of Ashwaganda for most benefits, such as improved mood, although it isn’t as strong as would be required for the maximized benefits that men can get from it. Maca on the other hand has a lot of benefits for men’s “ahem” nighttime performance and overall health [5]. It’s dosed correctly for this, and this can be particularly beneficial for men on low calorie diets as this area of their health can over suffer as a result.
As for the weight loss element it largely focuses on coffee bean extracts and ginger, whilst these aren’t the very best supplements for this, the best would not be viable in an organic greens drink as they’re not actually organic (in the case of 5htp) or don’t actually mix with water (in the case of glucomannan). As a result we think they’ve been pretty smart with this and they’ve gone for proven ingredients with no risk.
Most Popular Greens Powder: AG1 Athletic Greens Powders
Athletic greens powder is by far the most well known meal replacement powder on the market right now. As such it's the benchmark to which most greens powders are measured against. And it's good, it's not our favorite by any stretch of the imagination, but it's a solid green powder supplement and if it's your first time trying greens powder you could definitely do a lot worse.
They pretty much always have a promo code running which does make their high pricing a little bit more tolerable, but we wouldn't recommend it at full price. We also dislike the fact that they use "proprietary blends" which is a fancy way of saying they won't tell you everything that's in the package. Whilst the 3rd party testing does mitigate this slightly, we cannot ever fully recommend a product, even a well known one, with hidden ingredients.
Direct comparison of all Greens Powders Reviewed
We know, there’s a whole bunch of reviews to go through one by one if you want to make an informed buying decision for the best greens powders available to you. In order to speed up that process, here’s a brief summary of the greens powders reviewed on our best list page to make it quick and easy for you to decide for one:
Comparing the various greens powder products in the above table, we can see that there is a range of factors to consider when choosing a greens powder that best suits your needs. For example, some products such as Athletic Greens, Supergreen Tonik, and AG1 contain a high number of ingredients including vegetables, fruits, herbs, mushrooms, and probiotics. In contrast, products such as Garden of Life and Enso have fewer ingredients but still provide a range of vitamins and minerals. This is where we get our ingredients and nutritional value scores from.
Taste is another key aspect in determining which greens powder to choose. While each product has its unique taste, the reviews show that Supergreen Tonik, 8Greens, and Nested Naturals Super Greens have a slightly sweet taste compared to Athletic Greens and Garden of Life Perfect Food that have a more earthy, grassy taste. Although there’s plenty of ways to improve the taste of powders by adding flavor, fruit and what not, having a pleasant natural taste “out of the box” obviously scores more points in rating.
Price point is obviously crucial as well. Products like Athletic Greens and Total Living Drink Greens come at a higher price point than products like Nested Naturals and Garden of Life.
And even though in many cases price is a good quality indicator, in regards to green powders its almost ridiculous how often the better powders are lower priced than those spending thousands on advertising all over the world (not to name any specific brand but *cough* AG1…).
Lastly, the quality of the ingredients and the manufacturing process are also factors to consider when choosing a greens powder. Products such as Athletic Greens, Green Vibrance, and Nested Naturals are made with high-quality, organic ingredients that are certified non-GMO and vegan.
Overall, the choice between these greens powders will depend on individual preferences and needs. Reading and understanding the labels, comparing prices, and taking personal health goals into consideration are crucial when deciding on which greens powder to choose.
What Ingredients Make The Best Green Powder Blend
There’s a lot of options that could go into greens supplements as most of us are missing quite a few nutrients with the west at large not having a healthy diet. So here’s a few things you can look out for in superfood powders.
Spinach
We all know what spinach is, arguably king of the green superfoods. It’s low calorie, high in protein, but it’s also high in vitamin E and magnesium which helps defend your body from toxins. [5]
Wheat Grass
Not many of the greens powders contain wheatgrass, but it’s high in antioxidants and vitamins such as glutathione, vit c and e. It’s also incredibly low in calories and has been shown to have free radical scavenging effects [6].
Vitamins and Minerals
It goes without saying that you want your supergreens to be packed with vitamins and minerals to help promote overall health. The best green juice however will be particularly rich in vitamin D seeing as this is the most common deficiency in the USA effecting nearly half the adult population [7].
No Added Sugars
Typically speaking most of the good super greens are naturally sweetened, although a few do have added sugars, this is something to watch out for as the calories can stack up if you’re not being careful with your green juice selection.
Spirulina
Less well known outside of green supplements, Spirulina is popular in a lot of super greens. It comes with a host of health benefits that you’d expect from a green superfood. It’s high in nutrients, particularly b vitamin, is a powerful anti inflammatory containing a large amount of phycocyanin which can fight free radicals [8]. It can lower cholesterol and bad LDL with just one gram a day [9] and can even improve Allergic Rhinitis.
Potential health benefits of Greens Powders
When it comes to the world of greens powders, there's no shortage of buzz surrounding their potential health benefits. But what does science say? Let's dive in.
First off, greens powders are chock full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can have a positive impact on overall health and wellness. Some research suggests that they may help improve digestion, increase energy levels, and even boost immune function. Not to mention the potential protection against chronic disease that comes with consuming antioxidants found in greens powders.
However, it's important to keep in mind that there are potential side effects and safety concerns associated with consuming greens powders. While rare, some people may experience nausea or stomach discomfort. Additionally, certain brands may contain stimulants, such as caffeine, that can cause jitters or sleep disturbances.
When selecting a greens powder, it's crucial to choose a high-quality product that contains a variety of nutrient-dense ingredients, such as vegetables, fruits, and superfoods. Avoiding added sugars or harmful additives is also recommended. And if you have any specific health concerns or goals, it's always a good idea to consult with a professional to determine the best greens powder for your individual need - but you know the rules, right :)
Bottom line: While greens powders can certainly be a helpful addition to a healthy lifestyle, it's important to approach them with a critical eye and take any potential health concerns or safety factors into consideration. Compared to other health supplements, they can be considered safe though!
How We Chose The Best Greens Powders
Nutrient Profile Analysis: Our first step was to dissect the nutrient profiles of various greens powders. We meticulously examined the types and amounts of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients present in each product. We also paid attention to the specific nutrients that are important to you, such as vitamin K for bone health or vitamin C for immune support making sure that the manufacturers claims match the ingredients.
Ingredient Sourcing: We delved into the sources of ingredients. Quality and origin matter, so we favored products with organic, non-GMO ingredients that were sustainably sourced whenever possible.
Quality of Ingredients - Check the quality of the ingredients used in the greens powder. Look for organic and non-GMO options that are free from artificial additives, fillers, and preservatives. It's also important to ensure that the ingredients are sourced from reputable suppliers.
Taste and Texture - Since you'll be consuming the greens powder regularly, it's essential to choose a product with a taste and texture that you enjoy. Some powders may have a strong, grassy flavor, while others are more palatable and can be easily mixed into smoothies or other beverages.
Third-Party Testing - To ensure the safety and efficacy of the greens powder, look for products that undergo third-party testing. This testing verifies that the product contains what it claims and is free from contaminants or harmful substances. Look for certifications from reputable organizations like NSF or ConsumerLab.
Customer Reviews and Ratings - Take the time to read customer reviews and ratings of different greens powders. This can provide valuable insights into the taste, effectiveness, and overall customer satisfaction with the product. Look for reviews from individuals with similar health goals or dietary preferences.
Price and Value - Consider your budget when choosing a greens powder. Compare the price per serving of different products to determine which offers the best value for money. Keep in mind that higher-priced options may contain more premium ingredients or undergo additional testing.
References
1 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6979308
2 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6422825/
3 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25759004/
4 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5112180/
5 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3184420/
6 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30059150/
7 - https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/
8 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19299804/
9 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23754631/
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