As a sports dietitian, I am often asked whether greens powders are healthy and if they’re meant to replace fruits and veggies. While greens powders can vary in terms of ingredients, in general, they’re not a replacement for whole fruits and vegetables. However, they can provide some great nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and more. When shopping for the best greens powders, I look for options that are packed with healthful ingredients, taste delicious, and have a pleasant texture.
I was part of a team of nutrition experts and Verywell Fit editors who tested 41 of the best greens powders, evaluating each option for taste, texture, smell, nutrition, independent verification, and value. Here are 10 top options I stand by as a sports dietitian.
Top Picks
Editor's Note
Our team of registered dietitians reviews and evaluates every supplement we recommend, adhering to our dietary supplement methodology.
Always consult a healthcare professional before adding a supplement to your routine to ensure it's suitable for your individual needs and to determine the correct dosage. Some greens powders may not be recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or they might interact with certain medications or worsen symptoms of long-term conditions.
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Are Greens Powders Actually Healthy?
Since there are such diverse formulations of greens powders, it’s difficult to label them as healthy or unhealthy. Making an educated assessment really comes down to individual products, what ingredients they use, and how they are dosed. While they aren’t a substitute for eating whole fruits and vegetables, which are much higher in fiber and other nutrients, says Maddi Osburn, RDN, LD, greens powders can still offer numerous good-for-you nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, probiotics, and adaptogens.
Eating fruits and vegetables is linked to numerous health benefits, but many of us still don't consume the recommended two cups of fruits and three cups of vegetables per day. However, a greens powder can be helpful and convenient when you may not have access to many fruits and vegetables during travel or when you’re on the go.
As with any dietary supplement, there can be safety concerns or contraindications for combining greens powders with existing supplement regimens, as well as prescription and over-the-counter medications. If you have digestive issues, kidney disease, heart disease, food allergies, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s best to check with your medical provider before adding a greens powder to your routine. Competitive athletes should seek out a product that has been tested to be free of banned substances from companies like NSF Certified for Sport or Informed Sport.
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What to Look For
- Form: Greens powders are typically a mix of powdered leafy greens, vegetables, fruits, and extracts. They can also contain seaweed, probiotics, enzymes, and herbs, and some may include protein powder. While some greens powders contain high amounts of vitamins and minerals, there isn’t sufficient research to understand the bioavailability (how much your body can absorb) of these nutrients in this form.
- Ingredients and Potential Interactions: Adaptogens, such as reishi mushrooms, Rhodiola, and ashwagandha, are often found in greens powders. These ingredients may warrant caution for individuals taking certain medications, those who are pregnant, or those who are breastfeeding. Reishi mushrooms may interact with blood pressure medications, diabetes medications, and certain cancer treatments. Rhodiola and ashwagandha may interact with several antidepressants, blood pressure medications, diabetes medications, thyroid medications, cholesterol medications, immunosuppressants, and other drugs that are broken down in the liver. Speak with a healthcare provider before taking supplements with adaptogens if you take any medications—even ones not listed here. In addition, the safety of adaptogen supplements during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not well known.
- Digestive Enzymes: Some greens powders may contain digestive enzymes. However, digestive enzymes may not offer any significant benefit to healthy individuals. Registered dietitian Suzie Finkel, MS, RD, notes that digestive enzymes are only recommended for individuals with diagnosed enzyme deficiencies or other known digestive conditions.
- Probiotics: Many greens powders contain low levels of probiotics—about the amount you'd find in yogurt. There are many different types of probiotics, and no clear recommendations around which strains, strain combinations, or doses the general population should take. Specific probiotic strains have been clinically shown to improve a few gastrointestinal conditions, but these aren't the ones you'd find in a greens powder, says Finkel. That said, certain probiotics can also worsen some digestive conditions.
Verywell Fit
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How We Tested
We take our testing process very seriously; reading the ingredient list just isn’t enough. For greens powders to be properly evaluated, we take a rigorous look at several features and take into consideration that these will be products people will likely want to use daily. It's essential to note that the FDA does not review dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before their release to the market. Our team of nutrition experts has developed a comprehensive methodology to select the supplements we recommend. When testing greens powders, we evaluate each option based on the following key criteria.
- Taste: Taste is one of the most important criteria. We verify that the flavor matches its given name and assess whether it has over- or underwhelming flavor when mixed as directed. Options score high in this category if they have a pleasant taste that isn’t too overwhelming.
- Texture: Powdered supplements are prone to clumping, which can be off-putting. We pay close attention to the “mixability” of each product and also look for texture changes if the product is left to sit for a bit after it has been mixed.
- Smell: Because smell is directly connected to taste, we ensure the greens powders have a pleasant smell that matches the flavor description. We evaluate the smell both before and after mixing the powder with water.
- Independent Verification: Independently verified supplements are sent to an outside laboratory, where they are tested for purity and potency to ensure they contain what they claim to contain and don’t have any potential contaminants. Trusted independent certifications include ConsumerLab.com, NSF, NSF for Sport, USP, Informed Choice, and Informed Sport. We check each product to see if it has certain verifications, third-party testing, and labels noting that it’s gluten-free, allergen-free, and organic.
- Nutrition: We thoroughly review every ingredient and dosage to accurately assess what each product contains. We aren’t looking for the highest amount of nutrients; in some cases, they might contain too much of an ingredient, which would increase the risk of toxicity.
- Value: We wait until the end of the testing period to check the price of each product, after we’ve evaluated it in all other key criteria. Would we only buy it on sale? Would we recommend it to friends and family? We prioritize products whose quality exceeds their value.
Verywell Fit
Compare Top Picks
 Best Overall Garden of Life Raw Organic Perfect Food | Best Overall Garden of Life Raw Organic Perfect Food | Amazon | $33 | Fruity | No added sweeteners | 1 scoop (7 grams) | 30 | Yes | USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, NSF Certified Gluten-Free, Kosher, Certified Vegan | Full Review | |||||||
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 Best With Protein Sakara Organic Protein + Greens Super Powder | Best With Protein Sakara Organic Protein + Greens Super Powder | Amazon | $81 | Slightly sweet, vanilla-coconut taste | Coconut sugar, stevia | 1 scoop (21 grams) | 30 | Yes | USDA Organic | Full Review | |||||||
 Best Budget Amazing Grass Greens Blend | Best Budget Amazing Grass Greens Blend | Amazon | $24 | Matcha-like taste | Fructose | 1 scoop (8 grams) | 30 | Yes (for gluten only) | Certified Organic by CCOF, Kosher | Full Review | |||||||
 Best Savory Dr. Mercola Fermented Greens Powder | Best Savory Dr. Mercola Fermented Greens Powder | Amazon | $36 | Tangy | Monk fruit extract, stevia | 1 teaspoon (3 grams) | 90 | Yes | USDA Organic | Full Review | |||||||
 Best Fruit Flavor KOS Show Me the Greens Powder | Best Fruit Flavor KOS Show Me the Greens Powder | Amazon | $25 | Green apple | Monk fruit extract, stevia | 1 scoop (9.5 grams) | 28 | Yes | USDA Organic | Full Review | |||||||
 Best Single Ingredient True Grace Broccoli Microgreens | Best Single Ingredient True Grace Broccoli Microgreens | Amazon | $45 | Mild | No added sweeteners | ¼ teaspoon | 30 | Yes | USDA Organic, Regenerative Organic Certified (Bronze), Non-GMO Verified | Full Review | |||||||
 Best for Pregnancy Perelel Synbiotic Greens Powder | Best for Pregnancy Perelel Synbiotic Greens Powder | Amazon | $51 | Acai berry | Stevia | 1 scoop | 30 | Yes | Not listed | Full Review | |||||||
 Best With Nutrients AG1 Daily Foundational Nutrition | Best With Nutrients AG1 Daily Foundational Nutrition | Amazon | $89 | Pleasant and fruity | Stevia | 1 scoop (13 grams) | 30 | Yes | NSF Certified for Sport | Full Review | |||||||
 Best Antioxidant Blend Thorne Daily Greens Plus | Best Antioxidant Blend Thorne Daily Greens Plus | Amazon | $63 | Strong and earthy | Monk fruit concentrate | 1 scoop (7 grams) | 30 | Yes | NSF Content Certified | Full Review | |||||||
 Best for Endurance Training Gnarly Performance Greens | Best for Endurance Training Gnarly Performance Greens | Amazon | $52 | Blueberry Acai or Lemon Mint | Stevia | 1 tablespoon (10 grams) | 30 | Yes | NSF Certified for Sport | Full Review |
Best Overall
Garden of Life Raw Organic Perfect Food
Independently verified
USDA Organic
Pleasant fruity taste, with no added sweeteners
Contains high amounts of vitamin K
Contains digestive enzymes, which may not be suitable for all
Key Specs
Serving Size: 1 scoop (7 grams) Servings per Container: 30 Gluten-Free: Yes Organic: Yes Added Sweetener: No Independently Verified: Yes Our Overall Rating: 4.4/5
Who It’s For
Best for those who want an organic, comprehensive greens powder with additional probiotics and digestive enzymes.
Why We Love It
Garden of Life’s Raw Organic Perfect Food Green Superfood offers an extensive blend of fruits, vegetables, sprouted grains, and seeds, in addition to greens. We like that the flavor has some pleasant fruity notes to complement the grassy taste of a greens powder. It provides 73% of the daily value (DV) of vitamin K, 37% of the DV of vitamin A, 12% of the DV of riboflavin, and smaller amounts of folate, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, and potassium.
We love that this option is organic and independently verified, which ensures its high quality. We also appreciate that it doesn’t contain any added sweeteners. We like drinking ours mixed with a big glass of water or blended into a smoothie for a nice boost. While we like that this powder contains added ingredients beyond greens, it's essential to read the label if you have a food allergy or are taking prescription medications.
Potential Flaws
- This greens powder is particularly high in vitamin K—around 70 percent of the recommended daily allowance—which can be beneficial for some people but may pose a risk for people taking certain medications. Vitamin K can interact with blood thinners, cholesterol medications, and some antibiotics.
- It contains digestive enzymes, so if you have any digestive issues, consult a healthcare provider to determine if these ingredients could worsen your symptoms. Certain digestive enzymes can help address specific digestive concerns, but they may not be beneficial for all individuals.
Most Valuable Insight
“I think this is a great price for a nutrient-dense green powder. I like the pleasant fruity notes that balance out the grassy greens.” —Tess G., Verywell Fit product tester
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This superfood greens powder contains digestive enzymes and probiotics. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The Garden of Life Raw Organic Perfect Food has a clumpy texture, so it requires extra mixing. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The flavor has some fruity notes that complement the grassy taste of the greens. Credit: Verywell Fit
Best With Protein
Sakara Organic Protein + Greens Super Powder
Sweet, refreshing scent
Good source of iron
Creamy texture
May not be suitable for those with certain food allergies
Key Specs
Serving Size: 1 scoop (21 grams) Servings per Container: 30 Gluten-Free: Yes Organic: Yes Added Sweetener: Coconut sugar, stevia Independently Verified: Yes Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5
Who It’s For
Best for anyone who wants an all-in-one greens and protein powder and is a big fan of vanilla.
Why We Love It
Sakara’s Organic Protein + Greens Super Powder contains a plant-based protein blend that includes pea, hemp seed, and pumpkin protein, providing 12 grams of protein with all essential amino acids. The greens blend is made with spirulina, wheatgrass, barley grass, and chlorella—a good source of phytonutrients and omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA and EPA. It also contains 21% DV of iron, making it a great choice for vegetarians looking to increase their iron intake.
If you're looking for a product that masks the typical earthy flavor of greens powders, this option may be suitable for you, as it has a sweet, refreshing scent and tastes more like a creamy protein smoothie. This powder has a slightly sweet, vanilla-coconut taste from coconut milk, vanilla powder, and a small amount of stevia that blends well into smoothies. For a nutrient-dense, high-fiber, high-protein smoothie, blend it with fruit, spinach, nut milk, and nut butter. Sakara offers the option to purchase on a one-time basis or as a renewing subscription at a slightly lower price point.
Potential Flaws
- While it is free of many common allergens, it does contain coconut and is processed in a facility that processes wheat, milk, eggs, soy, and tree nuts, so it may not be suitable for those with certain severe food allergies.
Most Valuable Insight
“I noticed the flavor profile tasted more like a protein smoothie than a green powder. It has a pleasant vanilla flavor that may appeal to people who are averse to green powders. It mixed rather smoothly in about 15 to 20 seconds. This powder was enjoyable to drink with water, and it would be nice with any nut milk. Plus, I really like the creamy texture.” —Tess G., Verywell Fit product tester
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The Sakara Organic Protein + Greens Super Powder blends well into smoothies. Credit: Verywell Fit -
This powder tastes sweet thanks to vanilla powder, coconut milk, and small amounts of stevia. Credit: Verywell Fit -
Sakara Protein + Greens has a creamier texture than most greens powders. Credit: Verywell Fit -
This powder has spirulina, wheatgrass, barley grass, and chlorella for phytonutrients and omega-3s. Credit: Verywell Fit
Best Budget
Amazing Grass Greens Blend
Independently verified gluten-free
Pleasant matcha-like taste
No aftertaste
Contains ingredients that may not be suitable for everyone
Has a slightly grainy texture
Key Specs
Serving Size: 1 scoop (8 grams) Servings per Container: 30 Gluten-Free: Yes Organic: No Added Sweetener: Fructose Independently Verified: Yes (for gluten only) Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5
Who It’s For
Best for those who like the taste of matcha and want a budget-friendly, gluten-free option.
Why We Love It
Amazing Grass’ Greens Blend is a budget-friendly option that contains a blend of fruits, vegetables, grasses, prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes. Each serving provides 57% DV of vitamin K, 100% DV of vitamin C, and smaller amounts of vitamin A, calcium, and potassium. We also like that it contains 2 grams of fiber, which is relatively high for a greens powder. Plus, it’s independently verified gluten-free.
This blend contains two types of algae—spirulina and chlorella—which, due to their high nutrient and antioxidant content, may offer potential health benefits, including a reduced risk of certain chronic conditions. Plus, this greens powder has a pleasant matcha-like flavor, which reminds us of a drink we’d get at a coffee shop. And we appreciate that it didn’t leave an aftertaste at all.
Potential Flaws
- This greens powder contains rosehips, which may interact with antacids, estrogens, lithium, and medications that affect blood clotting. In addition, the added prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes may benefit some people with digestive conditions, but not everyone may want or need them.
- This powder blends well, but it has a more grainy texture than others. We suggest using a blender for a smoother texture.
Most Valuable Insight
“This one tastes really good. It tastes sweet without being overly sweet and doesn't have an artificial flavor. It really tastes like a matcha drink I would get at a coffee shop.” —Isabella B., Verywell Fit product tester
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The powder blends well, but it has a somewhat grainy texture. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The grassy flavor of the Amazing Grass Greens Blend is similar to matcha. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The Amazing Grass Greens Blend contains two types of algae: spirulina and chlorella. Credit: Verywell Fit -
This greens powder includes fruits, vegetables, grasses, prebiotics, and probiotics. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The Amazing Grass Greens Blend Superfood is independently verified for ingredient purity. Credit: Verywell Fit
Best Savory
Dr. Mercola Fermented Greens Powder
Independently verified
Smooth texture with no clumps
Versatile use
Contains moringa and caffeine, which may not be ideal for some
Key Specs
Serving Size: 1 teaspoon (3 grams) Servings per Container: 90 Gluten-Free: No Organic: Yes Added Sweetener: Monk fruit extract, stevia Independently Verified: Yes Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Who It’s For
Best for those who are looking for a versatile savory greens powder for cooking or adding to a green smoothie.
Why We Love It
Dr. Mercola’s Fermented Greens Powder contains a savory blend of fermented grasses, greens, vegetables, herbs, matcha, and algae, including chlorella and spirulina. Fermenting fruits, vegetables, and other foods may enhance the body's ability to utilize and benefit from the antioxidants present in these ingredients. The flavor is tangy and reminiscent of vegetable broth. We think those who like fermented beverages will like its unique flavor. Plus, the addition of monk fruit and stevia helps neutralize the bitterness.
We appreciate that this independently-verified powder contains spirulina and algae, which may offer several health benefits, including lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. While it contains 30% DV of iron, it is primarily beneficial for its antioxidant content. Antioxidants protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals, which can contribute to aging and various diseases. While some may appreciate the taste of this greens powder with just water, it’s versatile and can also work well when mixed into more savory liquids, like soup or a green smoothie. We appreciate its high nutrient density and how well it blends without forming clumps.
Potential Flaws
- This greens powder contains caffeine. If you are sensitive to caffeine, are pregnant, or take a medication that could interact with caffeine, you may want to avoid this product. It also contains moringa, an herb that can affect how medications are broken down in the liver, especially thyroid medications and those used for diabetes. If you're taking any medications, review this product with a healthcare provider before using it.
Most Valuable Insight
“The texture was a nice surprise. I was pleased to find that the texture was almost the same as water. It was very watery, not at all thick. It was very easy to mix into the water and took less than 10 seconds to incorporate. I also like that it's organic, non-GMO, and soy-free.” —Amy D., Verywell Fit product tester
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This greens powder has a tangy taste that's similar to vegetable broth. Credit: Verywell Fit -
This greens powder has a blend of fermented grasses, greens, vegetables, herbs, matcha, and algae. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The Dr. Mercola Fermented Greens Powder can be mixed into water or savory liquids. Credit: Verywell Fit
Best Fruit Flavor
KOS Show Me the Greens Powder
Good source of iron
USDA organic, third-party tested, and non-GMO
Pleasant green apple scent
May leave some sediment at the bottom
Digestive prebiotic blend may not be suitable for some
Key Specs
Serving Size: 1 scoop (9.5 grams) Servings per Container: 28 Gluten-Free: Yes Organic: Yes Added Sweetener: Stevia, monk fruit extract Independently Verified: Yes Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5
Who It’s For
Best for those who don't like the taste of traditional greens powders and want a fruity alternative with simple, organic ingredients.
Why We Love It
If you're looking for an organic and flavored greens powder, try KOS' Organic Superfood Greens Powder. We love its yummy fruity flavor, which reminds us of a Jolly Rancher. It's sweetened with monk fruit and stevia, keeping the calorie content low while adding a touch of sweetness. Plus, we love that it's USDA organic, non-GMO, and third-party tested.
This powder also has 4 grams of fiber and provides 7% of the DV for iron, an important mineral that produces hemoglobin, which helps transport oxygen throughout the body. In addition to algae—specifically spirulina and chlorella—KOS keeps its ingredients simple, featuring wheatgrass, cabbage, kale, broccoli, apple, and green bell pepper. We like the strong green apple flavor and pleasant smell profile of the powder, which is great for those who prefer a less earthy greens powder in favor of one that is more like a treat.
Potential Flaws
- This powder dissolves well in water but may leave some sediment on the bottom of the glass.
- This powder contains a digestive prebiotic blend that may not be suitable for some individuals with digestive sensitivities and conditions, including those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Most Valuable Insight
“It’s pretty sweet and tastes faintly like a green apple Jolly Rancher, which is pleasant. The texture is smooth, and it’s pretty easy to mix into water.” —Mollie P., Verywell Fit product tester
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We tested the green apple sorbet-flavored powder, which is sweetened with monk fruit and stevia. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The KOS Show Me the Greens Powder dissolves well in water, but leaves some sediment. Credit: Verywell Fit -
This powder contains iron, fiber, spirulina and chlorella algae, and fruit and vegetable powders. Credit: Verywell Fit
Best Single Ingredient
True Grace Broccoli Microgreens
Independently verified and organic
Dissolves fully within seconds
Mild flavor
Doesn’t list micronutrients
Key Specs
Serving Size: ¼ teaspoon Servings per Container: 30 Gluten-Free: Yes Organic: Yes Added Sweetener: No Independently Verified: Yes Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5
Who It’s For
Best for those looking to boost their antioxidant intake with a simple, single-ingredient greens powder.
Why We Love It
If you want pure greens powder without unnecessary added ingredients, we recommend True Grace’s Superfood Powder Broccoli Microgreens. The only ingredient is powdered broccoli microgreens, which are miniature leafy greens high in antioxidants. Research suggests that these small plants possess anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. We also love its mild flavor, which is easy to hide if you’re not a fan of broccoli.
This powder is certified regenerative organic, non-GMO, and grown on small US farms. True Grace places a strong emphasis on restoring soil quality and promoting sustainable land-use practices, which we really appreciate. It's also independently verified by Alchemist Labs for purity and potency, including heavy metal testing. We also like that this powder blends fully in water in just a few seconds, unlike other powders that may take 20 to 30 seconds to thoroughly mix in.
Potential Flaws
- The ingredient label doesn't list vitamins and minerals, which would be nice to know.
Most Valuable Insight
“I like the mild broccoli taste and thin, watery texture! I would personally drink this in plain water or mixed into something. For someone who doesn’t like broccoli, I feel that its taste is mild enough to be barely detectable in a smoothie or soup, making it a good option for mixing.” —Amy D., Verywell Fit product tester
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The taste may be unpleasant if you don't like broccoli, but it isn't overpowering. Credit: Verywell Fit -
This greens powder blends fully into water in just a few seconds. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The broccoli is grown on small U.S. farms, and it's certified regenerative organic and non-GMO. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The True Grace greens powder contains only broccoli microgreens, which are high in antioxidants. Credit: Verywell Fit
Best for Pregnancy
Perelel Synbiotic Greens Powder
Independently verified and physician-approved
Quickly dissolves, with no clumps
Slightly sweet, pleasant flavor
Contains inulin, which may cause gas and bloating
Doesn’t list micronutrients
Key Specs
Serving Size: 1 scoop Servings per Container: 30 Gluten-Free: Yes Organic: Some ingredients are organic Sweetener: Stevia Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5
Who It’s For
Best for individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding who want a greens powder that’s physician-approved.
Why We Love It
Some greens powders contain adaptogens, herbal blends, digestive enzymes, and high amounts of some vitamins and minerals, which may not be suitable or safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding. However, Perelel's Synbiotic Greens Powder is a physician-approved option for pregnancy, independently verified for ingredient purity and potency.
In addition to the antioxidant greens and fruit blend, it contains a prebiotic fiber called inulin, a fermentable fiber that can help support a healthy gut microbiome. It also contains probiotics, which can help populate the gut with beneficial bacteria. This powder comes in an acai berry flavor, made with natural flavorings, and slightly sweetened with stevia. We love that the taste is subtly sweet and not overpowering, which may be helpful if you have morning sickness. It fully dissolves in water very quickly, leaving no clumps behind.
Potential Flaws
- It contains inulin, which can cause gastrointestinal symptoms like gas and bloating in some people and may not be suitable for those with IBS.
- It doesn't list vitamins and minerals, which would be nice to know.
Most Valuable Insight
“I really like the mild flavor and smooth texture. I appreciate that the ingredients are research-backed and formulated by doctors, and care has been taken to exclude anything that could be harmful during pregnancy. Instead, it’s designed specifically for this stage of life.” —Holly K., Verywell Fit product tester
Best With Nutrients
AG1 Daily Foundational Nutrition
NSF Certified for Sport
High in many vitamins and minerals
Easy to dissolve, smooth texture, and great taste
Some ingredients could interact with medications
Exact amounts of ingredients are not listed in proprietary blends
Key Specs
Serving Size: 1 scoop (13 grams) Servings per Container: 30 Gluten-Free: Yes Organic: No Added Sweetener: Stevia Independently Verified: Yes Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5
Who It’s For
Best for individuals who want a great-tasting greens powder that’s loaded with nutrients.
Why We Love It
AG1’s Greens Powder contains an impressive 75 ingredients, primarily sourced from whole foods, vitamins, and minerals. The company maintains strict manufacturing standards, ensuring 100 percent traceable ingredients for each batch produced. Their greens powder is vegan, contains no artificial ingredients or pesticides, and is free of common food allergens, including gluten. We also appreciate that it has strong independent verification and is NSF Certified for Sport.
This greens powder could serve as a multivitamin—it’s a good source of many vitamins and minerals (except iron). Plus, the newer formula includes folate, Vitamin C, and zinc to support immune health. It also contains probiotics, digestive enzymes, and adaptogens. Adaptogens are plants believed to help the mind and body better cope with—or adapt to—stress. This contains the adaptogens Rhodiola rosea (R. rosea), ashwagandha, and functional mushrooms, including reishi and shiitake, to help support you. What stands out to us about this powder is how well it dissolves in water; we didn't notice any clumps or grainy texture. We also love that the flavor is pleasant, fruity, and not bitter at all.
Potential Flaws
- The long ingredient list includes adaptogens, plant extracts, mushroom powders, digestive enzymes, and probiotics. These ingredients may not be best for everyone, especially if you’re taking any medications, are pregnant, or breastfeeding. In these instances, we recommend consulting a healthcare professional before you try this greens powder.
- If you already take a multivitamin, we recommend consulting a healthcare professional before taking this greens powder, as the exact amounts of the proprietary blends aren’t listed.
Most Valuable Insight
“The flavor is sweet but not overpowering at all. It tastes earthy and sweet, a perfect combination. The flavor is perfectly suitable for drinking on its own, as there are no extremely overpowering flavors. The texture of the drink when blended was perfect in that you could not feel any grains or clumps when drinking. It had a slightly sweet and fruity aftertaste, with no bitterness at all.” —Charlotte G., Verywell Fit product tester
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AG1 Daily Foundational Nutrition greens dissolve very easily in water. Credit: Verywell Fit -
This greens powder contains many vitamins, minerals, probiotics, digestive enzymes, and adaptogens. Credit: Verywell Fit
Best Antioxidant Blend
Thorne Daily Greens Plus
Unique blend of ingredients
Strong, earthy matcha flavor
Dissolves well
Certain ingredients, including adaptogens, may not be suitable for some
Contains caffeine
Key Specs
Serving Size: 1 scoop (7 grams) Servings per Container: 30 Gluten-Free: Yes Organic: No Added Sweetener: Monk fruit concentrate Independently Verified: Yes Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5
Who It’s For
Best for those who want an earthy, matcha-like greens powder that provides plenty of antioxidants and other functional benefits.
Why We Love It
Thorne’s Daily Greens Plus Powder offers a thoughtful balance of functional ingredients without an excessive dose of vitamins and minerals. Several ingredients in this blend offer antioxidant benefits that protect cells from damage and combat inflammation throughout the body. Additionally, it features adaptogens, functional mushrooms, and other specialized ingredients, including watermelon powder, lemon balm, and glutathione—a potent antioxidant not commonly found in green powder supplements. It also contains coenzyme Q10, which supports cellular health and helps fight inflammation.
While it does have limited amounts of vitamins, it does contain 125% of the DV for vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin that many people lack in adequate amounts. The strong, earthy taste of this easily dissolving powder will appeal to matcha lovers, but may deter those seeking a more subtle flavor. Matcha also provides 35 milligrams of caffeine per serving, equivalent to approximately 4 fluid ounces of brewed coffee.
Potential Flaws
- Ingredients like ashwagandha and rhodiola may interact with some medications.
- Although it contains only 35 milligrams of caffeine per serving, some may want to avoid it, especially later in the day.
Most Valuable Insight
“I love the delicious matcha flavor of this greens powder and really appreciate its antioxidant-rich ingredients. Plus, the small amount of caffeine is a nice plus for those who don’t drink coffee.” —Dana W., Verywell Fit product tester
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Credit: Verywell Fit
Best for Endurance Training
Gnarly Performance Greens
Comes in two delicious flavors
Ingredients help promote blood flow
NSF Certified for Sport
Contains ingredients that may not be suitable for some
High dose of vitamins and minerals, when combined with other supplements
Key Specs
Serving Size: 1 tablespoon (10 grams) Servings per Container: 30 Gluten-Free: Yes Organic: No Added Sweetener: Stevia Independently Verified: Yes Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5
Who It’s For
Best for athletes and exercise enthusiasts focused on endurance training.
Why We Love It
A greens powder made with endurance athletes in mind, Gnarly’s Performance Greens Powder contains a long list of plant-based ingredients, including spirulina, kale, alfalfa, carrot, and tomato, as well as functional mushrooms reishi and cordyceps, both of which have been linked to improved performance outcomes. It also contains beet root, pomegranate, and tart cherry to promote blood flow and recovery.
This powder contains an impressive amount of several vitamins and minerals, including over 200% of the DV for vitamin B12 and 31% of the daily goal for iron. We also appreciate that it is NSF Certified for Sport, which provides an extra layer of reassurance that the label is accurate and free from banned substances. Available in two tasty flavors, Blueberry Acai and Lemon Mint, both are flavorful without being overpowering and definitely perk up the earthiness of typical greens powders.
Potential Flaws
- This powder contains probiotics, adaptogens, and Asian ginseng, which may not be suitable for everyone.
- It contains 100% of the DV or more of several vitamins and minerals, which may be excessive when combined with other supplements.
Most Valuable Insight
“This greens powder is great for serious athletes focused on recovery. Plus, both flavors are really delicious and aren’t too intense flavor-wise.” —Dana W., Verywell Fit product tester
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Credit: Verywell Fit
Greens Powders We Also Tested
We tested 41 top greens powders, but only 11 impressed us enough to make our final list of recommendations. The following greens powders do have some notable features, but ultimately, they didn’t meet our rigorous testing requirements.
- Ancient Nutrition’s Organic Super Greens Powder had a good flavor and is easy to blend. Additionally, it's widely available in many stores. Like some other powders, it contains adaptogens, which may not be suitable for everyone. We found that it took a long time to fully mix, and we didn’t appreciate how long the aftertaste lasted.
- Your Super’s Super Green Mix ranks high for texture, as it mixes very quickly and thoroughly in water. It also has a strong, earthy flavor and smell, and may not be the best option if you're looking to mask the flavor of greens.
- Nested Naturals’ Super Greens Powder had an overwhelming chocolate flavor when mixed with just water, and it also leaves a lot of clumps behind. It could be a good option to blend into smoothies.
Verywell Fit
Our Experts
Our team of dietitians helps write and edit all of our nutrition content, but we also interview experts in the field to understand the benefits and drawbacks of greens powders, what's important to consider, and which greens powders are the best. While we select products independently, expert input influences our decisions.
- Maddi Osburn, RDN, LD, registered dietitian and owner of Flexible Nutrition
- Suzie Finkel, MS, RD, registered dietitian and owner of Well Digested Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Are greens powders as good as fresh greens?
Research specifically looking at greens powders is limited and doesn't suggest they offer as many benefits as eating whole foods. What we do know is that there are synergistic effects to eating whole foods, meaning that the nutrients in whole foods work together, so you get more health benefits from eating foods in their natural form than from taking supplements. According to Osburn, greens powders can help contribute to intake but should not be considered a replacement for whole foods.
Can I drink greens powder every day?
Since there is such wide variation in formulations of greens powders, it’s difficult to say which can and should be consumed daily, especially when taking into account other products you might be taking. Check ingredient lists carefully and take inventory of all the products you’re taking, then adjust your intake accordingly. It’s also a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure greens powders are safe and appropriate for you to take.
Is it better to drink green powder in the morning or at night?
Greens powders can be consumed at any time of day, but certain ingredients may warrant varied timing. For example, drinks with high fiber should be avoided before a workout to prevent any unwanted gastrointestinal upset, and powders with caffeine are better consumed earlier in the day to avoid any stimulant effects that might disrupt sleep.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
Dana Angelo White, MS, RDN, ATC, is a certified athletic trainer and registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition education and a Verywell Fit writer. Dana works with college and professional athletes to help them optimize performance with evidence-based nutrition and sports medicine. For this article, she hands-on tested two of our top picks: Best Antioxidant Blend and Best for Endurance Training.
Additional reporting contributed by Sarah Anzlovar, MS, RD
Sarah Anzlovar, MS, RDN, LDN, is a registered dietitian with a master's degree in nutrition communication and a Verywell Fit writer. For this article, she used her expertise to translate nutrition research into relatable and approachable recommendations for our readers.