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Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
Greens powders may provide a boost of important nutrients, but research on their benefits is lacking. Our dietitians picked the seven best greens powders worth considering if you’re interested in trying them.
Greens powders are gaining popularity as a convenient way to increase your nutrient intake. These vibrantly hued powders include nutrients from round leafy greens, grasses, some fruits, and a variety of other ingredients, such as digestive enzymes, prebiotics, and probiotics.
However, the scientific backing for the benefits of greens powders is pretty thin, and some of the research is funded by supplement manufacturers, introducing a conflict of interest. Not to mention, they tend to come with a hefty price tag.
Nevertheless, if you’re interested in trying them, Healthline’s dietitians reviewed the research and combed through some of the most popular products on the market to help you decide whether greens powders are worth your money.
Disclaimer: Some of the products below were provided to Healthline testers for free. However, our opinions are ours alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by the supplement brands.
A note on price
General price ranges with dollar signs ($ to $$$) are indicated below.
All of the greens powders on our list offer packages with 30 servings — about a month’s worth. Some may also be sold as travel sticks or in 15-, 60-, or 100-serving packages.
We based the price ratings on the approximate monthly cost for each product:
- $ = under $35
- $$ = $35 to $50
- $$$ = over $50
Here is a quick look at how our top two picks compare:
Strawberry Kiwi, Coconut,
Orange Passionfruit, Citrus
*Third-party testing refers to whether products are tested by independent organizations to confirm the accuracy of the label and purity of the ingredients.
Healthline’s dietitians looked at more than 25 popular greens powders on the market. Ultimately, 16 products passed both our dietitians’ review and our internal vetting process, and 7 stood out to us.
We determined the best greens powders using the following criteria:
- Appropriate claims and disclaimers: We automatically ruled out products with 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 (FDA). - 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 each powder’s taste and texture.
- 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.
If you decide to try a greens powder, here are a few factors to consider while shopping for one:
- Quality testing: To ensure that the contents match the label, look for a product that’s tested for purity and potency, ideally by a trusted third-party organization, such as NSF International, USP, or Labdoor.
- 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.
- Price: Greens powders aren’t 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, talk with a doctor, a registered dietitian, or another healthcare professional.
- Nutrient amounts: 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’re not consuming excessive amounts of any nutrients listed.
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 don’t have to list the specific amounts of each ingredient present.
With proprietary blends, it can be difficult to know whether you’re consuming an effective dose of a given ingredient. Additionally, undisclosed amounts can be an issue for people with sensitivities to some ingredients, including stimulants like caffeine.
Because greens powders tend to contain a wide variety of
Still, research on greens powders is limited, and most studies are
While more research is needed, these powders do contain some ingredients that have been shown to have health benefits.
For example, certain vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins and iron, may help
Several products also contain
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: As with other supplements, like protein powders, there’s always a risk that a greens powder may contain heavy metals, such as lead, or other potentially harmful contaminants. For this reason, it’s best to choose products that are third-party tested for purity and potency.
- 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 of 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. - Cost: Greens powders tend to be expensive, with some products costing $75 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 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.
While greens powders are nutritious, they’re 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 people, such as:
- children
- people who are pregnant or nursing
- people who take certain prescription medications
- people who take other dietary supplements
- people with certain digestive disorders
- people with certain food allergies, especially to wheat
- people with end-stage kidney disease (this is especially true for products high in potassium)
- competitive athletes (unless a product is certified safe for sport)
Greens powders may be helpful for people who have difficulty meeting their micronutrient needs or don’t typically eat fruits and vegetables. However, they’re unlikely to make a meaningful difference for people who already follow a mostly balanced diet.
No, greens powders haven’t been proven to be a substitute for whole fruits and vegetables in terms of either nutrient quality or potential health benefits.
Assuming you’re not taking other dietary supplements, it’s likely safe 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. Choose a greens powder that is third-party tested to ensure the purity of its contents.
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.
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 may not be worth the cost for some people, and they shouldn’t be used as a replacement for eating whole fruits and vegetables.
