The 6 Best Greens Powders of 2021, According to a Dietitian

What to Look for in a Greens Powder

Nutrients

People take greens powders for different reasons, but paying attention to the ingredients and nutrition label is essential before buying. Some greens will have higher fiber content, while others provide a variety of antioxidants. Decide what health benefits you’d like to see before purchasing a greens powder. 

If you’re looking for multiple health benefits, Eliza Savage, MS, RD, CDN, recommends looking at the variety of greens included—noting that a greater amount of greens correlates with a greater amount of nutrients. “If you’re looking to benefit from minerals like iodine, then sea greens may be preferable to you,” she says. “If you’re looking for a ton of antioxidants, then leafy greens like spinach or kale may be more suitable.”

Additives

While some greens powders are designed to help you get all of your vegetable servings into your diet, others have additives such as protein or probiotics. If your diet is lacking these supplements, finding a greens powder that contains additional health benefits might be a good option. 

It’s also important to note that some powders contain high amounts of sugar. “Definitely take a look at the sugar content to ensure that the item is not overly sweet,” says Savage. “Avoid any products with artificial sweeteners, aside from maybe stevia or monk fruit.”

Taste

Taste is another key consideration when choosing a greens powder because one that doesn’t taste good is one you likely won’t use. If you’re consuming the greens alone or with water, the taste may come off as chalky or unpleasant. If you’re adding it to shakes or smoothies with a variety of other ingredients (similar to a protein powder), the taste may not be as important. It’s a good idea to read reviews to see what people think about the taste to ensure it’s easy enough to stomach. 

Labeling and Sourcing

Labeling and sourcing are critical when narrowing down a greens powder. “If choosing a product without any fertilizers or antibiotics is important to you, look for a USDA Organic seal,” says Savage. Since the term “natural” isn’t regulated, she warns against buying products that rely on those buzz words without any other certification. You’ll also want to pay attention to third-party testing certifications and a full list of ingredients, either on the packaging or on the brand’s website.

FAQs

How do I use greens powder?

Greens powder can be used in many different ways. The easiest and least offensive way to consume a greens powder is in a smoothie. Add fruit like berries and bananas to naturally sweeten the smoothie, and you will likely not even notice the powder is in there. For those who do not mind the taste of a greens powder or if purchasing a powder that has sweetener in it, you can add the powder directly to a glass of water or nut milk and enjoy it in between meals, after a workout, or first thing in the morning. For those who are a bit more adventurous in the kitchen, you can try using your greens powders in energy balls, chia pudding, or baking it into healthy muffins.

Can greens powder replace the need for vegetables?

A greens powder should never be used in place of whole vegetables. Vegetables are potent sources of vitamins and minerals and also contain antioxidants, phytonutrients, and fiber. The fiber found in vegetables is necessary for gut health, appetite regulation, and heart health.

A greens powder is best used during travel, when your diet may not be as rich in vegetables, or when you are looking for an extra boost of nutrients. A greens powder is also excellent to have on hand if your fridge is out of vegetables for the week and you want to add something green to a smoothie or a glass of water.

Does greens powder help with bloating?

It depends on the product. Some products will include gut-healing ingredients such as probiotics or digestive enzymes, which may help with bloat. In general, a greens powder may not do much for bloating. Be mindful when purchasing a greens powder as some powders could actually contribute to bloat. It is best to go for a product that is free of artificial sweeteners, flavors, or gums.

What Experts Say

"With multiple vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, greens powder is an easy way to boost your nutrition. I recommend choosing fresh, fiber-rich produce when possible, but a high-quality greens powder is a great backup when you're on the go. I suggest blending the powder into a smoothie for optimal taste and consistency. Add a source of healthy fat such as nut butter, chia seeds, or avocado to your smoothie to help absorb the fat-soluble vitamins in the powder." —Eliza Savage, MS, RD, CDN

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As a Registered Dietitian, Sydney Greene takes supplement recommendations seriously. Every product has been researched and vetted by her against clinical research, product reviews, and third-party testing websites. These are products she would not only feel comfortable recommending to her clients but she would take them herself if needed.

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