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

What to Look for in a Greens Powder

Nutrients:

When buying a greens powder, you’ll want to take a look at the nutrition label before anything else. Check to see the serving size, how many calories per serving, what nutrients it provides, and how much sugar there is per serving. Some greens powders have surprisingly high amounts of sugar, which can detract from their overall healthiness.

Additives:

While some greens powders are designed simply for the purpose of fitting more vegetables into your diet, other products have additives such as protein or probiotics. If you take other supplements, you may want to find a product that contains those additives to help streamline your daily routine. 

Taste:

Another key consideration when choosing a greens powder is the taste. Most products are designed to be put into shakes or smoothies, but similar to protein powders, they can have a chalky or unpleasant taste. Read reviews to see what people think about the taste to ensure it’s easy enough to stomach.

Labeling and Sourcing:

Labeling and sourcing is critical when choosing a powder. Look for products that are organic, have third-party testing certifications, and provide information on the sourcing of ingredients on their website. Remember, if a product attempts to claim any sort of cure-all or health promise, it is usually wise to stay away.

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

Why Trust Verywell Fit?

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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