With the ever-changing health and diet industry, it can be tough to keep up with what’s the next ingenious invention and what’s the next cash grab. That being said, let’s take a closer look at greens powders through the lens of a dietitian.
What Are Greens Powders?
Greens powders (or powdered greens) are plant-based dietary supplements made from dried and finely ground fruits and vegetables. They’re essentially like protein powders but aimed at supplementing vitamins and minerals rather than protein. They don’t have any protein.
✅ Greens Powders — Pros ✅
- A potentially tasty way to stay hydrated, especially for those who don’t like drinking plain water
- Can help supplement vitamin and mineral intake from food
- Some contain probiotics and digestive enzymes
- Some include adaptogens
❌ Greens Powders — Cons ❌
- Do not replace fruits and vegetables, particularly when it comes to fiber
- Can be quite expensive per serving — frozen fruits and vegetables are typically much more affordable
- Often reach the market without FDA evaluation or approval
- Some contain beneficial ingredients in less than recommended amounts (e.g., probiotics), while others exceed recommended amounts of certain vitamins and minerals
- May include added sugars, caffeine, artificial sweeteners, and/or additives
The Bottom Line
You can absolutely maintain a balanced diet without using greens powders. You might also choose to supplement with a high-quality multivitamin instead. However, if you enjoy greens powders and have the green to spare, look for one made simply with organic fruits and vegetables and that is third-party tested.
One example is Live it Up Super Greens. Two others with minimal drawbacks are AG1 and Bloom Greens & Superfoods.
As always, it’s best to discuss the introduction of any supplements with your doctor. Your Unified Care health coach or dietitian can also help answer any further questions about greens powders!
