If you’re like most people, you probably don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables.
In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults eat at least 2.5 cups of fruits and vegetables every day!
That can be a lot of work if you’re trying to get all your nutrients from whole foods.
Enter greens powders.
This supplement could potentially be a great way to make sure you’re getting the nutrients your body needs from fruits and veggies.
But what is greens powder, exactly?
And what are the benefits?
I’ll answer all these questions in detail below.
What Is Greens Powder?
Greens powder (also commonly referred to as “powdered greens”, “superfood powder”, and “super greens powder” is a dietary supplement that contains powdered fruits, vegetables, and other superfoods.
It exists to help you make sure you’re getting the proper amount of produce in your diet (and all the vitamins and minerals your body needs from fruits and veggies). Some products promote benefits such as:
- Improved digestion
- Immune support
- Increased energy
- Better cholesterol
- And more
Greens powder is made by drying and grinding whole fruits and vegetables into a fine powder. And it gets its name because, you guessed it, it’s green.
It’s usually sold in a powder form that you can mix with water or juice, or add to smoothies. It can also be available in capsules or tablets.
While specifics vary by brand, most greens powders include ingredients like:
- Spinach
- Kale
- Parsley
- Beetroot
- Carrot
- Broccoli
- Cucumber
- Spirulina
- Chlorella
- Wheatgrass
What Do Dieticians Think About Greens Powder?
As I talk about in my post on whether greens powders are worth it, the general consensus is that greens powders can be good for some people but don’t replace a healthy diet.
Makers of greens powders claim their products support immunity, digestion, and more, but it’s really just the greens in the powder that does that, not the powder by itself.
And you can get those benefits by simply eating the proper servings of fruits and veggies each day. But most dieticians say greens powder is certainly better than nothing if you’re not getting enough produce in your diet.
How Much Do Powdered Greens Cost?
Greens powders typically range in price from around $30-$100 for a 30-day supply. Specific prices vary by brand and there are also subscription options that can lower your expense.
Buying greens powder is certainly not cost-effective when you compare it to purchasing produce from the store.
What you’re paying for with greens powder is an easier way to make sure you’re getting your greens if you aren’t already with your diet.
Greens Powder FAQs
1. What does greens powder taste like?
Most greens powders have a grassy taste with a hint of sweetness from the fruits that are used. But some products include flavorings (like mint or chocolate) to make them more palatable, so make sure you read your labels.
2. Do greens powders work?
Greens powder has many potential benefits, but there isn’t substantial evidence backing most manufacturers’ claims. And the FDA has loose regulations for the supplement industry—which makes it harder to answer this question.
Generally speaking, though, greens powder is a good way to get more veggies in your diet if you’re having trouble eating the suggested 4-5 cups per day. But it’s not a substitute for eating fruits and veggies.
So, whether it “works” or not is largely dependent on your reason for taking the greens supplement in the first place.
It can possibly aid in things like digestion, energy, and lower cholesterol because of the ingredients these powders contain, but it doesn’t do anything that a proper diet can’t give you.
3. Are greens powders good for you?
Yes, most greens powders are made with organic fruits and vegetables. The main side effects that they can cause for most people are things like an upset stomach, headaches, or vitamin/mineral overdoses.
Avoiding the latter is a matter of consulting your doctor to make sure greens powder doesn’t create a conflict with other medicines or supplements you’re currently taking.
4. What is the best greens powder?
This completely depends on your dietary needs and budget, but we usually recommend either Athletic Greens or Amazing Grass. Click here to see a detailed review of all the options you have at your disposal.
Interested in Exploring the World of Greens Powder?
If you’re looking to learn more about greens powder so you can consider whether adding them to your diet will be helpful, our blog can be a great resource.
That’s actually why we exist.
We create tons of content ranging from FAQs to product comparisons and more.