Greens powders have become a popular shortcut for getting more plants into your day. That makes sense: in 2019, only 10% of US adults ate the recommended amount of vegetables. But greens powders vary a lot in what's inside, how they taste and what they cost. Here are the things to look for when choosing one, and the questions worth asking before you buy.
What is a greens powder?
A greens powder is a dried blend of vegetables, grasses, algae and other plants that you mix into water or a smoothie. Many also add fruit, fiber, probiotics or herbs. A good one is an easy way to top up your plant intake on busy days. It isn't a replacement for eating whole vegetables, which bring fiber, water and volume that a scoop can't. For a deeper look, read what's in a greens supplement.
How do you judge ingredient quality?
Look for certified organic
Greens are grown in soil and water, so how they're farmed matters. A product labeled "organic" with the USDA seal must contain at least 95% organic ingredients, grown without synthetic pesticides or genetically modified organisms. "Made with organic ingredients" means at least 70% and can't carry the seal.
Check what the greens actually are
Look for nutrient-dense ingredients near the top of the list: leafy greens, grasses such as wheatgrass or barley grass, and algae such as spirulina or chlorella. Learn more about chlorella.
Be wary of proprietary blends
A "proprietary blend" lists ingredients without saying how much of each is in it. That makes it hard to know whether you're getting meaningful amounts or just a sprinkle of the headline ingredients.
Look for extras that earn their place
Prebiotic fiber, digestive herbs and adaptogens can make a greens powder more useful, provided they're there in amounts that are disclosed.
Is the product tested for purity?
Plants can pick up heavy metals and other contaminants from soil and water, so testing matters. Look for brands that test every batch with an independent lab and publish the results. At Ora, we test under our 5 Nation Standard and post our certificates of analysis so you can check for yourself.
Does taste matter?
More than you'd think. The best greens powder is the one you'll actually drink every day, and many have a grassy, earthy taste that's hard to love. Read reviews for comments on taste and texture, look for natural flavors rather than artificial sweeteners, and see whether a brand offers single servings or a guarantee so you can try before you commit.
How do you compare price?
Compare cost per serving rather than cost per tub, and check the serving size: a cheaper product may simply have a smaller scoop. Higher prices don't always mean better ingredients, so weigh the price against the factors above, including certification, ingredient transparency and testing. Subscribing often brings the cost per serving down too.
How does Easy Being Green compare?
We made Easy Being Green to tick these boxes. It's USDA Organic, with more than 20 organic greens and superfoods from land and sea, plus prebiotics, triphala and ashwagandha, in a refreshing orange flavor. Mix a scoop into 8 to 12 ounces of chilled water, or blend it into a smoothie. Want to learn more about one of its ingredients? Read what triphala is.
