Should you try a greens powder in 2025? We asked the experts
From chlorophyll water and cold-water therapy to sauna bathingand ginger shots, the wellness world is no stranger to a viral trend. One of the latest is greens powders, with countless influencers and celebs sipping on lurid green drinks and touting their health benefits on social media.
On TikTok alone, videos with the hashtag #greenspowders have racked up over 477 million views and research shows the greens powder industry is set to be worth a mega $477 million by 2030.
According to fans, the best greens powders can do wonders for your health, with users noting improved digestion, less bloating, more energy and healthier skin and nails, alongside other benefits. Sounds great, but do these fluorescent elixirs live up to their bold claims and are they worth investing in?
To find out, the Good Housekeeping Institute enlisted the help of two nutritionists, plus a panel of trusted testers, to put a range of super greens through their paces. Before you swap your salad for a green shake, here’s everything you need to know about the trend du jour, plus how to choose the right supplement for you.
Meet the experts: Georgia Chilton, senior nutrition manager at Fresh Fitness Food, holds a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, a master’s degree in sports and exercise nutrition and has over nine years of industry experience. Megan Foulsham, senior nutritionist at Fresh Fitness Food, is a registered nutritionist with a bachelor's degree in biochemistry and a master’s in eating disorders and clinical nutrition.
The best greens powders for 2025
What are greens powders?
Megan Foulsham, senior nutritionist at Fresh Fitness Food, explains that greens powders are supplements typically made from dehydrated and powdered forms of leafy greens, algae, grasses and fruits. Many brands also add probiotics, digestive enzymes and herbs.
They shouldn’t be confused with green juices or smoothies, which are made from blended fresh fruit and vegetables.
“Many promise a quick and easy boost of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients,” explains Foulsham. “They often provide vitamins A, C, K and folate in addition to minerals like iron, calcium and magnesium.”
Are greens powders good for you?
According to Foulsham, greens powders can be useful if you’re struggling to eat enough fresh fruit and veg daily. “If you’re someone who doesn’t have a balanced diet, it’s possible that the vitamins and minerals included in the powders can provide you with more nourishment than your diet,” she says.
However, she stresses that they aren't essential for a healthy diet and it’s best to get your nutrition from whole foods where possible. “We wouldn’t usually recommend a greens powder as the first port of call; we would always suggest a food-first approach,” she adds.
She points out that there is limited evidence to suggest that taking greens powders is beneficial, noting that they don’t count towards your five-a-day. Additionally, if you’re already eating a healthy, well-balanced diet, it’s unlikely that a greens supplement will make much of a difference. This is because your body can only absorb a certain amount of vitamins – you’ll just wee out what your kidneys can’t handle.
That said, she believes there could be some psychological benefits. “While the evidence to support greens powders is limited, if taking one puts you in a ‘healthy’ mindset and encourages you to make other changes to better your health like moving more or prioritising sleep, then it can be helpful,” she says.
Greens powders vs. whole foods
One point to consider, says Foulsham, is that the vitamins and minerals in whole foods have better bioavailability than powders. That means they’re more easily absorbed by the body. “While greens powders do contain lots of micronutrients, there is little to no data to support the bioavailability of the micronutrients in this form, so we can’t be sure the body is making efficient use of them,” she explains.
Plus, whole foods provide us with more than just vitamins and minerals – they contain fibre, which is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system. With greens powders, most of the fibre content is lost in the production process.
What should you look for in a greens powder?
If you do want to jump on the leafy bandwagon, Foulsham advises opting for a powder that contains real fruit and vegetables. “Aim for a product that has whole foods listed within the ingredients list and plenty of vitamins and minerals listed under the product NRVs (Nutrient Reference Values),” she says.
She suggests steering clear of supplements, which contain lots of synthetic and fortified ingredients. “Synthetic ingredients, especially sweeteners, can cause gastrointestinal distress, while fortified vitamins are ultimately no different to standard multivitamins, aside from the cost,” she explains.
As most greens powders are not regulated by governing bodies, there’s a chance that they don’t live up to their claims. So, it’s a good idea to choose one that has been tested by a third party to check the ingredients list is accurate and free from contaminants. Verve's powder, for instance, is Informed Sport Certified, and Athletic Greens is NSF Certified for Sport.
If you’re unsure or taking medication, it’s best to seek advice from a registered nutritionist or dietician before you take a green supplement.
How we test
To find the greens powders worth considering – whether you’re after a budget buy or something that goes down easily – we asked nutritionists Georgia Chilton and Megan Foulsham to help us put a range of market-leading products to the test.
They assessed each greens powder based on quality of ingredients, nutritional make-up and formulation, judging them against their claims.
We also sent each product to a panel of testers, who trialled them over a four-week period before feeding back on ease of use, drinkability, any benefits noticed and any unwanted side effects.
Finally, our expert food team taste tested them all, telling us how they found each drink’s flavour, texture and aroma.
Supergreens (30 servings)
Score: 94/100
We’re big fans of Shreddy’s protein bars and powders at the Good Housekeeping Institute, so we weren't surprised to see its greens powder score well during testing. The Supergreens blend includes no less than 30 greens (such as kale, broccoli, spinach and Brussels sprouts), 24 antioxidants like green tea extract and sweet cherry concentrate, a handful of vitamins and minerals from B6 to folic acid, plus five billion probiotic bacteria per serving.
Unlike the grass-like flavour of many of the greens our testers had tried before, they raved about the fresh, tropical flavour, which was pleasant to drink and not too sickly. Thanks to the handy scoop included, it was a easy to measure out and it dissolved well in water.
Performance-wise, panellists enjoyed drinking it first thing, saying it was a positive way to start their mornings and it encouraged them to make healthier choices throughout the day. “My digestion has really improved since using Shreddy. I’d definitely continue using it,” said one happy tester.
The expert verdict: Shreddy’s Supergreens contains 100% of the recommended daily quantity of your key beauty vitamins, biotin, selenium, niacin and vitamin C, but be careful not to overdo it if you’re taking other supplements. Our experts noted a synergy between ingredients – vitamin C enhances the absorption of iron found in plant-based foods – and they highlighted that most of the greens are derived from natural sources. However, due to processing methods, a greens powder can’t be described as 100% natural.
The new Cherry & Rasbperry blend is worth considering, too.
Greens (30 servings)
Score: 93/100
Free Soul’s viral greens powder, which packs in 21 greens and superfoods, has been specifically designed to “support female wellness”. Ingredients include KSM-66 Ashwagandha and maca for hormone support, Actazin® and Livaux® kiwi powders to aid digestion and a variety of greens, from chlorella and spirulina to alfalfa and wheatgrass, for overall wellness.
It proved popular with panellists, with one saying: “It’s been game changing for me, I’ve recommended it to friends”, while another commented: “I’ve noticed a big difference in my energy levels.”
Our testers tried the peach flavour, which went down well with most. They described it as sweet and fruity, without tasting too artificial. The fine powder was easy to scoop; however, it did need a good mix to dissolve fully – we recommend using a handheld frother to make life easier.
The expert verdict: Our experts thought the NRV range of between 12 – 217% was appropriate for a supplement and they liked the inclusion of vitamin C to help increase the bioavailability of iron found in greens such as spinach, spirulina and wheatgrass. The ingredients are organic and there are no added sugars or artificial sweeteners. The greens are also derived from natural sources, but it’s important to keep in mind that the powder is processed.
Transparent Greens Powder V80 (30 servings)
Score: 89/100
As the name suggests, V80 contains a potent blend of 80 vitamins, minerals and whole food ingredients – including spirulina, chlorella, barley grass, pea protein isolate, a fistful of adaptogens like ashwagandha and reishi mushroom extract, and 11 pre and probiotics.
According to the brand, it’s a convenient way to keep your energy up, your immune system strong and your gut health balanced. Sure enough, our testers felt it gave them a boost, with one saying, “I noticed a pick-up in energy when I used this product.” In terms of gut health, improvements were also noted. “My digestion has taken a turn for the better and there has been no discomfort or bloating,” one panellist told us.
Flavour-wise, our food team said it wasn’t too overpowering, but slightly earthy, with hints of sweetness and nuttiness. The texture was thin and easy to drink, although there were a few unwanted lumps, so make sure you blend well before drinking.
The expert verdict: In terms of benefits, Foulsham and Chiltern highlighted the pre- and probiotic mix, which can help facilitate an increase in positive gut bacteria. They also noted that the vitamins included complement each other; for instance, vitamin D enhances the absorption of calcium. Additionally, the NRVs aren’t too high, so you can incorporate V80 as a supplement alongside your diet, without overdoing it on vitamins and minerals.
Daily Greens (30 servings)
Score: 88/100
Huel’s Daily Greens features a mega 91 vitamins, minerals, adaptogens, dairy-free probiotics and antioxidants. We’re talking spinach, cinnamon bark, cordyceps, faba bean protein, flaxseed and plenty more. The brand claims it will “fill any nutritional gaps in your diet,” helping to support a healthy immune system, maintain energy levels, promote healthy skin hair and nails and aid digestion.
Sounds impressive but how did it fare during our tests? Panellists gave positive feedback, with one saying, “I feel overall better and will continue to use this product”, and another noting that they felt better mentally, although they would need longer to confirm this was due to the powder.
Everyone liked the tropical, fruity taste, with many commenting that it was significantly nicer than other greens powders they’ve tried, so they felt motivated to keep using it. It earned bonus points for its smooth consistency and appealing green colour, too.
The expert verdict: For Foulsham and Chiltern, the ingredients list made up of mostly organic ingredients was a plus point. They also approved of the fibre content, which at 3.5g is the highest in this round-up, and noted the synergy between ingredients – vitamin C enhances the absorption of iron from the diet.
They did, however, highlight that some ingredients contain excessive amounts of NRV per serving. These are unlikely to be harmful, but they are unnecessary. The blend also contains small amounts of the sweetener sucralose, which has been shown to negatively impact gut health.
Super Greens Extreme (20 servings)
Score: 88/100
Protein Works is best known for its protein powders and pre-workout shakes, but the brand also has its very own greens blend, packed with 20 superfood ingredients to “enhance your immune system naturally while reducing fatigue and contributing to brain function.” These include spirulina, spinach and broccoli powder, match green tea, ginseng and ashwagandha, to name a few.
Unlike many greens, which only come in one flavour, this one stands out for the array of options to help mask any earthy vegetable taste. The brand recommends blending it with juice for an extra dose of sweetness. It scored highly for mixability with our panel, who also thought the flavour was fresh, sharp and sweet. Some found it a tad sickly, but you can't win 'em all.
One tester reported an improvement in their energy levels during the trial, but acknowledged this may be down to the placebo effect, while another thought it was a positive way to start their mornings but didn’t note any major health changes.
The expert verdict: Our experts rated the NRV range in this blend, describing it as “reasonable and realistic”. It will give you a boost in nutrients you may be lacking, but it’s not designed to replace a healthy balanced diet. It contains inulin, a prebiotic found in a variety of fruits and vegetables, which can help increase good gut bacteria. However, our experts noted that it also contains sucralose, an artificial sweetener that can can disturb digestion and cause bloating and gas.
AG1 (30 servings)
Score: 87/100
Popular with the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow, Lewis Hamilton and Cindy Crawford, AG1 is one of the best-selling greens powders on the market – and it has a premium price tag to match. Made up of a myriad of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, pre- and probiotics, digestive enzymes and adaptogens, it aims to help boost mental performance, reduce tiredness, support a healthy immune system and promote gut health. According to the brand, AG1 replaces the need to take multiple supplements with one simple daily scoop.
It certainly went down well with our panellists, who noticed a variety of improvements after taking it for a month. “After four weeks, I definitely felt an improvement in my skin – it was clearer and softer – and my energy levels,” reported one tester. Another told us: “I absolutely felt a difference in my energy levels and bloating.”
They also approved of the flavour, with bursts of pineapple and coconut, saying it was nicer than many greens powders they’d tried before. The texture earned mixed reviews and some found the aftertaste unpleasant, but that’s often the case with health supplements.
The expert verdict: AG1 combines synbiotics (a mixture of probiotics and prebiotics) to provide variety to the gut microbiome and, in turn, could potentially boost digestion. Like the Huel option above, however, the concentration of some nutrients (e.g. 880% for B12) is excessive and unnecessary.
SuperGreens+ (30 servings)
Score: 87/100
If you can’t fathom spending almost £100 on a greens powder, consider this Smart Protein offering. It comes in at under £20, and contains the classics like spirulina, wheat grass, spinach and beetroot, along with nine additional vitamins and minerals. Unlike many brands, it doesn’t make any big health claims, simply stating it can be used to supplement nutrients you may be lacking in your diet.
It proved popular with testers, who said it was extremely easy to mix into water, smoothies and even porridge and soup. “It didn’t congeal or have any lumps,” said one tester. Flavour-wise, it’s natural, herby and sweet, but not unpleasant.
Testers noticed “healthier, more radiant and clearer skin” after just a week, as well as reduced bloating.
The expert verdict: Like the Protein Works blend above, our experts said the NRV range was reasonable, making it a good choice for supplementing vitamins and minerals, alongside a balanced diet that’s rich in fruit and veg. They pointed out that it does contain quite a few synthetic ingredients, which can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort. It doesn’t contain pre or probiotics, either.
Complete Greens (55 servings)
Score: 84/100
Bulk’s budget-friendly unflavoured blend contains just eight key greens: spirulina, chlorella, broccoli, pumpkin protein, alfafa, moringa, kale and spinach. The flavoured options also contain citric acid, natural flavourings and stevia for added sweetness.
Testers appreciated the clear instructions and said it was easy to mix. One tester noted improvements to their bloating and skin, and another said they liked knowing they were getting more veg in their diet. The consistency was good, but the taste didn’t go down so well with everyone – some thought it was too musty and difficult to drink, while others found it too sweet. On the plus side, they liked that it could be added to smoothies and soups to mask the flavour.
The expert verdict: Bulk Complete Greens is up there with the most natural options in this round-up, according to the nutritionists. It contains the fewest ingredients and the least synthetic ingredients, making it a decent way boost your green intake if necessary. It also offers a good hit of fibre (1.9g) and protein (3.2g) per serving. However, it loses points as there’s a lack of nutritional information available, including NRVs and the amount of each nutrient per serving.
Ultimate Daily Greens Powder (30 servings)
Unlike most greens powders, which combine fruits and veggies, this one is made up of 100% certified-organic leafy greens – spinach, kale and spirulina and more – along with pea protein and pure stevia. Free from added sugar, artificial flavourings and preservatives, it’s a good choice if you’re after a lean, green drink to kickstart your mornings.
The flavour divided our panel – some enjoyed the “very green and natural” taste, while others thought it was a little too earthy. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. If you prefer something sweet, we recommend blending it up with some frozen fruit and yoghurt for a satisfying smoothie. This will also ensure you have a smooth, lump-free blend.
Testers noticed the benefits after consistently consuming the powder over a four-week period, with one panel member commenting: “It feels healthy and like it’s doing you good.” 33Fuel also earned bonus for its funky packaging, which is resealable and fully recyclable. Plus, a portion of every purchase goes to One Tree Planted.
The expert verdict: The experts gave the NRV range (between 3% and 66%) their seal of approval, and liked the fact that it’s made up of a handful of organic ingredients, which means it's one of the most natural options in this round-up. Along with a host of vitamins, including A, B12, E and K, the blend contains vitamin C to help absorb the iron. Just note, ingredients like chlorella and spirulina can cause bloating, gas and mild diarrhoea in some individuals.
The verdict on greens powders
While it’s advisable to get your nutritional needs from whole foods, if you do want to incorporate a greens powder into your daily routine, our winner, Shreddy Supergreens, is worth considering. It scored highly for taste, offers good value for money and testers noted benefits after using it.
If you want to go for a third-party tested option, look to Verve. “We wouldn’t recommend a greens powder as a first port of call, but out of those reviewed, we would recommend Verve if it were applicable,” says Foulsham.
If you’re on a tight budget, then Bulk’s Complete Greens is your best bet, and if you want an array of flavours to choose from, look to Protein Works’ Super Greens Extreme.
Why should you trust the Good Housekeeping Institute?
Kim Hawley is the health and wellness tester for the Good Housekeeping Institute, responsible for reviewing a range of health and wellness products, including protein bars, protein powders, and electrolytes. She is a level 4 qualified personal trainer and holds a nutrition qualification, so she knows what to look for in a supplement.
For this test, we also enlisted the help of Fresh Fitness Food nutritionists Georgia Chilton and Megan Foulsham to cut through the noise and help you make an informed decision about greens powders.
At the GHI, our experts test thousands of products every year to find the very best on the market. We put each and every product through rigorous testing, both in real-world and lab conditions, to provide unbiased reviews you can trust.
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