You may have spotted them sipping away on the Tube, shaking their bottles nonchalantly in meetings or flexing their flacons at your local gym, the cult of green powders is ubiquitous in London and their kelp-hued beverages have gained our attention.
We have become a nation obsessed with drinkable green powders – you only need to look to TikTok for proof. Videos of sippers flexing their forest-toned elixirs have 63.6 views on the platform.
Their acclaim in the wellness community is not surprising when you think about it. The colour, synonymous with health, makes us feel as though we’re doing our bodies a real service. It’s certainly an easier way to ensure you taking onboard greens, even if a leafy salad or a veggie-packed smoothie may be a tastier way to incorporate them into your day.
These blended-up superfoods ensure you are consuming the essential nutrients and minerals that may be lacking in your diet and replenish your gut with the beneficial bacteria that it needs. Some provide an energy boost, others add protein into the mix as a post-workout saviour. The best of them are packed with spinach, kale, broccoli and the like - but steer clear of artificial ingredients or additives, because there are plenty out there.
To find out more, we consulted The Nutrition Guru Tina Lond-Caulk BSc to decode everything we need to know about green powders.
What are green powders?
“Green powders are dietary supplements made from various dehydrated powdered greens vegetables, fruits, algae, grasses, herbs and other plant-based ingredients. Just one scoop in a glass of water or a shake is promoted as a low-calorie insurance policy for our health and a convenient way to increase our intake of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients that may be lacking in our diets.
“Typically, green powders contain ingredients such as leafy greens like spinach, kale and spirulina, grasses such as wheatgrass and barley grass and algae like chlorella and spirulina. There may also be fruits and vegetables like broccoli, carrots and berries, herbs like parsley, coriander, and dandelion and fibre sources like flaxseed or psyllium husk. These ingredients are dried and ground into a fine powder, which can be mixed with water, juice, or added to smoothies or other foods”.
What do green powders do?
“Green powders may offer a range of potential health benefits because they provide a wide range of micronutrients and antioxidants. Naturally, improving our diet's nutrient density will impact our energy levels and these specific green formulas may benefit us by improving detoxification support. For example, chlorella and dandelion are natural detoxifiers. If the powders contain additional fibres like psyllium or flaxseed this can improve digestive regularity too”.
Are powdered greens good for you?
“While green powders can be a convenient way to supplement our diet with food-derived nutrients, they can never be a substitute for whole real foods. I always advocate a food-first approach and recommend my clients to eat a wholefood diverse diet, aiming for a mug or two of green leafy vegetables every day to optimise their health, ageing and longevity.
“I recommend rotating leafy greens in the diet, as some greens such as spinach contain high oxalate levels which can bind to minerals such as calcium and may potentially contribute to the formation of kidney stones in susceptible individuals. So rather than daily spinach, mix up your choice of greens. Why, because green leafy vegetables are considered to have the highest nutrient density as they are such a rich source of vitamins and minerals, packed with antioxidants such as beta carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin and have natural alkalising and detoxifying properties such as kale, Brussel sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, pak choi and spinach.
“In terms of efficacy, the effectiveness of green powders can vary depending on the quality and quantity of the ingredients as well as individual factors such as your digestion and ability to absorb their nutrients. Some cheaper or low-quality green powders may contain additives and fillers or have low levels of nutrients. Look for organic ingredients that have been independently tested for purity and potency.
It’s important to note that while dehydration helps preserve the nutrients in the ingredients, some heat-sensitive nutrients like vitamin C and certain enzymes may be partially degraded during the drying process”.
Do green powders work?
“So, will green powders actually make you healthier? As you can imagine you are likely to need more than one scoop of powder to truly improve your overall well-being and health.
While there have been scientific studies on specific ingredients in these products and their potential health benefits, no rigorous, independent studies have evaluated the health benefits of the products themselves. Not all green powders will be tested for safety or efficacy so you can’t always be sure that what’s listed on the label is what’s in the product.
I did however find a study funded by the seller of NanoGreens greens powder which indicated an 8 per cent reduction in individuals with high blood pressure. Another independent study examined the effects of GreensFirst vegetable supplement drinks on 40 male and female participants with high blood pressure. This study showed a significant 12 per cent decrease in systolic blood pressure and a 7 per cent decrease in diastolic blood pressure, with no notable changes in body weight.
We know for sure due to substantial evidence that increased antioxidant consumption is linked to reduced blood pressure. Given that greens are a rich source of antioxidants, incorporating green powders into the diet may offer benefits for people with poorly diversified and nutrient-deficient diets.
Some blends contain green tea which is naturally caffeinated which may give a feeling of an energy boost too but again it will depend on the dosage of the product and how caffeine affects the individual”.
How often are you supposed to take them?
“Most of the brands recommend taking their green powders daily, incorporating them into your daily routine to maximise their health benefits. If you want to try them you can mix them into water, add them to smoothies or even pancakes.
“If you have a history of kidney stones or other kidney-related issues, it may be advisable to limit your intake of high oxalate foods including spinach, so I would suggest taking green powders occasionally rather than daily”.
Can you take them for a long period of time?
“In general, consuming green powders as part of a balanced diet over an extended period is unlikely to cause issues for most people. However, relying solely on green powders for an extended period could lead to nutrient deficiencies. Always aim for a real whole food diverse diet and use the green powders as an add if you wish”.
Shop the best green powders below
V80 by Verve
V80 by Verve was created by the founder of MyProtein Oliver Cookson. With this powder, the sports nutrition expert created an all-encompassing nutrient-packed formula that is brimming with essential minerals with your recommended daily nutritional needs in one beverage.
The full ingredient list is detailed on the exterior of the packaging. Each element has been carefully selected to assist the body. You will find an extensive alphabet of vitamins as well as greens like spirulina, pea protein isolate and chlorella, pre and probiotics and adaptogens aplenty.
These combine to boost energy, support the immune system and balance gut health, all while remaining entirely vegan-friendly. It has also been infused with real fruit so you can forget that typical ‘green’ taste in favour of a more refreshing beverage.
Buy now £75.00, Verve
AG1 Multivitamin
Containing 75 vitamins, minerals, and whole-food sourced nutrients, AG1 promotes gut health, supports immunity, boosts energy and helps post-workout recovery.
With the most comprehensive range of ingredients in this edit, from pre and probiotics and phytonutrients, to nutrient-dense superfoods and anadaptogenic herbs and antioxidants, all you need to do is mix eight ounces with cold water on the daily and you’ll be brimming with vitamin goodness.
Buy now £97.00, Athletic Greens
Free Soul FS-Greens
Enjoy up to 30 servings of FS-Greens - a delicious superfood supplement. Dissolve in water for a mango-infused beverage or blend into a fruity smoothie to ingest all 21 ingredients that improve energy, immunity and gut health. Among other powerful ingredients such as KSM-66 ashwagandha, Actazin, and Livaux golden kiwi, FS-Greens also includes alfalfa, which is rich in enzymes that aid gut and skin health.
Buy now £30.00, Free Soul
Wild Nutrition Food-Grown Organic Protein + Superfood Powder
B Corp Wild Nutrition specialises in women’s nutritional health with an army of supplements to support the body’s proper functioning.
Its Food Grown range is what sets the brand apart from the crowd. Using naturally sourced ingredients, the brand creates powdered formulations that are kinder to the digestive system and have enhanced bioavailability so every scoop maximises the listed benefits.
The Organic Protein + Superfood Powder was created with a combination of mushrooms, super greens and protein so that while you’re taking advantage of its energising properties, you are aiding in the muscle recovery process when you consume after a workout. It’s a vegan concoction to be combined with milk – cow’s or alternative.
Buy now £41.99, Wild Nutrition
Rheal Magic Matcha organic superfood blend
Matcha has seen a huge surge in popularity in recent years, no doubt due to its many health benefits. The energy-rich drink is a superfood that is an antioxidant. It is linked to improving memory, boosting metabolism, lowering cholesterol and reducing stress. There is even some suggestion that it can prevent cancer.
The ingredient takes a starring role in the aptly named Magic Matcha drinkable blend. The ceremonial-grade component is paired with ashwagandha and lion’s mane mushrooms selected to support brain and cognitive function. Mix up with water or froth up with milk.
Buy now £39.99, Selfridges
Bloom Nutrition Super Greens Powder Smoothie & Juice Mix
Let’s face it, green powdered drinks are typically not the most palatable of concoctions, but that’s where Bloom comes into its own. The brand has an array of flavourings, from citrus to coconut, that are designed to improve the taste and make the consumption process one you will relish rather than dread. But the flavour is just the start of why the label is the most popular greens brand with our friends across the Atlantic.
The Super Greens Powder aims to support gut health, aid digestion and relieve bloat with the combination of matcha powder, berries and leafy greens. Best added to a smoothie or juice.
Buy now £32.00, Amazon
Naturya Organic Green SuperBlend
Naturya is a brand that we have sampled time and time again over at ES Best and it always comes up trumps for its premium supplement offering that uses organic, sustainably sourced and quality ingredients.
In the Green Superblend, you will find hemp protein powder, wheatgrass powder, barley grass, pineapple powder, chlorella powder and spirulina powder – all of which come with a long list of wellness benefits in their own right. When combined, however, the sextet of supercharged superfoods works to support the immune system and act as a source of fibre and protein. Step your smoothie, juice or morning yoghurt and granola up a notch by adding a scoop of this blend.
Buy now £13.99, Amazon
Inika Superfoods Glorious Greens plantshake
The sleek exterior packaging of the Inika collection is an indication of the premium formula that follows. The Glorious Greens will supercharge your well-being one scoop at a time. Inspired by Ancient Green, the supplement is packed with greens and herbs that were traditionally used as medicine or as a preventative measure.
The lineup extends to nettle leaf, wheatgrass, spirulina, chlorella and spinach which are all natural, free from sugar and provides protein and fibre. Detox and cleanse your system by incorporating this shake into your diet.
Buy now £30.99, Selfridges
Green Origins Go Organic chlorella powder
Green Origins harnesses the power of chlorella in this powdered supplement. The component is derived from natural green algae sourced from freshwater pools and has been selected for its vitamin B12-rich composition. This element is often lacking in the diet of vegans and vegetarians but is essential for the body to boost immunity. The organic chlorella powder has been ethically and sustainably sourced, as is the MO of the brand.
Buy now £7.99, Selfridges
JSHealth Greens + Collagen Formula
Best for: a superfood-enriched powerhouse
Nutritionist Jessica Sepel founded her eponymous label to bring science-backed formulas that have been tried and tested to the market, and the range comes with a seemingly endless number of five-star reviews. There are many different collagen powders in its collection with different flavourings and pairings with powerhouse ingredients.
The Greens + Collagen has got our seal of approval for one, it’s tropical pineapple and mint taste that makes the daily chore of consuming supplements that much easier. Secondly and most importantly, there’s a combination of superfood ingredients in powdered form that combine to improve skin’s elasticity with prebiotics and antioxidants that have a protective effect too. The blend includes organic wheatgrass, barley grass, broccoli, kale and spinach to make it that much easier to hit the recommended five a day.
Buy now £37.99, JSHealth
