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Let’s be honest: the greens powder market is driven more by Instagram influencers than by science. Every brand claims their powder will transform your health, boost your energy, and fix your gut. The reality is more nuanced.
Some greens powders are genuinely useful supplements. Others are expensive marketing wrapped around pixie-dust ingredient amounts. We tested the four most popular options to help you tell the difference.
Our Top Picks at a Glance#
| Feature | AG1 | Bloom Greens | Amazing Grass | Transparent Labs Greens |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $79/month | $40 | $22 | $45 |
| Per Serving | $2.63 | $1.33 | $0.37 | $1.50 |
| Form | Powder | Powder | Powder | Powder |
| Dose | 12g | 6.29g | 8g | 9.1g |
| Servings | 30 | 30 | 60 | 30 |
| Rating | ★ 4.3/5 | ★ 4.2/5 | ★ 4.3/5 | ★ 4.4/5 |
| Best For | All-in-one convenience if budget isn't a concern | Budget-friendly greens with good taste | Best value for a basic greens supplement | Those who want full label transparency |
| Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Most Popular: AG1 by Athletic Greens#
AG1 by Athletic Greens
| Form | Powder |
| Dose | 12g |
| Servings | 30 |
| Best For | All-in-one convenience if budget isn't a concern |
- 75 vitamins, minerals, and whole food ingredients
- Includes probiotics and adaptogens
- NSF Certified for Sport
- Pleasant taste for a greens powder
- Most expensive option by far
- Proprietary blend hides individual doses
- Subscription model pushes recurring cost
- Not available on Amazon
AG1 is the 800-pound gorilla of the greens powder market. With 75 ingredients spanning vitamins, minerals, probiotics, adaptogens, and whole-food extracts, it’s the most comprehensive formula available. It’s also NSF Certified for Sport, which means it’s been independently verified for banned substances — a real differentiator.
The taste is surprisingly pleasant for a greens powder — mildly sweet with a tropical-pineapple flavor that masks the grassy undertone. Mixability is good, with minimal clumping.
But here’s the catch: AG1 uses a proprietary blend structure. You can see the ingredient list, but not individual doses. For a product that costs $79/month ($2.63/serving), that’s a significant issue. You’re trusting that each ingredient is dosed at meaningful levels rather than sprinkled in for label appeal.
The other issue is availability — AG1 is only sold direct through their website on a subscription model. No Amazon, no one-time purchase option (well, technically there is, but it’s more expensive and they push subscriptions hard).
Who it’s for: People who want a single all-in-one supplement, don’t mind the subscription model, and value NSF certification. Best for those who would otherwise take multiple separate supplements.
Best Budget: Bloom Nutrition Greens#
Bloom Nutrition Greens & Superfoods
| Form | Powder |
| Dose | 6.29g |
| Servings | 30 |
| Best For | Budget-friendly greens with good taste |
- Affordable compared to AG1
- Great taste with multiple flavors
- Good digestive enzyme blend
- Popular with younger demographic
- Lower total ingredient dose than AG1
- Proprietary blends
- Not third-party tested (NSF/USP)
- Heavy social media marketing
Bloom has exploded in popularity thanks to TikTok, and we’ll give credit where it’s due: they’ve made greens powder approachable. The taste is genuinely good — the Berry, Mango, and Coconut flavors are palatable in a way most greens powders aren’t.
At $40 for 30 servings ($1.33/serving), it’s significantly cheaper than AG1. The formula focuses on digestive enzymes and gut health, which is a reasonable angle for a greens supplement.
The concerns: Bloom uses proprietary blends, so you don’t know individual ingredient doses. It’s not third-party tested by NSF or USP. And the total formula weight (6.29g per serving) is notably less than AG1 (12g) or Amazing Grass (8g), which means you’re getting less of everything per scoop.
Bloom is fine as a daily greens habit, especially if taste is a barrier. But don’t expect it to meaningfully replace a multivitamin or probiotic.
Who it’s for: Greens powder beginners who prioritize taste and price. A good “gateway” greens supplement, but not the most substantive option.
Best Value: Amazing Grass Green Superfood#
Amazing Grass Green Superfood
| Form | Powder |
| Dose | 8g |
| Servings | 60 |
| Best For | Best value for a basic greens supplement |
- Most affordable per serving
- Organic, Non-GMO
- Includes probiotics and fiber
- Multiple flavors available
- Taste is polarizing (very 'grassy')
- Added sugar in flavored versions
- Less comprehensive than AG1
Amazing Grass is the value king. At $0.37 per serving (60 servings for $22), it’s less than a quarter the cost of AG1. And unlike many budget options, the formula is substantive: organic wheat grass, barley grass, alfalfa, spirulina, chlorella, broccoli, spinach, and more.
It includes probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus) and prebiotic fiber from acacia gum. The ingredient list is USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified — certifications that AG1 doesn’t have.
The tradeoff is taste. Amazing Grass tastes exactly like what it is: concentrated grass. The flavored versions (Berry, Chocolate) help, but they add sugar. If you’re mixing it into a smoothie with fruit, it’s fine. In just water, most people struggle.
Who it’s for: Budget-conscious buyers who want an organic, substantive greens powder and don’t mind the taste (or will mask it in a smoothie). At this price point, it’s almost impulse-buy territory.
Best Transparent Label: Transparent Labs Prebiotic Greens#
Transparent Labs Prebiotic Greens
| Form | Powder |
| Dose | 9.1g |
| Servings | 30 |
| Best For | Those who want full label transparency |
- Fully transparent label — no proprietary blends
- Includes prebiotic fiber
- Third-party tested
- No artificial sweeteners
- Only available direct from brand
- Limited flavor options
- Higher price point
Transparent Labs is the antidote to proprietary blends. Every single ingredient has its exact dose listed on the label. You know precisely how much spirulina, chlorella, broccoli extract, and prebiotic fiber you’re getting per serving. In a category plagued by hidden formulas, this is refreshing.
The formula includes meaningful doses of prebiotic fiber (from acacia gum and green banana flour), which supports gut health in a more evidence-based way than the token probiotic amounts in most greens powders. It’s third-party tested and contains no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colors.
The downsides: it’s only available direct from Transparent Labs’ website, flavor options are limited, and at $1.50/serving, it’s not cheap (though still half the cost of AG1).
Who it’s for: Anyone who cares about knowing exactly what’s in their supplement. If proprietary blends frustrate you, this is the obvious choice.
Buyer’s Guide: What Makes a Good Greens Powder?#
Transparent vs. Proprietary Labels#
This is the single most important factor. A proprietary blend lists ingredients but hides individual amounts. The label might say “Superfood Blend 5,000mg: spirulina, chlorella, wheatgrass, broccoli, spinach…” — but you have no idea if it’s 4,990mg of the cheapest ingredient and 10mg of everything else.
Always prefer products that disclose individual ingredient doses. If a brand is proud of their formula, they’ll show you the numbers.
Third-Party Testing#
Look for one of these certifications:
- NSF Certified for Sport — Tests for banned substances, label accuracy, and contaminant levels. AG1 has this.
- USP Verified — Similar rigor, independent verification.
- Independent lab testing — Many brands use third-party labs without the formal NSF/USP seal. Check if they publish Certificates of Analysis (COAs).
What Greens Powders Can and Can’t Do#
They can:
- Help fill gaps in your daily vegetable intake
- Provide concentrated antioxidants and phytochemicals
- Add prebiotic fiber and probiotics to your diet
- Be a convenient nutrition boost when traveling or busy
They can’t:
- Replace eating actual fruits and vegetables
- Cure or treat any medical condition
- Provide the fiber and water content of whole produce
- Guarantee any specific health outcome
For a deeper dive, read our article on whether greens powders actually work.
How to Get the Most From Your Greens Powder#
- Mix with a smoothie — Masks taste and adds whole-food nutrients
- Take consistently — Daily use matters more than occasional mega-doses
- Don’t skip vegetables — Use greens powder as a supplement, not a replacement
- Store properly — Keep sealed in a cool, dry place to preserve potency
Frequently Asked Questions#
Do greens powders actually work?
Greens powders can help fill gaps in your diet by providing concentrated plant nutrients, antioxidants, and fiber. However, they are not a replacement for eating whole fruits and vegetables. The research on greens powders specifically is limited, but the individual ingredients they contain do have evidence supporting their benefits.
Is AG1 worth the money?
AG1 is a quality product with an impressive ingredient list and NSF Certified for Sport status. However, at $79/month with a proprietary blend, you’re paying a premium for convenience and branding. If budget matters, Amazing Grass or Transparent Labs offer better transparency and value.
Can I replace vegetables with greens powder?
No. Greens powders lack the fiber, water content, and full spectrum of phytochemicals found in whole vegetables. Think of them as a supplement to your vegetable intake, not a replacement.
When should I take greens powder?
Most greens powders can be taken at any time, but morning is most common. Taking greens powder with food may improve absorption of fat-soluble nutrients. Consistency matters more than timing.
What should I look for in a greens powder?
Prioritize: (1) transparent labeling with individual ingredient doses, (2) third-party testing, (3) minimal added sugar and artificial sweeteners, and (4) evidence-backed ingredients at meaningful doses rather than a long list of trace amounts.