Greens Powders: Do You Really Need Them?

Greens powders are everywhere right now, flooding your Instagram feed, showing up in your favorite influencers’ morning routines, and promising everything from boosted immunity to better digestion and "looking better." Brands like Bloom, AG1, and Belli Welli are leading the pack, but here’s the question: Do you really need greens powders? And if so, which ones are actually worth your money and your health? Check out our Vitamins & Supplements shopping list for some other options:

Greens powders are supplements made from dried, powdered vegetables, fruits, herbs, and other "superfoods." A typical blend includes leafy greens like spinach, kale, or wheatgrass; fruits such as blueberries or goji berries; digestive aids like enzymes and probiotics; and sometimes extras like green tea extract, turmeric, or adaptogens like ashwagandha. You mix them with water or toss them into smoothies. Some taste earthy while others try to cover that up with sweeteners and flavoring.

If you're already eating a diverse, colorful diet filled with fruits and vegetables, you probably don’t need a greens powder. That said, these powders can help fill in nutritional gaps, especially if you're busy, travel often, or just don’t love eating your veggies. They might also support digestion and immunity, but they’re not magic. Whole foods still reign supreme when it comes to fiber, fullness, and the full spectrum of plant nutrients. Not all greens powders are created equal. Many use “proprietary blends,” which means you have no idea how much of each ingredient you're actually getting. Some also pack in artificial sweeteners, sugar alcohols, or loads of stevia, which can lead to bloating or digestive issues. And don’t be surprised if you see unnecessary additives like gums, colorings, or preservatives, odd choices for something marketed as “natural” and “healthy.”

AG1 is one of the most comprehensive options on the market, boasting 75 ingredients, including probiotics, vitamins, minerals, and adaptogens. It’s NSF-certified and trusted by many athletes. But it comes with a steep price tag, about $99/month, and still relies on proprietary blends. While it’s solid nutritionally, we wish the ingredient amounts were more transparent. The stevia-heavy taste may also not be for everyone.

Bloom is hugely popular on social media, known for its pretty packaging and fruity flavors. It’s more affordable than AG1 and easy to mix into your daily routine. However, it also uses proprietary blends, which means you don't really know how much of each ingredient you're getting. It includes artificial flavors and sweeteners, and ingredient sourcing isn't always clear. It's cute, but doesn't totally deliver on the wellness promises.

Belli Welli is better known for its low-FODMAP (Fermentable Oligo-disaccharides, Mono-saccharides, and Polyols) snack bars, but it also offers gut-supporting superfood powders. These tend to be gentler on digestion, with no added sugar and a focus on gut health. That said, their greens content is limited, and while they use "natural flavors," they don’t always define what that means. It's a better option for sensitive stomachs, but not a replacement for a full-spectrum greens powder.

When shopping for greens powders, look for transparent labels that show exactly how much of each ingredient you’re getting—no proprietary blends. Aim for formulas with minimal or no added sugar, artificial sweeteners, or unnecessary fillers. If the product is third-party tested or certified, that’s a big plus. And most importantly, make sure actual greens are listed near the top of the ingredient list in meaningful amounts.

You don’t need greens powders, but they can be a convenient, quick boost when life gets hectic. Just don’t let clever marketing override label literacy. Always read the label (or better yet, scan it with Trash Panda) to see what’s really inside. We’ll help you spot the good, the bad, and the greenwashed.