Most of us know we should eat more vegetables. Most of us also do not. CDC data show only about 1 in 10 U.S. adults eat the recommended amount of vegetables. Greens powders promise to close that gap with one scoop. Here is an honest look at what they can and cannot do.

What is in a greens powder

Most blends combine dried, powdered greens such as spirulina, wheatgrass, barley grass, broccoli and alfalfa with fruits and berries, and sometimes fiber, probiotics or digestive enzymes. They provide a range of plant compounds, vitamins and minerals in a quick drink.*

What they can do

• Add a serving of greens and reds on days your diet falls short.*
• Make a daily healthy habit easy: one scoop is faster than a salad.
• Travel well, which is useful for busy weeks, trips and holidays.
• Help some people drink more water, since you mix them into a glass of it.

What they cannot do

A scoop of powder is not a full replacement for whole vegetables and fruit. Whole produce gives you more fiber, more volume to fill you up and a wider mix of nutrients than any powder. Think of greens powder as a safety net, not a substitute. The best plan is both: more vegetables on your plate, and a scoop on the days you miss.

How to choose one

• Look for a clear ingredient list. Organic ingredients are a plus.
• Choose a flavor you will actually drink every day. Consistency beats perfection.
• Check for third-party testing for quality and purity.
• Watch for added sugar and big claims. No powder “detoxes” your body; your liver and kidneys already do that.

How to use it

• Mix one scoop into water, a smoothie or a protein shake.
• Many people like it in the morning as part of a routine.
• If you take warfarin, talk to your doctor before adding greens, since vitamin K from greens can affect how it works.

Upward Nutrition Greens Superfood

Greens Superfood Watermelon combines organic spirulina, wheatgrass, broccoli and alfalfa with organic berries, pomegranate, acai and beet root in a refreshing watermelon flavor. Mix it into water with a splash of apple juice for the best taste. It is made in the USA in an FDA-registered, GMP-certified facility and third-party tested for quality and purity.

Shop Greens Superfood →

References

1. Lee SH, et al. Adults meeting fruit and vegetable intake recommendations, United States, 2019. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2022;71(1):1-9.
2. U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025.
3. National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin K: Fact Sheet for Consumers.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This article is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Talk with your healthcare provider before starting any supplement, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, have a medical condition or take medication.