Looking to find the best greens powder for gut health? Yes, us too! That's why we decided to research a WHOLE bunch of brands to find the very best ones that promote healthy digestion.
If you have ever felt bloated, gassy, or just off after eating certain foods, then know that you're not alone. Over 70 million Americans suffer from digestive issues ranging from occasional discomfort to chronic conditions like IBS. The health of our gut is SO pivotal!
I started taking a greens supplement years ago after struggling with occasional abdominal pain and diarrhea. I also remember feeling really "off" at that time, like I was lacking certain vitamins and nutrients. Although my symptoms were mild compared to some, they negatively impacted my energy levels and quality of life.
As soon as I started adding these green powders to my morning routine, my digestion began to improve tremendously. I started feeling lighter, more regular and had fewer cramps or gastrointestinal discomfort. For me, this powder provided a source of vitamins that my body seemed to be lacking.
As we move into 2024 and beyond, gut health is rising in importance for overall wellness. For those looking to maximize gut benefits without drastically changing their diet or lifestyle, greens powders have emerged as a leading solution.
However, with so many brands claiming gut-supporting health benefits, it can be difficult to determine the highest quality, research-backed options. This is why I compiled a list of the top 5 greens powders on the market according to ingredients, effectiveness factors, ease of use, and digestive benefits from customer reviews as well as our personal experience with these brands.
In this guide, I will unveil the top 5 green powders that can make a meaningful difference in your digestive wellness and overall quality of life.
This blog is all about "Best Greens Powders for Gut Health."
A Quick Look: The 5 Best Greens Powders for Gut Health:
- Best Overall: Green Vibrance
- Best Runner-Up: AG1 (Athletic Greens)
- Best for Athletes: Peak Performance
- Best for Digestion: Primal Greens
- Best Vegan: Naked Greens
Key Takeaways
- Greens powders are nutrient-dense supplements that give you digestive health benefits by providing essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and digestive enzymes.
- Consistent intake of greens powders can alleviate common digestive issues, support a healthy gut microbiome, and contribute to overall well-being.
- While beneficial, greens powders are not meal replacements; maintaining overall gut health should include a balanced diet, hydration, regular exercise, stress management, and adequate sleep.
Why Are Greens Powders Good for Gut Health?
Our health significantly depends on the trillions of microorganisms living in our gut. However, factors such as poor diet, stress, and lack of exercise can disrupt this delicate ecosystem, leading to digestive issues.
Fortunately, green powders emerge as a potent solution to this problem.
Loaded with nutrient-dense natural herbs, these powders conveniently enhance the intake of vital vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to bolster gut health and holistic well-being.
Imagine a solution that not only addresses common gut health problems but also delivers a wealth of nutrients to your body. Greens powders, with their blend of leafy greens, vegetables, and other nutrient-dense ingredients, are a game-changer for your gut health.
They’re like a multivitamin for your digestive system, offering a host of health benefits including:
- Improved digestion
- Boosted energy levels
- Enhanced nutrient absorption
- Reduced inflammation
- Detoxification support
Adding greens powders to your daily routine can help support a healthy gut and overall well-being.
The best part about them? Easily blending them into your daily routine, just a scoop in your smoothie or water is enough!
Top 5 Greens Powders for Gut Health in 2024
If you’re ready to supercharge your gut health, we’ve got you covered. In this section, we delve into the Top 5 Greens Powders for Gut Health in 2024.
These products have been expert-approved for their high-quality ingredients and impressive benefits. From Green Vibrance to AG1 (Athletic Greens) to Peak Performance, and more, each of these powders brings something unique to the table, catering to different needs and preferences.
1. Best Overall: Green Vibrance
Green Vibrance is our clear winner for Best Overall Greens powder formula.
Green Vibrance is a nutritional powerhouse formulated specifically for gastrointestinal health and digestion support. It contains a blend of probiotics, prebiotics, digestive enzymes, and over 30 superfood ingredients to relieve gut issues and promote microbiome balance.
Price:
$44 for 30-day supply (at time of publish)
Contains Probiotics:
Yes, 25 Billion+ from 12 different strains.
Third Party Testing:
Yes.
Why We Like It:
- Simple to Use- Add water, and either shake or blend (via a handheld milk frother, for best results).
- Probiotics and Enzymes- 25+ billion probiotics and digestive enzymes that amplify good gut bacteria and give immune support.
- Zero Proprietary Blends- This was one of the ONLY green powders that we found without these "hidden" proprietary blends. This means that you know EXACTLY what nutrients you are getting and the amount of those nutrients. Plus, you can clearly see that NO fillers are in this product.
- Price- At less than $50 (at the time of writing) for a one-month's supply, this is a very attainable way to pack in ALL of those nutrients (did you see the label?) at a cost that is definitely more affordable than some.
- Whole Body Nourishment- Contains nutrient-dense fruits and veggies with spinach, goji berries, and more!
- Allergen-Free- Green Vibrance is gluten-free, soy-free, and dairy-free, and non-GMO!
Things to Consider:
- Taste- I think the only main drawback with this product is its taste. Noted by some as having a very earthy & bitter flavor where you can definitely taste hints of wheatgrass. I will say that I don't mind the taste of Green Vibrance, and have grown to somewhat enjoy it. (I can almost taste the fresh vegetables in every sip!). But my opinion on this seems to NOT follow the majority.
Green Vibrance easily took our #1 spot as it contains the most comprehensive combination of probiotics, digestive enzymes, and gut-repairing nutrients available. It's an excellent therapeutic supplement for restoring microbial diversity and intestinal health.
2. Best Runner-Up: AG1 (Athletic Greens)
One of the most popular and highly-rated super greens powders for overall health and wellness is Athletic Greens. This supplement contains a proprietary blend of over 75 vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and digestive enzymes specifically designed to aid gut health and digestion.
Price:
$79-$99 for 30-day supply (at time of publish)
Contains Probiotics:
Yes, a blend of Beta Glucan, Bifidobacterium Bifidum, Inulin, and Lactobacillus acidophilus.
Third Party Testing:
Yes.
Why We Like It:
Quick and Convenient- VERY easy to use. Just empty it into a glass, mix it with water, and you are done!
Probiotics and Prebiotics - With its blend of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium, along with inulin, a prebiotic, AG1 is designed to support a healthy balance of gut bacteria, promoting optimal gut health.
75+ powerful vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants- Just read the label. There are a TON of things in this blend, making it a comprehensive solution for your gut health.
Digestive enzymes- Astragalus root powder extract, bromelain, and more! These help those of you who need a little extra digestive support, the ability to improve nutrient absorption.
Anti-inflammatory ingredients - Vitamins C and A and magnesium provide anti-inflammatory properties.
Third-Party Testing- Over seven rounds of testing to verify the purity of the product and to make sure that it does not contain any harmful ingredients or those banned by the USADA, MLB, NHL, and other professional sports organizations.
Things to Consider:
Price - The main downside with Athletic Greens is the higher price point at around $79 to $99 (depending on if you do monthly orders or one-time-only purchases), which makes it one of the more expensive greens powders on the market. However, you could argue that you are saving money by using AG1 versus having to buy a bunch of individual products (i.e.-vitamins, probiotics, digestive enzymes, etc.) since AG1 is rather encompassing. Ultimately, if you have the budget, then I think that AG1 is another solid greens powder to consider.
Possibly Bloating- This product does contain Inulin which is good for some (hello prebiotics!), but in some cases can cause bloating in those with sensitivity to this. For most people, it should be just fine.
Proprietary Blend- While we know there are lots of good ingredients on this list, we do NOT know the percentages of each of these ingredients. It's hard to say how much of each ingredient that you are getting per serving.
Contains Soy - This product has Lecithin, which is derived from soy and causes sensitivities in some.
Overall, Athletic Greens remains a top choice greens supplement for optimizing digestion, immunity, and total body wellness. Especially if you have some known vitamin deficiencies or issues digesting certain food (which was the case with me!). It's a wise long-term investment for those serious about their health.
For those of you with already-optimal health and who are more budget-minded, then you might want to skip this greens powder and opt for something a bit less expensive.
3. Best for Athletes: Peak Performance Organic Greens
Peak Performance Organic Greens stands out as one of the most nutritious and delicious greens powders available.
Price:
$44 for 30-day supply (at time of publish)
Contains Probiotics:
Yes, a proprietary blend.
Third Party Testing:
Yes.
What We Like:
- Powerful Grass Juice Extract - Uses a highly bioavailable 20:1 grass juice extract for maximum nutrient absorption.
- 3rd Party Tested - Quality Assured with independent 3rd party testing for purity and potency you can trust.
- Probiotics and Enzymes- Contains probiotics and enzymes to aid digestion and support healthy gut function.
- Taste- this is one of the ONLY greens powders that gets called out for its GOOD taste. Perhaps because it is slightly sweetened with stevia, Peak Performance greens has an almost sweetened apple flavor to them, which makes this easier to drink than some others listed here.
- Charitable - For every container purchased, Peak Performance donates a year's work of vitamins to children who are at risk of malnutrition.
Things to Consider:
- Proprietary Blends- The majority of this powder is made of proprietary blends, so you cannot 100% be sure of what you are getting. However, from so many positive reviews on several different sites, I feel like Peak Performance does provide a quality product that delivers.
With a commitment to quality assurance and enriching lives around the globe, Peak Performance Organic Greens nourishes your body with farm-fresh ingredients. It's an easy and tasty way to upgrade your daily nutrition.
4. Best for Digestion: Primal Greens
Primal Greens offers a nutrient-dense solution for your gut health needs. It’s designed with a blend of superfoods, antioxidants, adaptogenic mushrooms, and probiotics, all working together to boost digestion, bolster the immune system, and maintain optimal gut health.
Price:
$48 for 30-day supply (at time of publish)
Contains Probiotics:
Yes, a proprietary blend of 3.3 Billion CFUs of B. longum, L. acidophilus, and L. rhamnosus strains.
Third Party Testing:
Yes.
What We Like:
Probiotics & Enzymes - Contains 3.5 billion CFU probiotics and digestive enzymes to support healthy digestion, microbiome balance, and reduce bloating. (Note: since the probiotics in Primal Greens are part of their proprietary blend, it's hard to say the exact make-up of the B. longum, L. acidophilus, and L. rhamnosus strains you are getting).
Instant Mixing - Ultra-fine powder texture allows for easy, no-fuss mixing into water, smoothies, baked goods, etc.
Energy & Performance - With adaptogens, B vitamins, and minerals, it enhances natural energy, workout performance, and mental clarity.
Superfood Nutrition - Packed with 50+ antioxidant-rich superfoods like greens, berries, and mushrooms to nourish the body.
Gut Health - Prebiotic fiber feeds good gut bacteria, the mushroom blend fortifies the gut lining, and turmeric reduces inflammation for intestinal health.
Things to Consider:
Taste- Similar to others on this list, the bitter taste is something that is called out quite a bit with this powder. Slightly more so than its competitors. The taste of this powder does NOT bother me, but I may be unique as many have complained about the less-than-desirable flavor.
Proprietary Blends- This blend has four "hidden" proprietary blends in its formula where we are unable to tell the exact makeup of these mixtures (i.e.-Superfood/Antioxidant, Mushroom Blend, Natural Herbs and Extracts, Digestive Complex, Probiotic Blend.). I am always a bit weary when I cannot see the full information in products.
5. Best Vegan Powder: Naked Greens
Last but not least, we have Naked Greens. This greens powder focuses on simplicity and cleanliness, offering a farmed green juice blend solution with minimal additives, perfect for those who prioritize their fruits and vegetables intake, including powdered greens.
Price:
$30 for 35-day supply (at time of publish)
Contains Probiotics:
Yes.
Third Party Testing:
Yes.
What We Like:
- Affordable- At the time this article was written a jar of Naked Greens runs a little over $30 for 35 servings. This puts it as one of the more affordable powders on this list. And one that ALSO delivers on quality and not just price!
- Organic Ingredients - Contains 6 organic greens and grasses in their most bioavailable form to reduce inflammation and provide antioxidant protection.
- Probiotics & Prebiotics - With 5 billion CFUs of probiotics and prebiotic fiber to support healthy gut flora.
- Helps Improve Immunity - Nutrient-dense ingredients boost immune defense against pathogens and infections.
- Simple Ingredients- Only 10 simple ingredients make up this greens powder supplement. Nothing is hidden in this pure and effective blend.
Things to Consider:
- Proprietary Blend- Yet another greens powder that is a proprietary blend. As with the others on this list, it is NOT a dealbreaker per se, but it does make it harder to say with confidence what percentage of each nutrient is in Naked Greens.
- Taste- Like with most others on this list, the taste is one that gets called out as the main negative. I think it has a lot to do with greens powders in general. They aren't for everyone. I think the taste of Naked Greens is comparable to the others on this list and wouldn't necessarily ding them too much on the taste of their product.
- Simple Ingredients- I ALSO included this under "things to consider", since some people might be looking for a more robust mixture than 10 ingredients.
I think that Naked Greens is a great choice for someone looking to test out green supplements at an affordable price and knowing that they will be getting a high-quality supplement.
How to Choose the Best Greens Powder for Your Gut
Selecting the right greens powder for your gut health needs can feel overwhelming with so many options available. But fear not! We’ve got you covered with a few essential factors to consider.
From understanding your specific gut issues and dietary restrictions to acknowledging your taste preferences and budget, choosing the best greens powder for you can be a breeze if you know what to look for, including tasting greens powder options.
Before exploring the world of greens powders, considering a few questions becomes imperative. Here are some questions to consider:
- What specific gut issues are you looking to address?
- Do you have any dietary restrictions?
- What are your taste preferences?
- What is your budget?
Answering these questions will help you narrow down your options and choose the green powders or greens powder that best fits your needs.
Other Important Factors to Consider
Choosing the right greens powder goes beyond just probiotics and digestive support. Here are some other key considerations for selecting a high-quality supplement that meets your individual needs:
- Organic Ingredients - Seek out greens powders made with certified organic fruits, vegetables, greens, herbs, and plant-based extracts whenever possible. Organic ensures you avoid GMOs, pesticides and other harmful compounds.
- Quality Manufacturing - The highest standard is supplements that undergo independent third-party purity testing for potency and contaminants. This ensures what's on the label matches the powder in the canister.
- Bioavailable Nutrients - Extracts in their most bioavailable forms, like grass juice powders rather than simply grass powder, leads to better nutrient absorption to support detox pathways.
- Adaptogens & Antioxidants - Look for targeted blends of medicinal mushrooms, antioxidant-rich plants and adaptogens like ashwagandha that provide gut-protective compounds.
- No Unnecessary Fillers - Avoid fillers like maltodextrin, flavors or artificial flow agents that can irritate digestion. Clean, low ingredient products are ideal for gut health.
- Not a Meal Replacement- Greens powders are designed to supplement a healthy diet, not replace meals. While they’re packed with beneficial nutrients, they don’t provide all the nutrients your body needs. Therefore, it’s important to continue eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of whole foods.
Remember - not all greens powders are created equal. Pay attention to quality manufacturing, organic plant selection and bioavailability for maximum impact.
Potential Side Effects and When to Consult a Doctor
While greens powders are generally safe, they can have potential side effects. Some people may experience nausea, bloating, or stomach discomfort.
Remember, these are supplements and should not replace a balanced diet. If you’re experiencing severe discomfort or if you’re taking certain medications, it’s always best to consult a healthcare provider.
Conclusion
The importance of gut health in our overall wellness cannot be overstated. Thankfully, greens powders offer a convenient and effective way to support gut health, providing a wealth of nutrients in an easy-to-consume format.
The benefits of greens powders, from enhancing digestion to fostering a healthy gut microbiome, are extensive. In essence, greens powders serve as a powerful ally for your gut, offering a host of nutrients that support digestive health and overall wellness. They’re packed with essential vitamins and minerals, rich in fiber, and contain beneficial compounds that support a healthy gut microbiome.
Prioritizing gut health can profoundly impact our overall wellbeing. By incorporating greens powders into your daily routine, you can take a significant step towards better gut health.
So why wait? Start your journey towards a healthier gut today and experience the incredible benefits of greens powders for yourself!
Let’s embark on this wellness journey together!
Frequently Asked Questions
What greens powder is best for gut health?
Green Vibrance, AG1, Peak Performance, Primal Greens, and Naked Greens are all recommended for gut health due to their array of plant extracts and nutrients that have proven benefits for digestion.
Does Super greens powder help with gut health?
Yes, super greens powder can help with gut health by providing fiber, beneficial bacteria, and other healthy nutrients to support gut function and immunity. Incorporating it into your diet can contribute to a healthy gut.
Is it OK to drink greens powder everyday?
While it's best to consume whole fruits and vegetables for full nutrition, it is generally safe to drink greens powder daily. However, it's important to be aware that it may not provide all the benefits of consuming whole foods.
What are greens powders?
Greens powders are dietary supplements filled with nutrients from green vegetables and other plant-based ingredients, aiming to boost overall health, especially gut health.
