tub of greens powder and a scoop

What Is The Best Greens Powder: What to Look For And What to Avoid

Greens powders are everywhere right now. From influencers swearing by their morning green drink to supplement companies releasing new formulas by the month, it’s no wonder you're wondering: what’s the best greens powder out there?

But here’s the thing most people won’t tell you: not all greens powders are created equal. In fact, many of them are packed with questionable ingredients that may do more harm than good.

So before you drop $50+ on your next tub of "super greens," let’s break down exactly what you should look for—and what you should absolutely avoid.

Why Are People Obsessed with Greens Powders?

Greens powders promise to boost energy, support digestion, fill nutrient gaps, and give you that glowing-from-the-inside-out feeling. And when done right, they can be a powerful addition to your wellness routine.

The best greens powder should be:

  • Made from whole food ingredients
  • Free from additives and artificial fillers
  • Rich in micronutrients, antioxidants, and digestive support

But many popular options fall short—way short.

Common Bad Ingredients to Watch Out For

If you're chasing the best greens powder, the first step is to avoid formulas that contain:

1. Natural Flavors

They sound innocent, but “natural flavors” are a catch-all term that can hide hundreds of lab-manipulated substances. If your greens powder needs to hide behind vague flavoring, that's a red flag.

2. Citric Acid

Often used as a preservative or to add tartness, citric acid can be irritating for sensitive stomachs—and it's usually made from GMO corn and processed using harsh chemicals.

3. Maltodextrin

This cheap filler can spike blood sugar and is often used to bulk up powders without offering any nutritional value.

4. Juice Powders from Concentrate

Sounds healthy, right? Not quite. Juice powders made from concentrate are heavily processed, stripped of fiber, and often loaded with sugars.

5. Artificial Sweeteners

Sucralose and acesulfame potassium are common offenders. These sugar substitutes may interfere with gut health and blood sugar regulation.

What the Best Greens Powder Should Contain

To find the best greens powder, look for one made from clean, whole-food ingredients that are actually beneficial to your body. Here's what that includes:

1. Organic Greens (Not Fruit Juices!—Except a Few)

Generally, you want real greens—not their processed juice versions. Most juice powders are made from concentrates, stripped of fiber, and highly processed, often with added sugars.

But there are exceptions. High-quality greens powders like Ora Organic’s use Organic Barley Grass Juice Powder and Organic Wheat Grass Juice Powder — and here’s why they’re different:

  • These juices are cold-pressed and low-temperature dried, preserving chlorophyll, enzymes, and micronutrients.
  • They come from young grasses harvested at peak nutrition—before they grow into gluten-containing grains.
  • They’re organic, non-GMO, and free from additives or concentrates.
  • They are nutrient-dense green superfoods, known for supporting energy, detoxification, and alkalinity.

So while most juice powders are best avoided, Ora Organic’s approach uses them the right way—retaining all the benefits without the drawbacks of overprocessing.

2. Adaptogens

Ingredients like ashwagandha, rhodiola, and holy basil can support stress response and energy without relying on caffeine.

3. Digestive Support

The best greens powders include things like ginger, turmeric, and fermented ingredients or probiotics to aid gut health and reduce bloating.

4. Minimal, Recognizable Ingredients

You should be able to read the label and know exactly what's in it. Simpler is often better.

5. Third-Party Tested

Transparency matters. Look for brands that are open about where their ingredients come from and provide third-party testing to prove purity and potency.

Editor's Picks: Clean Greens Powders That Actually Pass the Test

If you're overwhelmed by options, here are a few Unfiltered-approve greens powders that meet the highest standards:

Cymbiotika - SuperGreens

A no-BS greens blend made with organic greens, adaptogens, and digestive herbs—without any of the junk. No added sugar, no fillers, no fake sweeteners. Just real, potent ingredients to help you feel energized and supported daily.

  • Organic kale, spirulina, chlorella, and wheatgrass
  • Ginger + turmeric for digestion and inflammation
  • Absolutely no artificial flavors or citric acid

Ora Organic - EasyBeing Green

A stripped-down formula for minimalists who still want maximum impact. This greens powder delivers just what you need and nothing you don’t.

  • Single-origin organic greens
  • Gentle on the gut, perfect for daily use
  • Third-party tested for quality and purity

Sprout Living - Slightly Sweet Greens Blend

Prefer a greens powder that actually tastes good—without fake sweetness? This one strikes the perfect balance.

  • Naturally sweetened with monk fruit (no stevia, no erythritol)
  • Packed with organic greens + gut-loving ingredients like ginger
  • Smooth taste, zero artificial junk

It’s ideal if you're just starting out with greens powders or want something more enjoyable to sip on every morning.

Don’t Fall for the Hype

The best greens powder isn’t the one with the flashiest packaging or the biggest influencer budget—it’s the one that respects your body. Look for real, whole foods. Ditch the fillers. And remember: greens powders should support a nutrient-rich diet, not replace it.