Let’s be honest. The hardest part of going on a diet is the diet!
This means increasing fruit and vegetable intake in place of sugary, fried, fast, processed junk foods.
While there are plenty of great-tasting fruits and veggies, many people just don’t have the time or cooking skills to get adequate amounts in their diet.
This is why greens powder supplements have become so popular.
The most popular of which being AG1 (formerly Athletic Greens).
Like other greens powders, AG1 purports to give you all the benefits of high-dose fruit and veggie servings you need in only a few scoops.
However, just because AG1 is the most popular doesn’t mean it’s the best. In fact, nowadays, the greens powder supplement market is full of many options.
In this article, I’ll break down some of the best Athletic Greens alternatives and help you find a great green superfood powder that is best for your needs!
Biohack Your Brainpower
What are the Best Athletic Greens Alternatives in April 2024? – Quick Answers
Green 85 Juice Formula With D3 by Chemical Free Body
What are the benefits of greens superfood powders?
The health benefits of greens powder are vast and varied. Some of the main benefits include:
-Increased energy
– Better digestion
– Improved mental clarity
– Better immunity
– Detoxification of the body
– Weight loss
– Healthy skin
– Improved hormonal balance
The best green powders contain the healthiest green vegetables and grasses you can eat. Plus, they don’t require any work to get them down. There is no need to worry about spending time washing, chopping, and cooking vegetables.
What To Look For In A Greens Powder
Taste
First things first: taste matters! If it doesn’t taste good or make you want more then chances are you won’t stick to it.
I’m not gonna lie, some of these green powders are downright nasty. Like dry-heave gross!
At the same time, some greens powders are way too sweet, trying to mask the gritty, grainy, grassy flavor with excessive sweeteners.
It’s like that friend who uses way too much cologne.
For me, the best flavor profile is something that has that pure greens taste with a small dose of sweetness.
Just be yourself greens powder! We all know you’re not ice cream.
Ingredients
Not all greens powders are created equal. In fact, some greens powders are created with low-quality ingredients and harmful additives and preservatives for more efficient production and longer shelf life.
Be sure to research where and how the company sources its greens. The best products use organic, beyond organic, Certified naturally grown (cng), and Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) farming practices.
Below you’ll see that I’ve selected some great athletic greens alternatives that are well-sourced and use clean ingredients.
Extra Ingredients
It’s important to be on the lookout for extra ingredients like silicon dioxide, corn starch, “natural/organic flavors”, citric acid, and certain sweeteners like maltodextrin.
Each of these can be problematic for certain people and negate the benefits of the pure greens in the green juice powder.
For example, If you have a corn sensitivity, corn starch and citric acid derived from corn can cause some issues that are more pressing than the benefits coming from dehydrated greens.
Maltodextrin can be problematic for gluten-sensitive people as it is commonly derived from wheat.
If you are allergic to gluten then make sure your organic greens powder is gluten-free as well.
Packaging
How your green powder is packaged is another crucial factor to consider. Many green juice powders come in plastic which is a supplement industry standard. This doesn’t make it good. If the plastic is exposed to heat or light the plastic can leach into the powder and denature the purity of the product.
Some green juice powder is sold in bags that make it difficult to serve without making a mess on your counter.
Not to mention the case of the lost scoop! Some packages force the scoop so far down the bag or container that you have to fish it out by sinking your arm down to your elbow in green powder.
Do Green Powders Really Work?
Many well-respected people in the health and wellness space swear by green powders.
Like everything else in health, you have to be your own judge. Does the powder improve blood test parameters? Does it lower your blood sugar and cholesterol? Do you feel better? Is your sleep improving? Is your metabolism improved?
These can only be answered on an individual basis.
The quality question also comes back into play here as a lower quality product will not work as well as a higher quality product.
Generally, if we look at the ingredients of some of the best greens powders, we will find the following components:
- Digestive enzymes for an improved gut health
- Greens like Leafy Greens, organic barley grass, green tea leaf extract, organic spinach,
- Fruit and vegetable blend including monk fruit extract
- Protein Sources like organic hemp seed protein, pea protein, chia seeds
- Vitamins and minerals
- Artificial flavors including artificial sweeteners and added sugars, etc.
- Some are even gluten-free
This ingredient list demonstrates that these greens powders are good for overall health.
They can not replace whole foods, but for people who do not have access to fresh produce, greens powders can be a part of a healthy diet.
All of the ingredients have innumerable health benefits except for artificial sweeteners. But they are like necessary evil because otherwise healthy foods like barley grass are not easily palatable.
Can Greens Powders Boost Cognition
Of course!
If the greens powder helps your metabolism, gut health, and detox capabilities while delivering essential nutrition your brain should work better.
Do Greens Powders Make You Poop?
No! Several people feel intimidated that ingesting these healthy greens powders will make them rush toward the toilet while losing their sanity; however, it doesn’t work that way.
These healthy green powders have digestive enzymes.
These digestive enzymes help improve your gut functions and bowel movements by relieving constipation.
If you have a healthy and balanced diet, juiced greens powder will not make you poop randomly, whereas if you are taking an unhealthy and improper diet, green powders will very well make you poop while pushing all the toxins out of your body.
Best Athletic Greens (AG1) Alternatives – April 2024
Dr. Cowan’s Low-Oxalate Greens Powder
The only greens powder designed for those with oxalate sensitivities
Enhanced nutrient intake without the high oxalate veggies
Contains lacinato kale, collard greens, and mustard leaves
No added fillers or chemicals
Greens sourced from small, biodynamic farms
Packaged in Miron jars which filter out UV-B and UV-C light
There’s no doubt that greens powders are a great way to get many essential vitamins and minerals.
It’s essential to remember the prevalence of plant toxins like lectins, and especially oxalates.
Many people have sensitivities to these molecules, which make healthy foods like veggies difficult to stomach.
Oxalates can bind to calcium, create excessive inflammation, and are the #1 source of kidney stones. Oxalate-sensitive people also experience skin and digestive issues by consuming high-oxalate foods.
Dr. Cowan’s Low-Oxalate Greens Powder is the only greens powder I’ve found that avoids high oxalate veggies like spinach and chard while enhancing your nutrient intake exponentially.
This green juice powder contains only lacinato kale, collard greens, and mustard leaves with no added fillers and preservatives.
The included veggies are sourced from small, biodynamic farms that use beyond organic farming practices.
These greens supplements are packaged in Miron jars which filter out UV-B and UV-C light, accelerating decomposition and rotting.
The best part is you can order refills from Dr. Cowan and keep storing all new powders in the original jars, keeping your powders fresh for three years!
Neuro Green Superfood by BrainMD
Supports cognitive health and neurological function
Detoxify your body and reduce inflammation
Rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients
A healthy alternative to sugary drinks and processed foods
Neuro green superfood powders work excellent for people who find it hard to consume 1-3 cups of vegetables daily to maintain their brain’s health.
Neuro green superfood is rich in nutrients provided by a healthy combination of spinach, kale, turmeric, broccoli, and other substances required to effectively support our neurological and physiological systems.
The health benefits of this green superfood include:
- Detoxification
- Enhances cognition
- Healthier immune system
- Reduce inflammation
- Improved digestive health and much more.
Green 85 Juice Formula With D3 by Chemical Free Body
Our powder is sourced from organic molecules to improve digestive health
Packed with nutrients and benefits that other powders lack
85% of essential nutrients come from soil, so our powder helps you recover what you’ve lost
Contain a substantial amount of probiotics to improve your gut health
Convenient one scoop per day dosage
Boosting digestive health should be one of the top goals of a super greens powder, although many of the best green juice powders fall short.
I attribute that mostly to sourcing
About 85% of essential nutrients in our body come from organic molecules grown in soil, and if you don’t take your veggies time by time, they start going missing from your body.
Green 85 juice formula is a plant-based powerhouse; just one scoop daily will recover all the nutrients you have lost.
The juice is loaded with highly concentrated juice extracts, spore-containing probiotics, zinc, Iodine, Vitamine A, and D3 to boost your mental health, improve digestive health, build muscle mass, and overall help you restore your health conveniently.
Green 85 Juice formula contains a substantial amount of probiotics that help to maintain your gut health and improve digestion.
Dr. Cowan’s Organic Threefold Blend Powder – Savory
Tastes great, not like other bland greens powders
Promotes well-being and detoxification
Aids in immunity, gut health, eyes, brain, and skin health
Sweet flavor is a pleasant surprise
Organic threefold blend powder is the best alternative to bland tasted vegetables such as roots and leaves.
While most people don’t expect a decent taste from their green powder supplement, this greens powder is a pleasant surprise.
Although the powder is a blend of whole foods carrots, leeks roots, kale leaves, and peppers, it adds a hint of welcome sweetness when mixed in your soups, smoothies, and eggs.
This combination ensures the presence of beta-carotene for immunity, gut health, eyes, brain, and skin well-being and promotes detoxification.
Pure Spirulina Tablets by Beautybits
High levels of proteins, chlorophyll, and spirulina
Anti-oxidating and anti-aging effects of spirulina
Helps build nails, hair, and skin; prevents wrinkles; reduces inflammation; satisfies hunger pangs
Organic, clean, toxin-free, and contain no GMOs or impurities
Beauty bits tablets mainly comprise high levels of proteins, chlorophyll, and spirulina, a blue-green alga with strong anti-oxidating and anti-aging effects.
The best thing about Spirulina powder is that it is organic, clean, toxin-free, and contains no GMOs or impurities.
Beauty bits may aid in building your nails, hair, and skin, prevent wrinkles, reduce inflammation, satisfy your hunger pangs and bring your vitality back to life.
These benefits make it one of the best greens powder supplements on our list.
Dr. Cowan’s Organic High-Protein Leaf Powder
Powerful, organic high-protein powder that can be used in a variety of meals
This powder is rich in all the proteins, vitamins, and minerals your body needs for growth and overcoming dehydration
Easily blends into any meal without changing the flavor too much
Dr. Cowan’s high protein leaves powder works great for parents struggling to get their kids used to vegetables.
The powder is a powerful blend of all the proteins, vitamins, and minerals needed for growth and overcoming dehydration.
The main ingredients of this organic greens blend can be broken down into fava, and moringa leaves rich in vitamin A, B6, thiamin, iron, and calcium.
The flavor of this high protein powder might be strong but almost disappears after sprinkling it into your meals, such as smoothies, stews, pasta, eggs, rice, meat, or whatever you are going to eat.
It is recommended to use this product with appropriate medical care and consultation.
Fermented Kale by Perfect Supplements
Support immune system function
Reduce inflammation
Provide essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals
Great source of fiber which can help regulate digestion
Kale is a naturally nutrient-dense food that has taken the health food industry by storm for providing all the required nutrients lacking in the Standard American diet.
Kale is rich in calcium, fatty acids, vitamin A and C, fibers, proteins, and much more required to accomplish a strong immune system, rigid bones, and brain development.
Dr. Cowan’s Sea-Vegetables Powder (Wild-Harvested)
Improve blood sugar levels and cholesterol
Rich in fat-soluble carotenoids and omega 3-fats
Reduce blood pressure
Slow the development of plaque in arteries
Helps reduce heart disease risk
Dr. Cowan’s sea vegetable powder is an ideal fusion of kelp, dulse, and wakame, all harvested from the coast of Maine.
All the ingredients are tested and certified, packed with vital nutrients, and have a solid oceanic taste.
This vegetable powder mix is best for keto diets as it is rich in fat-soluble carotenoids and omega 3-fats with less sugar and carbs to improve your blood sugar levels and cholesterol.
Since they are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, they help reduce blood pressure, slow the development of plaque in arteries and reduce the chances of heart diseases.
Dr. Cowan’s Organic High-Protein Leaf Powder
Aids in the protein needs of Vegans
Nourishes hair and skin, protects against harmful bacteria, makes bones healthier, and treats lousy mood swings
Strong flavor that will dissipate when mixed with other food items
50 servings per jar
Vegans need more proteins in their diet, and this powder is made to cater to their protein needs.
Organic high protein leaf powder lives up to its name as it is mainly composed of protein-rich ingredients such as Moringa and fava leaves.
A single jar of this super greens powder facilitates 50 servings and provides a strong flavor that will disappear once you mix the powder in your meals.
One teaspoon of these powdered greens daily nourishes your hair and skin, protects against harmful bacteria, makes bones healthier, and treats lousy mood swings.
Aquatic Greens Powder by Perfect Supplements
Contains 50% USDA-certified, pure, vitamin-rich microscopic freshwater algae
1400 mg of Organic Chlorella and 1400 mg of Organic Spirulina per serving
Antioxidants and nutrients effective for your well-being
Prevents anemia
Relieves constipation
Aquatic Greens Powder is made with a 50/50 blend of USDA-certified, pure, vitamin-rich microscopic freshwater algae in 1400 mg of Organic Chlorella and 1400 mg of Organic Spirulina.
This excellent aquatic greens powder blend has a lot to offer and contains high levels of antioxidants and nutrients effective for your well-being.
Their greens powder supplements offer multiple benefits, including healthy blood sugar levels, preventing anemia, relieving constipation, and preventing cardiovascular diseases.
Dr. Cowan’s Low-Oxalate Greens Powder
The only greens powder designed for those with oxalate sensitivities
Enhanced nutrient intake without the high oxalate veggies
Contains lacinato kale, collard greens, and mustard leaves
No added fillers or chemicals
Greens sourced from small, biodynamic farms
Packaged in Miron jars which filter out UV-B and UV-C light
Dr. Cowan’s low oxalate greens supplement powder is a fantastic superfood designed to lower the oxalate intake in the diet.
Excessive oxalate in the body binds with calcium in the blood, causing acute inflammation and precipitation in the form of kidney stones.
Its ingredients include mustard leaves, lacinato kale, and collard greens that reduce oxalate exposure and help you achieve better health by reducing systemic inflammation and preventing kidney stones.
Shroom Tech Greens by ONNIT
Contains organic ingredients
Suitable for low-carb and keto dieters
Boosts endurance levels
Immune system booster
Supports cellular integrity
Athletic greens powder is undoubtedly the most convenient and useful for athletes and nonathletes to ingest essential nutrients formulated with organic and inorganic ingredients.
However, if you are looking for a pure organic product, then Shroom tech greens are the best alternative.
Each serving contains four spinach leaves, one broccoli floret, and 14 kale leaves, making it an ultimate organic nutritional source for low-carb and keto dieters.
Its benefits include increased endurance levels, boosting the immune system, providing nutritional value, and supporting cellular integrity.
Apart from these, there are a lot of other greens supplements on the market, including nested naturals super greens powder and amazing grass green superfood powder. These may not be among our top 10 but they are good enough to be included in the honorable mentions.
Apart from these, there are a lot of other greens supplements on the market, including nested naturals super greens powder and amazing grass green superfood powder. These may not be among our top 10 but they are good enough to be included in the honorable mentions.
Conclusion
As you can see there are many great Athletic Greens (AG1) alternatives.
While AG1 is the most talked about greens powder it is by no means the only option, nor the best.
Be sure to try one of the great Athletic Greens alternatives listed above and let us know what you think!
