If you look on TikTok or Instagram, you will notice greens powder has become a trend. You've probably looked everywhere on how and when to drink greens. Chances are you might be a complete beginner. Worry not. This article is all you need.
You must be aware of the importance of integrating fruits and vegetables into your daily diet. However, it is reported that 90% of American adults do not consume the recommended daily amount of fruits and veggies.
If you aren't eating enough fruits and veggies, you may want to try a greens powder as a daily supplement.
Greens superfood powders are basically fruits and vegetables that have been crushed into a fine powder that can be mixed, or sprinkled into your food or drinks.
It's a simple and convenient way to eat healthy, which is why many people drink green powder supplements every day. It's also the best option if you're someone who has a hectic schedule and is constantly on the run.
But let's be realistic. Not even the greens powders taste good. After all, they're just a powdered blend of grasses, cruciferous vegetables, and leafy greens. They don't have flavors like protein powder, either.
Green superfoods like spirulina and chlorella may provide us with health benefits from a single scoop of a greens powder, but if we fail to make it through the hatch, we won't get any of those perks.
On that note, we've compiled a comprehensive beginner's guide on how to drink green powder for a better taste. Keep reading to learn more about greens powder, its benefits, timings, and more.
What is Greens Powder?
Before we discuss how to consume greens powders the right way, let's understand what green powder is and what it is made of.
Greens powder, aka super greens powder, is a type of nutritional supplement that can be added to juices, drinks, smoothies, and other foods. Normally, they have a grassy or more green tea-like flavor. Modern greens powders have a clear, light flavor—not the bitter, granny taste of earlier times.
While green powder possesses many health advantages, it is not an ideal substitute for whole vegetables and fruits. Rather than drinking green powder every day, consider changing your diet by eating more real fruits and veggies.
Depending on the brand, the majority of green powders are both vegan and non-genetically modified. Look for a powder mix that doesn't have any added sugar or artificial flavors.
Read the labels before purchasing any greens powder supplements. Also, since the product is not subject to US FDA regulation, make sure that it has been tested by third-party organizations.
What are the benefits of green powders?
One of the most notable benefits of drinking greens is the energy boost it provides. The optimum time for taking greens powder is in the morning. Other common benefits include:
- Improved gut health
- Higher energy levels
- Enhanced workout recovery
- Immune system support
Some brands make further health claims, such as reducing bloating, stress, and inflammation or acting as a detox for the body. Many are also aimed at fitness enthusiasts, with promises of better workout performance and recovery.
Greens Powder Ingredients
The contents of a greens powder can vary based on the brand you select and your desired health goals. Some ingredients in the formulation are dehydrated and juiced before being turned into powder, while others are harvested, dried, and powdered.
Having said that, top-grade or high-quality powders are finely processed into the form of a powder that dissolves fast in liquids.
Speaking of nutritional facts, it varies according to the ingredients and serving size of the supplement, yet the majority of powders contain 40 or fewer calories per scoop.
They also include vital nutrients like fiber, vitamins A and C, potassium, and magnesium in varying quantities. In addition, they are rich in pre and probiotics, digestive enzymes, and adaptogens.
Common ingredients found in greens powder are:
- Leafy greens: spinach, parsley
- Cruciferous vegetables: broccoli, cabbage, carrots
- Antioxidant-rich fruits: blueberries, raspberries
- Herbs: astragalus, holy basil
- Probiotics: Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus acidophilus,
- Grasses: barley grass, wheatgrass
- Natural extracts: green tea extract
- Seaweed: Kelp, spirulina
- Natural sugar substitutes: monk fruit, stevia
- Extra fiber: inulin, rice bran
How to Drink Green Powder?
Generally, green powders have a bitter taste. You may mix the powder with anything that balances the bitterness, like a smoothie, to make the supplement more pleasant, even though you can drink it straight out of the bottle or add it to water.
But hold on. You don't have to drink super green powder, either. Consider adding it to your favorite salad dressing or a dish. You can experiment a bit to find the right green powder to suit your taste. Here are a few things you can do at home to experience better taste:
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Shake with Cold water and ice.
Mixing greens powder with cold water and ice is a genuine way to enhance the taste with little effort. This is the most effective and simple trick.
Simply mix 12-14 ounces of water and supergreen powder with a few ice cubes in a bottle and shake for about 20-30 seconds. Once the powder settles, drink the mixture instantly. Make sure there are no clumps in the drink.
But why is it recommended to take it with ice water?
It's simple. Since our taste buds may be less sensitive in cold weather, we can recognize fewer flavors in cold drinks. The bitterness is temporarily masked by the cold, which makes it easier to sip.
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Blend it up in a smoothie.
Another go-to method for getting your daily dose of greens powder is by blending it into a smoothie along with other fruits or veggies.
You can try mixing it with coconut milk, almond milk or buttermilk. You can even make a protein shake by adding unflavored or vanilla protein or add a touch of sweetness with honey or maple syrup.
If you want to add more flavor and nutrients to the bitter greens powder, try adding more cacao powder.
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Mix with other juice.
Lemonade, orange juice, cranberry juice, or even milkshakes – you have tons of options. Green, bitter, and grassy tastes can be masked by combining the powder with something strong-flavored.
Since sugar-sweetened beverages are the main source of added sugar in American diets, try picking a low-sugar beverage like diet lemonade.
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Add into soups or sauces.
Mixing it with soups is another great way to include greens powder into your diet.
Add 1-2 scoops of greens powder to your favorite soup, like tomato or lentil, to give an extra nutrition boost without altering the taste.
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Combine with tea or coffee.
If you do not like ice-cold drinks, you can consider adding greens powder to tea, coffee, latte, boba tea, or hot chocolate.
However, keep in mind that nutrients in green powders can be wiped out at high heat, so make sure to drink hot beverages below 140F.
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Add honey
Honey is a great natural sweetener that can make drinking your greens a more pleasant experience. Don't forget to warm it just a bit before mixing so that it's easier to shake up.
You can also consider adding other natural sweeteners, such as maple syrup or dates.
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Try sparkling water
If you don't like the added sugar in regular juice, you may try mixing greens powder with your favorite sparkling water (aka carbonated water) and incorporating a splash of 100% juice.
The bubbles and fruity aromas can make it a tasty treat without the need to gulp it down quickly.
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Add to yogurt
Greens powder is a wonderful addition to your regular yogurt bowl. In fact, the dietary fat in yogurt has the potential to facilitate the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, which are present in green superfood powder.
If you're someone who prefers eating yogurt during a meal or anytime in the day, feel free to add super greens powder to it. This is another tasty option that provides added health benefits.
You can take an unsweetened yogurt in a bowl and top it off with fresh fruits, nuts, or chia seeds for an extra dash of flavor.
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Sprinkle it into oatmeal.
Another delightful way to add taste is to try mixing green powder into your breakfast oatmeal.
Try the below ingredients for a good taste experience:
Take ½ cup oats, one banana, and 2 tbsp chia seeds in a container or jar and mix with one teaspoon of greens powder. Then refrigerate overnight and enjoy it.
The best part about oats is that they can be customized. Yogurt, raisins, nuts, honey – oats go with it all.
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Jazz up your salad dressing.
Mixing green powder into a salad dressing is a way to give your salad an extra boost. Using your favorite salad dressing, mix a dash of the green superfood powder as well.
Making a homemade salad dressing with green powder could also be a great idea.
For a simple salad dressing, mix one minced shallot, one minced garlic clove, ½ cup olive oil, ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, and ½ teaspoon greens powder. Mix thoroughly with a whisk or store in a jar and shake. This could be the most nutritious and healthy lunch meal!
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Make popsicles
You can also try making ice popsicles with green powder for a delicious and nutritious snack. Just mix it with your preferred juice or smoothie blend and transfer it into popsicle molds. Keep in the freezer for a couple of hours or overnight before serving.
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Try other recipes
Apart from these, you can try super greens powder in a variety of ways, such as sundaes, green energy bites, pancakes, sundaes, hummus, and so on. Greens powder can also be added to guacamole or spinach dip to create a delicious dip.
Feel free to get creative and try out whatever ideas come to mind.
You never know – after trying one of the recipes, you could get motivated to make some of your own. This is a fun and unique way to get your greens powder in.
Who should take green powder, and who should not?
It can seem reasonable to use powdered greens to achieve your recommended daily intake of vitamins. However, not everyone needs this kind of nutritional supplement, and full healthy food is often preferable.
Only individuals who struggle to eat enough vegetables and drink enough water, as well as athletes with high-calorie demands, should drink green powdered juice on a daily basis.
If you already consume three to five servings of vegetables each day or if you have a sensitivity to these supplements, try to avoid it. Because of this, supplements are meant to be personalized for you uniquely; not everyone needs them.
If you're interested in investing in greens powder but aren't sure how it can fit into your lifestyle, talk to a qualified dietitian and seek advice from your healthcare provider.
This is particularly important if you are using prescription medication, dealing with a chronic health condition, or are in the stages of pregnancy or breastfeeding.
When is the best time to drink green powder?
The best time to drink super greens powder is usually in the morning on an empty stomach. Taking it first thing in the morning is a perfect way to kick off your day, particularly when your breakfast is lacking in fresh veggies and fruits.
However, keep in mind that everyone's body works differently. Some people have reported that consuming it on an empty stomach may sometimes lead to gastrointestinal issues like gas or diarrhea.
Speaking of workouts, you can either take them before or after a workout. Regardless, it will help strengthen your physical performance. Many fitness enthusiasts take it by mixing a scoop of greens powder with their workout protein shake.
If you're into intermittent fasting, you can take it before your first ever meal in the day.
It's also perfectly fine to take greens powder every day, but only to supplement your diet, not to replace whole foods.
In short, the best time to consume greens superfood powder is whenever it fits into your daily routine and supports your overall health and well-being.
Final Thoughts
Lastly, taking super greens powder doesn't have to be boring. With the above tips on how to drink greens powder, you can definitely enjoy all the health benefits without compromising on taste.
Although research is still in progress, product labels claim that supergreen powders are capable of improving your body's immunity, metabolism, and detoxification.
A good quality greens powder, with or without flavor, can be taken directly with ice water for a delightful drink. But, there are plenty of other ways that you can mix with to enjoy the taste. Try experimenting with the different tips mentioned above until you find your perfect suitable combo!
FAQs
- What is the best way to drink green powder?
Ans: There are many ways to drink green powder, and all of them work the same way. Some of the best ways are shaking greens powder with cold water and ice, mixing it with juice or tea, or simply blending it into a smoothie.
- Is it good to drink green powder every day?
Ans: It is best to take green powder every day for maximum benefits. To reap the maximum nutritional benefits and antioxidant strength, it's always preferable to eat entire fruits and vegetables.
- Do greens powder help you lose weight?
Ans: Yes. Greens powders are high in nutrients that enhance metabolism and satiety, which may lead to a reduction in overall calorie intake. As a result, they help in weight loss when paired with a balanced diet.
- Is it better to drink green powder on an empty stomach?
Ans: Yes. Drinking green powder on an empty stomach is the most convenient time. If you consume it half an hour before eating anything, your stomach is likely to increase nutrient absorption.
- How long does it take for green powder to work?
Ans: Most people will begin to experience the first signs of benefits within a couple of weeks of consistently using green powder. For some, it may take months. However, the type and quality of the greens powder supplement may have an impact on how quickly you respond.
- How can you improve the taste of greens powder?
Ans: If you want to improve the taste of greens, you might mix the powder into smoothies or yogurt, add it to juice or sports drinks, or use honey or other sweeteners.
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