A Nutrition Expert Explains How to Make Greens Powder Taste Better | Garage Gym Reviews (2024)

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Let’s face it. Even the best greens powders don’t typically taste great. They are powdered concoctions of leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, and grasses, after all. Greens supplements certainly aren’t like our favorite protein powder, which come in delicious flavors like chocolate cake, vanilla milkshake, and cookies and cream.

Despite the health benefits that one scoop of greens powder might give us, thanks to green superfoods like chlorella and spirulina, we won’t get any of those potential benefits if we can’t get it down the hatch.

RELATED: Best Greens Powder for Bloating

To that end, we put together this collection of ideas for how to make your greens powder taste better!

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider.

Greens Powder Recap

In case you’re not sure what a greens powder is, here’s the lowdown. A greens powder, such as Athletic Greens AG1 or Supergreen Tonik, is a dietary supplement consisting of various ingredients, from powdered green vegetables and antioxidant-rich fruit extracts to probiotics and digestive enzymes for gut health.

Their intention is to support overall wellness by helping you increase your daily nutrient intake. Some claim to help with weight loss, support the immune system, increase energy levels, and relieve stress, although there’s little evidence to support such claims. Despite that, there’s plenty of anecdotal evidence from consumers that greens powders help with one thing or another.

If you’re interested in greens powder but unsure how it can fit into your lifestyle, consider talking to a registered dietitian and your healthcare professional, especially if you take prescription medications, are managing a chronic health condition, or are pregnant or nursing.

RELATED: Best Greens Powders for Pregnancy

1. Shake With Cold Water and Ice

For some of the best-tasting greens, all you need is some ice and a good shake. Patriot Power Greens, for instance, is the tastiest greens powder I’ve tried, and it tastes even better when it’s shaken, not stirred, and consumed very cold. Most powders don’t mix as well when stirred in a glass, which can leave chunks and residue, making the whole experience even less pleasant.

2. Mix With Juice

This tip is my personal favorite way to make super greens powder taste better. If ice-cold water isn’t enough to mask the taste of wheatgrass, try mixing your greens with orange juice or another juice with a strong flavor profile, like cranberry or mango.

RELATED: Best-Tasting Protein Powder

3. Mix With a Sports Drink or Electrolyte Powder

Juice not your jam? Mix in something like coconut water or Liquid I.V. to see if that lowers the burden of superfood powder on your taste buds. Just be sure to check the label on both the greens and the electrolyte drink so you’re not surpassing your needs for a given nutrient. Don’t forget to check drink labels for artificial sweeteners and added sugar, too, to make sure they’re in line with your dietary preferences. (P.S. We have guides to the best sports drinks and the best electrolyte drinks if you need some shopping inspo.)

4. Mix With Tea

Iced tea, sweetened or unsweetened, is another option. Some greens powders already have a tea-like taste, and mixing with black tea especially can bring down the grassiness a notch.

5. Add Natural Sweeteners

Natural sweeteners like honey can make drinking your greens a more pleasant experience. Consider warming it just a bit prior to mixing so it’s easier to shake up.

Other tasty alternatives include stevia, monk fruit, maple syrup, and agave. Experiment with different natural sweeteners to find which one(s) make your greens powder more palatable.

6. Add Cocoa

A high-quality cocoa or cacao powder might work, too. Chocolate has a pretty strong flavor that can mask less desirable tastes. Some greens powders even come in chocolate and espresso flavors—perhaps a “green mocha” wouldn’t be so bad. (But I’m not making any promises.)

7. Blend Into a Smoothie

Coconut milk, blueberries, and bananas doesn’t sound bad, right? Crafting a fruit smoothie recipe to match the flavor profile of your super greens powder is often the best route to take for taste. You can try other fresh fruits and milks, too, like cashew or almond milk. You could even make it a protein shake by adding unflavored or vanilla protein or add a touch of sweetness with maple syrup.

RELATED: Best Protein Powder for Smoothies

8. Try Sparkling Water

Maybe a bit of texture is all you need. Mixing greens with sparkling water, plain or flavored, could jazz up your daily green drink. For flavored options, I like Spindrift, Bubly, or AHA.

9. Add to Yogurt

Try swirling your serving of greens into Greek yogurt, specifically a flavored variety. To further enhance the taste, you can make a whole yogurt bowl with fresh fruits, granola, honey, chia or flax seeds, and any other toppings your heart desires.

10. Mix With Matcha

Matcha powder has a strong flavor that may help to mask the veggie taste, at least a little. You could even make a matcha latte with coconut milk or another milk variety to make the greens more palatable to drink.

11. Try Adding It to Recipes

Flex your culinary muscles by adding greens powder to your favorite recipes. From savory to sweet, there are plenty of creative ways to incorporate this supplement into your diet, such as:

• Soups
• Salad dressings
• Pancake mix
• Homemade energy ball/bars
• Dips (like hummus, pesto, guacamole, or spinach and artichoke dip)
• Overnight oats

12. Pair With Your Favorite Protein Powder

Upgrade your pre-workout smoothie or post-workout protein shake with a scoop of greens powder. Not only will you enjoy the muscle-building and recovery benefits of protein, but you’ll also reap the health and wellness rewards of including probiotics, digestive enzymes, and other key nutrients that greens offer in your shaker cup.

RELATED: Best Protein Powder

13. Add Plant-Based Milk

While there’s nothing wrong with stirring a scoop of greens powder into good ol’ water, you can also use plant-based milks to create a nutritious drink. Whether you prefer almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk, or another dairy-free option, you can upgrade that base with a dose of greens.

14. Experiment With Spices

Your spice rack could become your best friend if you’re looking to alter the taste of your greens powder. A dash of cinnamon will add a warm, sweet flavor. Nutmeg will also add a subtle note of earthy sweetness. Other spices that pair well with greens powders include cardamom, allspice, and ginger.

15. Turn Your Greens Into Popsicles

Rather than sipping on your greens, take a trip down nostalgia lane and transform this supplement into a tasty treat that’s perfect during the hot days of summer. Simply mix your greens powder with water and a natural sweetener, pour the mixture into popsicle molds, and practice a little patience until it’s time to enjoy!

Greens Powder Benefits

Although greens powders aren’t necessarily the tastiest supplements, they offer substantial health benefits.

Excellent Source of Vitamins and Minerals

Made with fruits, vegetables, and other natural ingredients, greens powders serve as an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. Although the formulation varies by brand, most greens powders provide essential nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and iron. These nutrients, along with other common greens powder ingredients, help support optimal health and well-being.

RELATED: Greens Powder Vs Multivitamins

Can Help Boost Your Immune System

Many greens powders contain antioxidants and immune-boosting ingredients like spirulina¹, chlorella², and wheatgrass. These ingredients help combat oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and strengthen your immune system. Plus, greens powders contain vitamin C—another ingredient that’s been shown to help support healthy immune function³.

Supports Healthy Digestion

Greens powders usually include digestive enzymes, probiotics, and fiber, which promote healthy digestion and a happy gut (internally). These ingredients may also help with nutrient absorption, reduce bloating and gas, and support a balanced gut microbiome. If you haven’t added one of the best fiber supplements to your stack, you can get the best of both worlds by going with a greens powder.

RELATED: 11 Best Probiotic Supplements

May Help Enhance Energy Levels

Natural ingredients like matcha and green tea extract may provide energy boosts without the dreaded crash associated with caffeine or sugar-laden energy drinks. Plus, fueling your body with micronutrients can help ensure your brain and body are firing on all cylinders.

Recipes For Masking Greens Powders

It’s no secret that greens powders can have an off-putting taste. So, to help you get your #greens in without having to pinch your nose and pray for it to go down quickly, here are some easy recipes that taste good and are good for you.

Green Power Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 1 cup almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
• ½ banana
• 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
• 1 tbsp greens powder
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 1 tsp honey (or natural sweetener of your choice)
• Ice cubes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.

RELATED: Protein Smoothie Recipes

Greens Protein Pancakes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup oat flour (or blended oats)
• 1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder
• 1 tbsp greens powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 egg
• 1 cup almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (or natural sweetener of your choice)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix all the dry ingredients (oat flour, protein powder, greens powder, and baking powder).
2. Add the egg, almond milk, and vanilla extract and stir until well combined.
3. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly coat with cooking spray, oil, or grass-fed butter.
4. Pour about ¼ cup of batter onto the pan for each pancake.
5. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until the other side turns golden brown.
6. Serve with fresh berries, yogurt, or a drizzle of honey for a sweet finish.

Greens Energy Balls

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup nut butter (almond, peanut, or cashew)
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (or your preferred natural sweetener)
• 1 tbsp greens powder
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or cacao nibs
• 1/4 cup chia seeds or flax seeds
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Mix the oats, nut butter, honey, greens powder, chocolate chips, seeds, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until well combined.
2. Roll the mixture into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
3. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set.
5. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. (We bet they won’t last that long!)

How to Make Greens Powder Taste Better: Final Thoughts

There are several things you can try to make your greens powders taste better, from mixing the powder with juice to adding it to a smoothie recipe. At the end of the day, if you just can’t come to like greens powders, you can get your nutrients from a multivitamin, individual vitamin supplements, or by eating more fruits, veggies, whole grains, and other healthy foods.

RELATED: Best Multivitamin for Men / Best Multivitamin for Women

How to Make Greens Powder Taste Better: FAQs

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

References

1. Zhang, Y., Zhang, Y., Wu, W., Xu, Y., Li, X., Qiu, Q., & Chen, H. (2022). Effects on Spirulina Supplementation on Immune Cells’ Parameters of Elite College Athletes. Nutrients, 14(20), 4346. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14204346
2. Bito, T., Okumura, E., Fujishima, M., & Watanabe, F. (2020). Potential of Chlorella as a Dietary Supplement to Promote Human Health. Nutrients, 12(9), 2524. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12092524
3. Carr, A. C., & Maggini, S. (2017). Vitamin C and Immune Function. Nutrients, 9(11), 1211. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9111211