If it feels like you’ve been seeing the best greens powders pop up all over the internet in the last few years, you’re not alone. Many of these mysterious verdant powders and potions purport to be panaceas that aid in muscle gains, general wellbeing, and the ever-elusive “gut health” with a regiment as easy as a single scoop per day. Now, few things are ever that simple in the poorly regulated supplement market—and the jury is still out as to the exact efficacy of greens powders as a category—but one thing is for sure: They provide a solid nutritional insurance policy, helping to keep your body fueled with all the micronutrients it needs, some of which your current diet might be lacking.

But like most supplements, not all greens powders are created equal. I’ve been testing out a grip of the top brands on the market, each with their own special formula, taste, and price point. Anecdotally, I’ve definitely felt a boost in my digestion, energy levels, and overall health—so, if you’re looking for some backup in the nutrition department (or if you haven’t eaten broccoli since it was entering your mouth via pantomimed airplane) check out our list of the best greens powders below.

The Best Greens Powders, at a Glance:

The Best All-Around Greens Powder: Huel Daily Greens

A few major things to look for when choosing a greens powder are the ingredients list, price, taste, and user experience. The Huel Daily Greens does a great job of balancing each of them. It may not be the best in any single category but it get high marks in all of them. Its 91 ingredients give you all the vitamins, minerals and pretty much everything else you’d want in a greens powder to aid digestion and overall health. It is relatively well-priced, falling dead center on the cost per serving spectrum, and you can also get a slight discount by opting for the brand’s monthly subscription. The taste is solid, and they offer Watermelon and Lemon & Ginger flavors in addition to their original. New customers also receive a dedicated Huel Daily Greens bottle, which goes a long way toward helping create that daily ritual. Overall, Huel Daily Greens checks every box, and it’s worth checking out if you want a balanced greens powder.

The Best Greens Powder Kit: AG1

Athletic Greens, a.k.a. AG1, is one of the big dogs in the greens powder space. You’ve probably, at some point, been hit with the brand’s targeted Instagram ads. The branding is sleek and minimal, and they also make a really great greens powder. It’s one of only two on this list that’s NSF-certified for quality, and it is packed with vitamins, minerals, and probiotics.

However, where AG1 really shines is in what I will call the user experience. All new customers receive a welcome kit that, in addition to a first month’s supply of powder, includes a designated canister, scooper, and bottle. All of these accessories are surprisingly high-quality, far surpassing the level of your standard supplement purchase add-ons. The canister and scooping spoon are made from solid metal and adorned with AG1’s signature minimalist branding. There’s a noticeable heft when handling them, and the bottle is made from BPA-free hard plastic (akin to what you find in a Nalgene), with a metal screw top that is equally weighty. Overall, the ritual of taking AG1 makes me feel at once like a wealthy professional athlete, yet maybe also the subject of biometric testing in some future dystopian universe. Now, it might not be surprising that everything I just mentioned also makes it one of the most expensive greens powders, but you do get what you pay for, in my opinion.

The Best Value Greens Powder: Amazing Grass Greens Blend

Amazing Grass’s Greens Blend is the quiet workhorse of this list. It may not have quite as exhaustive an ingredients list as its competitors, but it delivers in all the areas where a good greens powder should. The Greens Blend boasts a slew of vitamins, probiotics, fiber, greens, and antioxidants. All of these will work to support digestive health while acting as an insurance policy to make sure your body gets the nutrients it needs.

It’s also the most affordable greens powder on this list, which proves that, for less than a dollar a day, eating “healthy” doesn’t have to hurt your wallet. Here’s the catch: the Greens Blend is unflavored and doesn’t use artificial sweeteners, so it’s not exactly the best-tasting powder on this list—but if you’re looking for delicious-tasting supplements, greens powders shouldn’t be your first choice. (C’mon bro, it’s for your health bro, please bro, just drink it bro, please.)

The Best Greens Powder With Caffeine: Thorne Daily Greens Plus

Greens powders are generally very conducive to a morning routine: Most suggest being consumed on an empty stomach, too, as it aids absorption. (Many powders also include B-complex vitamins to boost energy.) The Thorne Daily Greens Plus takes it a step further with 35 mg of matcha-derived caffeine per serving. Now, it’s worth pointing out that this is less than half the amount of caffeine in your standard cup of coffee—however, when combined with the adaptogen blend and the energy production benefits of the antioxidants, it was enough to give even my cold brew-addicted self a noticeable boost.

Do you want to lose weight easily, like taking a sip? Well, then you need to sip on the right tea. A comprehensive review of scientific studies has revealed that specific types of tea can effectively aid in weight loss and reduce belly fat. These teas contain beneficial compounds like flavones and catechins that support weight management through various mechanisms including enhanced metabolism and fat burning. Here are 5 teas that can speed up your weight loss results:

Green tea

Green tea stands out as one of the most researched varieties for weight loss. Studies have demonstrated its ability to decrease body weight, body mass index (BMI), and belly fat, particularly in people with type 2 diabetes. The benefits were observed at doses under 800 milligrams per day in studies lasting 8 weeks or longer.
Catechins, the natural antioxidants in green tea, are believed to boost metabolism and enhance fat burning. This effect extends to matcha, a concentrated form of powdered green tea containing similar beneficial ingredients.

Black tea

Puerh tea, a fermented Chinese black tea, has shown promising results in weight management. Research indicates it can help regulate blood sugar and fatty acid metabolism. One study found that participants taking puerh tea extract lost approximately 2.2 pounds more than those taking a placebo over three months.
Black tea, which undergoes more oxidation than other varieties, has demonstrated significant weight loss effects. A study by the International Journal of Food Science upon 111 participants showed that consuming three cups of powdered black tea daily for three months led to increased weight loss and reduced waist circumference compared to a control group. The weight loss properties of black tea are attributed to its high polyphenol and flavone content. These compounds may work by reducing calorie absorption, promoting fat metabolism, and decreasing oxidative stress.

Oolong tea

Oolong tea, partially oxidized and falling between green and black tea in processing, has shown potential in enhancing fat burning and speeding up metabolism. Research involving 102 overweight individuals found that daily oolong tea consumption for six weeks contributed to reductions in both body weight and body fat.

White tea

White tea, minimally processed and harvested while the tea plant is young, contains high levels of catechins. Laboratory studies indicate it may help prevent fat cell formation and increase fat breakdown, though more human studies are needed to confirm these effects.

Hibiscus tea

A SciFlo Brazil study on hibiscus tea has demonstrated its potential to reduce BMI and protect against obesity in animal research. It has shown particular promise in fat metabolism, with test-tube studies indicating its ability to increase fat metabolism and inhibit fat cell formation.
Herbal teas, made from various herbs, spices, and fruits, differ from traditional teas as they typically contain no caffeine and aren’t derived from Camellia sinensis. Varieties like rooibos, ginger, rosehip, and hibiscus have shown promising results in weight management studies.
The benefits of tea extend beyond weight loss, offering a calorie-free alternative to sugary beverages. When combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise, tea consumption can support overall weight management goals and help prevent accumulation of harmful belly fat.

Neuropathy is a debilitating type of pain caused by injury or damage to nerves. Although many factors lead to neuropathy, the imbalance between damaging free radicals and protective antioxidants (oxidative stress) is a significant contributor. 

Some supplements may help manage neuropathic pain. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant supplements may reduce nerve damage and improve symptoms of neuropathy. However, whether research supports the use of these supplements for neuropathy is not well established.

1. Acetyl-L-Carnitine

Acetyl-L-carnitine is a naturally occurring amino acid. It reduces the number of pro-inflammatory molecules in the body and helps produce proteins that protect neurons.

Benefits include:

• Protecting nerve cells
• Regenerating injured nerves and restores function
• Reducing pain in people with diabetic neuropathy (however, the benefits did not persist after six to 12 months)

Additional studies are necessary to understand how acetyl-L-carnitine impacts neuropathy and whether the benefit depends on the type of neuropathy. People on hemodialysis regularly supplement with acetyl-L-carnitine to help fight chronic inflammation and oxidative stress.

2. Alpha-Lipoic Acid

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an omega-3 fatty acid and antioxidant. Benefits include:

• Reduces inflammation and supports nerve blood flow and signaling.
• Decreased pain intensity and perceived pain 
• Reduces symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, specifically burning, pain, and numbness  

ALA is relatively safe and well tolerated, even when taken above the recommended dosage. However, doses greater than 1,200 mg may induce gastrointestinal side effects. ALA may be safe during pregnancy when taken orally in doses of up to 600 mg daily for up to four weeks, but it is not recommended during breastfeeding. 

Children ages 10–17 may safely take ALA orally in doses of up to 600 mg daily for three months. ALA may be unsafe for younger children, especially when administered in larger doses. 

ALA slows blood clotting when taken with blood thinners, and can decrease the effects of your thyroid medication. Similarly, ALA may lower blood sugar levels when taken with an antidiabetic (blood sugar lowering) medication. 

3. B Vitamins

B vitamins are essential for countless body reactions. B vitamin deficiencies lead to neuropathy, so getting enough B vitamins is essential to imrpove neuropathy symptoms. B vitamins seem to benefit those who have neuropathy best if they have a nutrient deficiency. Consider discussing with your healthcare provider and checking your vitamin B levels before starting a supplement.

Benefits include:

• Reduces neuropathy symptoms according to some clinical trials
• Helps produce neural membranes
• Helps with nerve function

There are eight types of B vitamins required for health. In particular, thiamine (B1), pyridoxine (B6), folate (B9), and cobalamin (B12) are linked with neuropathy. Maintaining adequate levels of these B vitamins prevents nutritional neuropathies (neuropathy caused by lack of nutrients.

Additional research is required to understand the role of B12 in neuropathy fully. Many studies do not show baseline vitamin B12 levels, so the benefit of supplementation may be due to B12 levels returning to normal.

4. Capsaicin

Capsaicin is the compound in chili peppers that makes them spicy. Capsaicin is typically applied as a cream. Over-the-counter creams containing 0.075% capsaicin or high-dose patches with 8% capsaicin are the most common and effective supplements. Creams containing less than 0.075% capsaicin are ineffective

Benefits include:

• Preventing nerves from sending pain signals
• Treating peripheral neuropathy
• Providing moderate pain relief from HIV-related or postherpetic neuropathy (a common complication of shingles)

Capsaicin causes itching, burning, or redness at the application site. But these side effects are generally short term.Avoid contact with the eyes. Do not apply capsaicin to damaged or burned skin.

Capsaicin interacts with the following medications:

• Cyclosporine: Taking capsaicin concurrently with cyclosporine limits the breakdown of cyclosporine, an immunosuppressant medication.
• Ativan (lorazepam): Capsaicin reduces the metabolism of lorazepam, a drug taken for seizures and mood disorders.

5. Cannabidiol

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound found in the marijuana plant. Unlike other compounds in marijuana, CBD does not cause a sense of euphoria (a “high”). CBD comes from hemp or non-hemp plants. The 2018 Agriculture Improvement Act legalized cannabidiol derived from hemp at the federal level. However, cannabidiol remains on the controlled substances list for some states. Please be mindful of your state’s laws about CBD use and avoid use if it is not legal in your area.

Benefits include:

• Reducing and blocking inflammatory markers associated with neuropathy 
• Reducing the development of neuropathic pain
• Reducing in intense, sharp, cold, and itchy pain sensations

Research on cannabidiol is new and evolving, so there is no set recommended intake. Dosage will vary depending on topical or oral CBD use. Exercise caution when consuming CBD because limited data on its safety exists. Possible side effects of CBD include the following:

CBD is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It is unclear whether CBD passes to the baby through breast milk. More data is necessary to determine the safety associated with CBD products applied to the skin.

6. Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) plays an essential role in supporting mitochondria (the cell’s powerhouse) function through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Benefits include:

• Decreasing inflammatory molecule levels
• Increasing antioxidant production
• Protecting neurons from dying
• May improve pain and sleep

Side effects of CoQ10 are generally mild and include insomnia and digestive issues. Few severe side effects have been reported.

CoQ10 interacts with the following medications:

• Warfarin: CoQ10 increases the metabolism of warfarin, affecting anticoagulation. However, some research suggests that CoQ10 does not affect warfarin metabolism at daily doses of less than 100 mg. 
• Vitamin E: taking vitamin E with CoQ10 decreases the absorption of CoQ10. 

People consume an average of 3–5 mg of CoQ10 daily through the diet. Food sources of CoQ10 include chicken thighs, herring, and trout. Consult with your healthcare provider before starting CoQ10 to figure out your proper dosage.

7. Gamma-Linolenic Acid

Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is an omega-6 essential fatty acid. GLA can be obtained from the diet via borage, black currant oil, and evening primrose oil.

Benefits include:

• Decreasing blood pressure
• Reducing the number of pain sites
• Improving movement

Not enough data exists to support GLA supplementation during pregnancy and breastfeeding.Supplementation is not recommended if you have elevated triglycerides because omega-6 fatty acids can further raise levels.

8. Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral involved in many bodily processes, including muscle and nerve function.

Benefits include:

• Reducing pain
• Improving movement
• Treating peripheral neuropathy caused by shingles

Causes and Symptoms of Neuropathy

Multiple types of neuropathy exist depending on the underlying health issue. Neuropathy can result from the following:

It is also possible for neuropathy to develop without a known cause.

Neuropathy symptoms vary depending on the nerves and the body area affected. Common symptoms include the following:

What Else Can You Do for Neuropathy?

Besides supplements, lifestyle modifications focusing on diet, stress, and movement alleviate neuropathic pain.

Exercise

Exercise has the potential to reduce neuropathic pain. Certain forms of exercise are more effective than others at alleviating symptoms of different neuropathies. 

Muscle strengthening and balance training alleviate chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Moreover, some research suggests engaging in physical activity at the start of chemotherapy prevents the development of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.  

Participating in a mix of aerobic and higher-intensity exercise may particularly benefit those with diabetic neuropathy. Exercise may also prevent the development of neuropathy because regular physical activity helps control blood sugar.

A mix of aerobic and progressive strength training enhances other treatment methods for HIV-related neuropathy. 

Mindfulness

Participating in mindfulness therapies, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and pain reprocessing therapy (PRT) has reduced pain and improved the quality of life for people with different kinds of pain. Notably, mindfulness produced long-term pain relief, whereas the benefits of CBT were less apparent after treatment had ended. 

Summary

Supplements such as ALA and acetyl-L-carnitine may provide some relief from neuropathic pain. Limited data exists to support the use of other supplements, such as B vitamins, capsaicin, magnesium, GLA, and cannabidiol, for neuropathy.

However, maintaining adequate levels of B vitamins and magnesium may prevent the development of neuropathy due to nutrient deficiencies. Talk with your primary healthcare provider to review the risks and benefits of introducing supplements into your routine.