All successful diets tend to have one thing in common—they reiterate the importance of consuming vegetables.
Unfortunately, for some, this is not easy. Whether you frequently travel to areas where quality produce options are unavailable or struggle to meet your ideal daily greens intake, you might be considering a greens powder.
During your search for the perfect greens powder, you’ve probably stumbled upon Opti-Greens and Athletic Greens. Both companies are well respected and have dominated the health and wellness industry in recent years.
So: you’ve narrowed it down to two great options (congrats!) but are stuck in limbo between which one to choose. We’ve got your back!
In this article, I’ll be reviewing Opti-Greens vs. Athletic Greens. I’ll compare each formula and the benefits they provide to decide which is the better choice of these two wildly popular greens powders.
Why Add Super Greens Powder To Your Diet?
A nutrient-dense diet filled with fruits and veggies is vital for maintaining good health. Despite being aware of this, only 9% of adults meet the recommended serving of 2-3 cups of vegetables daily.
If you’re one of the 91% of Americans who fall short on eating enough veggies each day, you’re likely missing out on essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that your body needs. When we aren’t eating a well-rounded diet, it increases our risk for chronic diseases like obesity, cancer, and diabetes.
Although a greens supplement shouldn’t take the place of vegetables, it can be the next best thing if you’re finding it impossible to consistently hit the salad bar. Most super greens powders are lacking in the fiber department but are chock-full of superfood ingredients that we may not have access to or include in our regular diet.
As we learn more about the power of greens supplements, more studies support the benefits associated with taking greens powders.
Before I dive into the research, I want to clarify a few things. As a registered dietitian, I’m here to tell you that a super greens powder can not and should not ever replace the consumption of fruits and vegetables. Research is limited surrounding greens powders right now. However, we do have hard, solid evidence surrounding the benefits of whole vegetables.
With that said, I’m not against adding greens powder into your diet if it’s fitting. Here are a few benefits green powders may provide users and why.
Improved Energy Levels
One study found that women who consumed one tablespoon of a greens powder in combination with green tea extract every day for 12 weeks had significant self-reported improvements in energy levels compared to those in the placebo group.
Super greens powders are packed with vitamins, iron, and other nutrients. If you are deficient in energy-boosting nutrients before taking a greens powder, you may see an improvement in energy levels after consumption.
Many powders also have green tea extract and other compounds that naturally boost energy levels.
Reduced Risk of Chronic Disease
The combinations of compounds in greens powders work as powerful antioxidants which can reduce the risk of chronic disease and fight inflammation. In one four-week study, researchers found that participants who took two tablespoons of greens powder had significantly decreased protein and lipid oxidation.
The study concluded that, based on the antioxidant properties of greens powders, they might reduce chronic diseases associated with oxidative stress.
Improved Blood Pressure
Nearly half, or 119 million, US adults have elevated blood pressure. One small study gave individuals with high blood pressure 10 grams (two tablespoons) of greens powder each day. Researchers found those who took the greens powder experienced both a decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure by up to 8%.
Minerals found in super greens powders like potassium and calcium are essential for blood pressure regulation.
A Healthy Immune System
Greens powders are typically packed with broccoli and kale. These greens are high in vitamin C, which is known for supporting a healthy immune system.
A Super Greens Supplement Is Good For You If You’re Looking For:
Comparing Athletic Greens vs Opti-Greens 50
Vs | Opti-Greens 50 | Athletic Greens |
|---|---|---|
Price | $64.99 for 1x purchase, or $54.99 if you subscribe | $99 for 1x purchase, or $79 if you subscribe |
Servings | 30 | 30 |
Better for | Athletes and those who love supplements made in the USA | Athletes, active people |
High Quality Ingredients |
|
|
Vitamins, Minerals and Other ingredients | 50 per serving | 75 per serving |
Taste | 4.5/5 | 4.4/5 |
Avg. Rating | 4.9/5 | 4.6/5 |
Made in USA |
|
|
, New ZealandOpti-Greens 50 Overview
Opti-Greens 50 is a product sold by 1st Phorm, a company that is well known for its protein powder and other supplements.
Opti-Greens 50 claims to:
- Strengthen your immune system
- Boost your natural energy levels
- Improve digestion and reduce bloating
- Detoxify your body and cleanse your blood
- Regulate a healthy glycemic response
- Fight inflammation and reduce joint pain
- Promote nutrient absorption
One serving of Opti-Greens is equivalent to over eleven servings of fruits and vegetables. The formula also includes a blend of probiotics, digestive enzymes, and superfoods.
Though their greens powder itself does not carry an organic label, it is made with mostly organic ingredients. All ingredients are processed at a low temperature to improve absorption in your body.
The formula is also vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and dairy-free. 1st Phorm tests all products independently by a third party to ensure quality and safety.
Opti-greens has a natural, berry flavor. Like many other greens powders, you can still taste a bit of a “grassy flavor” after consumption.
Overall, Opti-Greens has excellent customer reviews on 1st Phorm’s website. The main complaint voiced by customers was that the taste was too grassy. Otherwise, customers appear to be exceptionally satisfied with the product.
For those who aren’t satisfied, 1st Phorm offers an impressive 110% money-back guarantee.
Each serving of Opti Greens contains 28 calories, 2 grams of protein, 5 grams of carbohydrates, and 1 gram of dietary fiber.
Important Ingredients
The company uses proprietary blends, making it difficult to know the exact amount of ingredients you’re getting in each serving. Despite the lack of transparency, Opti Greens contains a long list of well-researched ingredients. Let’s take a peek at what makes up Opti Greens!
Similar to athletic greens, opti-greens 50 has high quality, hand-selected ingredients. What I love most though, is that 1st Phorm makes their supplements in the USA!
Green Superfood Complex
This blend comprises eight organic greens and grasses and contains whole-food ingredients like barley grass, spirulina, kale, and spinach. Together, these greens can support a healthy metabolism and fill in nutrient gaps in your diet. According to 1st Phorm’s website, this complex is equivalent to a 2oz shot of juiced greens.
Glycemic Balance Blend
The glycemic blend consists of ingredients like green tea and elderberry extract that function as powerful antioxidants and soluble rice bran to promote glycemic control by slowing the digestion of carbohydrates.
Phytonutrient Complex
This blend consists of beneficial plant compounds such as carotenoids and bioflavonoids that work in your body to fight inflammation, support a healthy immune system, and prevent chronic disease.
Plant Enzyme Blend
Opti-Green's 50’s plant enzyme blend is packed with digestive enzymes like bromelain and amylase to help your body absorb nutrients and naturally improve digestion.
Probiotic Blend
This blend consists of 10 different strains of beneficial bacteria to promote a healthy gut function.
Safety and Side Effects
Since all 50 ingredients found in Opti-Greens are natural with little known adverse reactions, it is unlikely that you’ll experience any severe side effects from taking Opti-Greens.
However, as with all supplements (especially ones with a long list of ingredients), there is a chance you may experience mild side gastrointestinal side effects.
Some users report diarrhea, abdominal bloating, or discomfort. Additionally, you’ll want to be sure you aren’t allergic to any ingredients found in the powder.
To be safe, I always suggest speaking with your doctor to avoid any potential medication interactions before use.
Top Benefit You Will Enjoy With Opti-Greens 50
Opti-Greens 50 is a well-rounded super greens powder that is affordable yet packed with superfood ingredients to support a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Get OG 50
Free Shipping
Athletic Greens Overview
Athletic Greens is a well-known all-in-one super greens powder that boasts 75 ingredients including, probiotics, digestive enzymes, and brain-boosting adaptogens. Their greens powder is optimized for athletes but easily fits any lifestyle. They made our list of the top greens powders for weight loss because of the results they provide their loyal customer base.
Athletic Greens claims to:
- Support digestion
- Support Immunity
- Reduce stress
- Boost energy
- Detoxify the body
- Help recovery
Athletic Greens is NSF Sport Certified, meaning that it has been third-party tested and is recognized as best suited for athletes and free of contaminants and banned substances. They have also been named the Official Daily Supplement of the USA cycling team.
Athletic Greens has very good customer reviews and is recommended by many professional athletes. I found a small number of negative reviews where the customer complained that the product was too expensive or didn’t work. Thankfully, the company offers a generous 60-day money-back guarantee if you’re unsatisfied with your product.
Like Opti-Greens 50, Athletic Greens is made up of proprietary blends, so you don’t know exactly what you are getting.
Their formula is vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and dairy-free. The product itself is not organic but is made up of several organic ingredients.
Each serving of Athletic Greens is 50 calories, 2 grams of protein, 6 grams of carbohydrates, and 2 grams of dietary fiber. Here are some of the beneficial complexes you’ll get in Athletic Greens.
Important Ingredients
Alkaline, Nutrient-Dense Raw Superfood Complex
In this complex, you’ll find green vegetables like wheatgrass, alfalfa, spinach in addition to fruits like apple papaya, and pineapple. It also includes superfoods like cocoa powder and green tea.
Together, these ingredients provide the antioxidant equivalent of 12 servings of fruit and vegetables in each scoop.
Nutrient-Dense Extracts, Herbs, and Antioxidants
This blend contains plant extracts, adaptogenic herbs, and antioxidants. Some of the ingredients include Rhodiola, beta-glucans, and ashwagandha. Adaptogens are known for their ability to help the body adapt to stress.
Digestive Enzyme and Super Mushroom Complex
This complex includes ingredients like bromelain to support healthy digestion and promote overall nutrient absorption. It also has the popular medicinal mushrooms — reishi and shiitake— which can promote a healthy immune system.
Dairy-Free Probiotics
Athletic Greens contains Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum to support a healthy immune and digestive system.
Added Vitamin and Minerals
In addition to the whole food-sourced vitamins and minerals found in the blends, there are also around 21 added vitamins and minerals to their formula. Most nutrient doses are higher than 100% of the daily value, making Athletic Greens comparable to a daily multivitamin.
Safety and Side Effects
Like other super greens powders, there are risks of minimal side effects such as diarrhea, gas, nausea, or bloating. Since the product contains 75 ingredients, be sure to check the Nutrition Facts label if you have any food allergies.
It’s always best to check with your doctor before taking any new supplement, even if it is natural.
Top Benefit You Will Enjoy With Athletic Greens
Athletic Greens is packed with a wide variety of nutrients that your multivitamin may not provide. Since it contains adaptogens like ashwagandha, it may also improve stress levels.
Get AG1
Major Difference and Which Is Better: Opti-Greens 50 or Athletic Greens?
Although the product uses proprietary blends, Opti-Greens 50 is slightly more transparent with its nutrient content. The Nutrition Facts label lists the amounts of each vitamin you are getting. This is helpful if you are considering replacing your multivitamin with a super greens powder.
The flavor may also be a deal-breaker for some. Opti-Greens 50 is (slightly) better tasting. In fact, many of the positive user reviews suggest that it may be one of the better tasting greens powders on the market. I personally like the grassy flavor because it gives me confidence that I’m taking something that will benefit me.
Athletic Greens includes more ingredients, but we really don’t know how much we are getting to tell if it’s enough to provide health benefits.
Opti-Greens 50 is better for people looking to consume high-quality ingredients made in the USA, packing 50 vitamins, minerals and whole food ingredients in one serving. Whereas Athletic Greens is best for those who may want a little extra vitamins, minerals and whole food ingredients as they offer 75 per 1 scoop.
Both Athletic Greens and Opti-Greens 50 have outstanding customer reviews (see image below), make their greens powder with high-quality ingredients and the taste is pretty darn good. It's hard to really "love" any greens powder taste, but we all down it for the health benefits - good taste is an added bonus, and you can't go wrong with either Opti-Greens 50 or Athletic Greens.
Opti-Greens 50 is better for those who want high-quality American-made greens powder that provides 50 vitamins, minerals and whole food sourced ingredients packed in 1 serving. Athletic Greens is best for those who want more vitamins, minerals and whole food sourced ingredients, as they offer 75 per serving.
If you are a serious athlete who needs a guarantee that they are getting all of their vitamins and minerals or cannot stand the taste of a neutral, grassy powder, I recommend Athletic Greens.
However, if you are simply looking for an affordable option to fill in nutrient gaps while enjoying the benefits of superfoods and don’t mind more of an earthy taste, I’d recommend Opti-Greens.
Bottom Line: Which Super Greens Powder Is Right For You?
Ultimately, it depends on the amount of money you want to spend and your taste preference.
Both Opti-Greens and Athletic Greens are honestly great choices. They both have overall pretty similar compositions and can benefit your overall health.
You really can’t go wrong with either super greens powder. Just be sure to include fiber-rich fruits and vegetables in your diet for maximum health benefits.
